Shakespeare is one of the greatest English poets that ever lived. “To be or not to be, that’s the question“, this is one of my favourite Shakespeare quotes like ever. Imagine my surprise and delight when we were given an opportunity to learn about Shakespeare and his works. I have visited London many times but not once have I heard or seen Shakespeare’s Globe right on Bank-side.
Born in 1564 in Stratford-Upon-Avon, he was educated at a local grammar school where he gained talent and skills of writing plays. Though no one claims to know when Shakespeare actually arrived in London he certainly left a legacy of a lifetime. Back in his time, theatres were thought to be immoral by churchmen and wasn’t until Elizabeth I’s time that it was acceptable. Acceptability was more for rich people showing off their worth than enjoying the plays. Shakespeare collaborated with many writers and as an actor himself relayed stories that resonated with people.
An afternoon with Shakespeare
The invitation to visit and tour the Globe could not have come at a better time in more ways than one. London of late has been experiencing some truly incredible weather, of course with old showers here and there. But mostly an amazing summer and many of us have been making use of this weather to explore our cities.
The original Shakespeare’s Globe was built around 1576 and later William Shakespeare joined the production. After many disputes and ownership changes the theatre run successfully for about 14 years. In 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII a canon was lit to signify a king’s entrance which set the theatre ablaze. It was quickly rebuilt to what would be the second Shakespeare’s Globe but was later demolished during England’s Puritan administration.
Wanamaker and Shakespeare
Many years had since passed when an American actor came to visit London and wanted to visit Shakespeare’s monument. He wanted to see how the great actor and poet was celebrated in England, only to find a small plak in a now car park. The plak read ‘Here stood the Globe theatre first home to many celebrated plays of William Shakespeare’. Disheartened by this Wanamaker embarked on what would be the restoration of today’s Shakespeare’s Globe. Whilst no one knows what the first Globe looked like, many works have gone in to maintain some originality. The building is based on old evidence obtained from previous constructions during the period of the first Globe.
The Globe today
Today the Globe is home to all Shakespeare’s plays, remnants of the outfits worn to reenact the plays. Getting to London South Bank is easy as pie and even easier to locate the Globe. The Globe has two parts, the front where the gift shop and modern amenities are located and the back. It is the back you need for the tour and exhibition of the Globe. The tours are offered throughout the day but suggestion you check the website before hand as it can get full quickly. They offer tours in many different languages as well as offer headphones for other languages. There is security prior to the viewing the exhibition and the tour beginning so don’t carry too much.
Exhibition and Tours {Book with 365 Tickets}
Everyone is allocated into applicable groups, per your language but normally no more than 15-20 people. Each group is given a truly knowledgeable guide who takes you around the Globe and shares the history. You get to see the costumes used in the plays throughout the life of the Globe. And you also get to enter the theatre and even catch actors practicing for upcoming plays.
There is a restaurant just outside the doors of the theatre and coffee shop near the gift shop. The views from the South Bank are impeccable and definitely a must visit theatre in London. We learned so much about the Globe, London and Shakespeare during our tour. The staff where friendly, there are many souvenirs to buy and remember your visit to Shakespeare’s legacy.
Disclosure: Thank you 365 Tickets for this opportunity to visit, explore and tour Shakespeare’s Globe. All opinions shared are 100% my own.
Joanna says
I have actually been to see a play at the Shakespeare’s Glove last year. It was really good, especially that they got the audience involved as well.
With Love, Lottie says
I would absolutely love to go here one day! I remember learning about it in English at school
Dani / floraldanielle says
This sounds like such a fun day out – I would love to go myself one day 🙂
Dani x
Baby Isabella says
We would love to tour the Globe and loved watching Shakespeare in Love. I bet it was a really interesting day!
Rhian Westbury says
I’ve wanted to visit the Globe for ages, it looks like such an interesting day out x
Lilinha Espindula says
I’ve never visited the Globe before but it looks like a great place! 🙂
Gareth Torrance says
I have wanted to visit the Globe since I was a child and fell in love with Hamlet and Macbeth (still two of my favourite stories ever)… But I never got the opportunity. So jealous right now!
Jennifer Eastwell says
Oh wow! I never thought about visiting here before. It looks so interesting! It’s not too far away from me either
Samantha Bye says
This place has been on my to do list for such a long time. Othello is my favourite Shakespeare play, so I really need to go when it’s on!
Mellissa Williams says
The Globe is somewhere I would love to visit – it is such an iconic piece of British history. Sounds like you had a fab time
Sarah Bailey says
I would absolutely love to visit The Globe one day and it sounds like you had an amazing time exploring the history.
Elyse Silver says
Really love the style of the amphitheater! I’ve never been here before, looks like a good time! x
Lily Mae says
I remember learning about The Globe in school! This must have been such an interesting and exciting experience for you! So glad you enjoyed your day trip to the past 😀
The London Mum says
What an amazing experience, I’ve yet to visit the globe but its been on my to do list for about a decade!