Experience Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre By: Mindy M. Wara October 5, Brief Globe History The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in London England and is widely known as William Shakespeare’s paper. In 1614 the theatre was destroyed by a fire. The Globe was rebuilt in 1997 by Sam Wanamaker and is open today for theatre goers’ enjoyment and amazement. Shakespeare’s Globe is located bankside at 21 New Globe Walk London SE1 9DT To contact Shakespeare’s Globe either call Or visit their website at

Description of the Elizabethan Theatre The Globe Theatre is round, like an arena. The shape of the theatre was taken from the bear baiting arenas that were popular in Elizabethan England. Notice the stage that jutes out. The actors would have used the entire space to perform in. This is different from most of today’s forward thrust theatres because the actors are not concerned about turning away from the audience because the audience was all around them. The orchestra was above the action on stage which also acted as an acting space. This balcony would have been effectively used in a production of There also would have been traps built into the stage for entrances, such as Hamlet’s father’s ghost in Hamlet. Theatre Seating The audience of Shakespearean performances would have paid for their seats according to where they could afford to sit, much like modern theatre goers. However, today seats closer to the stage are more expensive, in the 1600’s the “pit” or the “yard” was the closest cheapest place for viewing the play. For a penny one could have a spot in the yard and stand throughout the entire performance with up to 500 other theatre goers. The higher the price of the admittance, the further from the stage one would sit. Today we are accustom to stadium seating, an Elizabethan audience would have sat in one of three different levels along the walls of the theatre. For added comfort, the patrons could purchase a cushion. Today’s theatre goers who are interested in having an authentic Elizabethan theatre experience can also stand in the yard or sit in the domed seating area. However, the modern prices far exceed a penny. Shakespeare’s Globe The 1997 reconstruction of the Globe Theatre – called Shakespeare’s Globe today – overlooks the Thames River close to the bankside location of the original Globe Theatre. It is the only building in London aloud a thatched roof since the Great Fire of If you are interested in attending a once in a lifetime performance at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre tickets are available at the box office or online. There are performances and tours available as well as educational theatre workshops, courses, and research opportunities available.