After closing in March this year, the Globe Theatre opens its oak doors once more for guided tours from 21 August.
As well as hearing about Shakespeare, the history of London and the renowned theatre itself, visitors will also have a once in a lifetime chance to stand on one of the most famous stages in the world. Alongside costumes worn by some of the most celebrated actors to have acted at the Globe, there will also be a photography exhibition in the space from theatre photographer Marc Brenner of previously unseen backstage images taken at the Globe during lockdown. An award-winning experience for the young and the young at heart, the tour normally welcomes over 350,000 visitors a year. The Globe’s online shop has now reopened.
Neil Constable, Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s Globe, said: “As an independent charity that currently receives no government subsidy, our hope is that any income raised from this festival will help support the Globe, artists and practitioners, as we all continue to look for new ways to share our work. After being closed for five months, reopening for our wonderful guided tours, giving access to the stage to our visitors for the first time, and the opening of our online shop and the Swan Bar & Restaurant are all ways in which we hope to welcome more and more people back through our doors to safely enjoy culture and experience in our iconic theatre before we are in a position to start performances again.”
Tours will be running 7 days a week with 6 tours a day until 20 September. Tickets must be pre-booked online for time slots to allow for social distancing. The tours happen outside, and precautions due to Covid-19 include hand sanitising stations, deep cleaning of toilets, face shields for the Globe Guides, and further systems to ensure social distancing. The open-air theatre is following all recommended safety measures amending normal operation of the tours to fit with all Covid-19 restrictions.
The Globe’s online shop has now reopened with fantastic gifts, books, and DVDs. Anyone who joins the Globe as a Member will receive a 20% discount in the online shop as a thank you for their support. You can also pop along to The Swan Bar & Restaurant which are now open for business and taking part in the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
To find out more about the guided tour or to book your tickets, click the button below!