Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse on the south bank of the Thames at Bankside. Its circular timber frame, open-air stage and thatched roof give you a sense of the theatre for which Shakespeare wrote, while live performances put the space to use. The original Globe was built in 1599, destroyed by fire in 1613 and later rebuilt; today’s theatre opened in 1997. Take a guided tour to learn about the building and its history, or book a performance for a close view of the action from the standing area.
The original Globe and its reconstruction
The first Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. Shakespeare wrote plays for the company, and the Globe became one of the venues where they were performed. Fire destroyed the theatre in 1613. It was rebuilt the following year, then demolished in 1644.
The building on Bankside today is a modern reconstruction, not the original playhouse. Actor and director Sam Wanamaker led the effort to bring it back near its former site. It opened in 1997, based on evidence of the earlier buildings. The theatre’s circular form and timber frame recall Elizabethan playhouses, while its uncovered central area and thatched roof set it apart from indoor venues.
Inside the open-air theatre
The Globe is arranged around a central stage, with spectators in the surrounding galleries and a standing area close to the action. Standing tickets offer a particularly near view of the performers. From there, you are part of the same shared space as the actors, rather than watching from a distant seat.
The open roof means weather is part of the experience. Performances continue in the open air, so bring clothing suited to the conditions. The theatre’s staging also keeps actors and audience in view of one another throughout a show. Productions include Shakespeare as well as other work, with plays and performances taking place in the main Globe and in a second theatre on the site, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
Tours, exhibitions and family activities
A guided tour gives you a closer look at the theatre and its history. Tours run throughout the year, and the site also has an exhibition about Shakespeare, Bankside and theatre in the 17th century. The tour and exhibition are useful options if there is no performance that fits your plans, or if you want context before seeing a play.
Families can look out for workshops aimed at younger visitors. School holidays bring additional activities, including demonstrations of stage sword fighting. Watching a short summary of a play before attending can also help younger readers follow its language and story. Check the programme when planning: the Globe’s performances and activities vary.
Perguntas frequentes
Is Shakespeare’s Globe the original theatre?
No. The present building is a reconstruction that opened in 1997, near the site of the original Globe. The first theatre was built in 1599 and destroyed by fire in 1613.
Can you take a tour without seeing a play?
Yes. Guided tours run throughout the year, and the site has an exhibition about Shakespeare, Bankside and 17th-century theatre.
Is Shakespeare’s Globe open-air?
The main Globe is an open-air theatre, so dress for the weather when attending a performance.
Are there activities for children?
The programme includes workshops for younger audiences. School holidays may also bring family activities, including sword-fighting demonstrations.
