Shakespeare's Globe
About Shakespeare's Globe
A faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse where Shakespeare's company performed, staging his plays the way Elizabethan audiences saw them, with standing tickets in the yard.
History
The original Globe was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and burned down in 1613 when a cannon fired during Henry VIII set the thatch alight. It was rebuilt, then closed by the Puritans in 1642 and demolished soon after.
American actor and director Sam Wanamaker campaigned for decades to rebuild it near the original site. The new Globe, built with traditional materials and the first thatched roof allowed in London since the Great Fire, opened in 1997.
What to Expect
Expect a lively, informal atmosphere. Groundlings stand in the open yard close to the actors, while seated tickets are on wooden benches in the galleries — hire a cushion. Plays go ahead in light rain, so bring a waterproof rather than an umbrella. In winter, see candlelit performances in the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Known For
Highlights
- Groundling standing yard
- Guided theatre tours
- Indoor candlelit playhouse
- Riverside setting
- Summer season
- Exhibition on Elizabethan theatre
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much are tickets at Shakespeare's Globe?
- Standing tickets in the yard start from around £5, while seated gallery tickets cost more. Book early for popular summer performances.
- What happens if it rains at the Globe?
- Performances continue in most weather. The yard is open to the sky, so standing audiences should bring a waterproof jacket; umbrellas are not allowed.
- What is the nearest station to Shakespeare's Globe?
- London Bridge, Southwark, Mansion House and Blackfriars stations are all within about a 10–15-minute walk.
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