Situated on the bank of the River Thames alongside Bankside’s Cultural Quarter, Shakespeare’s Globe is the place to be for productions of the Bard’s work, welcoming thousands of visitors to experience internationally renowned Shakespeare productions every day.
The original Globe Theatre opened in 1599. A short walk from the National Theatre, a reconstruction of Shakespeare’s theatre now stands just a stone’s throw away from where the original once stood.
Shakespeare’s Globe also contains the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a magical candlelit indoor theatre located on the Globe site and accessed through the main foyer.
Steeped in historic legacy, Shakespeare’s Globe perhaps looks much older than it is, but is in actual fact one of the newest of the theatres in the area; it was reconstructed in the 90s, founded by pioneering American actor/director Sam Wanamaker. In 1613, during a performance of Henry VIII, wadding from a stage cannon ignited the thatched roof and the original Globe was burnt to the ground. 400 years later, live cannons may no no longer used in theatres, but Shakespeare’s canon is being performed here in original performance conditions.
Its work is not just limited to staging his plays, but also acts as an international resource in the exploration of his work, offering numerous education programmes, seeking to further the experience and international understanding of Shakespeare.
Attendees can dine at the Swan, The Globe’s very own elegant restaurant, before enjoying Much Ado About Nothing or one of many other brilliantly produced shows. The Swan boasts great food and incredible views of the Thames and The City.