London Theatres: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre – One of London's Premier Theatres
One of the top theatres in the history of London is the Globe Theatre. Today the theatre that William Shakespeare made famous is still around in Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Located in Bankside, this theatre features all sorts of Shakespeare plays throughout the year and all sorts of other plays.
The Globe Theatre of today is a replica of the original Globe Theatre. The original Globe was built in 1599 as a means of a place for Shakespeare's plays and other works to be performed at. In 1613 the building burned down, and it would soon be rebuilt. However, in 1642 it was closed down along with other theatres in the city by the Puritans.
Today's Globe Theatre is not too far from the site of the original Theatre. Located at New Globe Walk in Bankside, the theatre is about 205 meters from the original site of the Globe. It was built in 1997 and features a thatched roof. This roof, which features a cover of vegetation, is the first thatched roof building to be in the London area since the 1666 Great Fire of London.
One of the most interesting aspects that makes this different from other theatres in London is that it has a thrust stage. This is similar to that of the layout of the original Globe. This makes for performances that can be held in the round and can be especially intimate for various theatre-goers.
Also, the seating at the Globe is the same as that of the original Globe. Three tiers of seats are featured here. Since the theatre is an outdoor one it is mostly open air with only the stage and seated areas being covered.
Shows at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre are held from April to October. During the offseason it is available for historical tours. All sorts of Shakespeare plays are held throughout the year, although other plays are featured here as well. For instance, in 2008 the Globe will feature productions of Che Walker's Front Line and Glyn Maxwell's Liberty.
Education events are held at the theatre as well. The Playing Shakespeare With Deutsche Bank is a program that features research projects and Shakespeare resources for students. This is also a great shop at the Theatre that features all sorts of Shakespeare souvenirs, including books and DVDs of Shakespeare plays.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is one of the most unique theatres in London. This theatre brings out the best in Shakespeare and is a theatre that is true to the original Globe from centuries ago. For more information on tickets and schedules for the theatre go to the theatre's website at shakespeares-globe.org or call 020 7401 9919.
