Globe theater shakespeare

The Globe Theatre, stage for Shakespeare's plays in London, faithfully rebuilt on Bankside, is an icon of Elizabethan theatre and British cultural heritage.

About this subject

The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting company in which William Shakespeare was a shareholder. Located in Bankside, London, it was a circular wooden structure with a thatched roof, capable of holding up to 3,000 spectators. The theatre was destroyed by a fire in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII, when a theatrical cannon shot set the roof ablaze. It was rebuilt in 1614 but closed by the Puritans in 1642 and later demolished.

The current Globe Theatre, known as Shakespeare's Globe, is a faithful reconstruction opened in 1997. It was conceived by actor and director Sam Wanamaker, who led efforts to recreate the theatre using period techniques and materials. It stands about 230 meters from the original site. The structure is the only one in London with a thatched roof permitted after the Great Fire of 1666, thanks to a special exemption.

The theatre serves as a center for Shakespearean study and performance, maintaining the tradition of open-air plays using natural light. The standing audience area, called the groundlings, offers cheaper tickets, just as in Elizabethan times. Every year, the site attracts thousands of visitors and provides educational tours on Shakespeare's life and works, along with a rich theatrical program.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the original Globe Theatre built?

The first Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, with Shakespeare as a shareholder.

How many seats does the current Globe Theatre have?

Shakespeare's Globe holds about 1,400 seated and up to 700 standing, totaling approximately 2,100 spectators.

Is the current Globe Theatre exactly like the original?

Yes, the 1997 reconstruction closely followed historical specifications, using oak wood and thatched roof, based on archaeological research and period documents.