Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, London
"Globe Theatre Buehne" by Tohma - Own work. Licensed under GFDL via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Globe_Theatre_Buehne.jpg#/media/File:Globe_Theatre_Buehne.jpg
Just on the edge of London you will find this working recreation of the Globe Theatre, where Shakepeare’s plays were originally produced.
Located on the bank of the River Thames in Bankside’s Cultural Quarter, Shakespeare’s Globe is a thriving part of the London theatre scene.
Visitors are always welcome in the Exhibition space, and are invited to tour the theatre during daytime hours as long as there aren’t performances taking place.
Plan to spend about an hour exploring the Exhibition, which dives into the history of London during Shakespeare’s days, the history of the theatre, and the life of the Bard himself. Tour guides will then take you through the Globe Theatre, sharing the history of the original Globe, built in 1599, and describing the process of creating this reconstruction, which took place in the 1990s. Be aware that the Globe is an open-air theatre, so come prepared for the weather, much as Shakespeare’s audiences would! Exhibitions of Elizabethan clothing and even demonstrations of stage fighting take place throughout the day, so check in with the information desk to find out current offerings.
The theatre offers a guide specifically for families visiting with younger children. Grab a copy as you arrive, or you visit their website to download the Family Trail in advance. Their website also has a host of activities for children of all ages on their virtual Playground.
The highlight of your visit will likely be catching a performance at the Globe–check out their schedule in advance, purchase tickets, and then experience the theatre as it would have been back in Elizabethan days.
To experience the theatre from afar, visit their website and take a virtual tour.
Continue your study of Shakespeare by traveling beyond London to the charming west Midlands town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Here you can visit the thatch-roofed house where Shakespeare was born, and pay your respects at the church where he is buried.
