Shakespeare’s Globe

Seeing a play at the Globe you will be enjoying not only the London of the present but also the London of the past. Being a member of the audience at a Shakespeare play is like being the witness of a piece of English history, language, literature and culture. Everything is the Globe, the costumes, special visual and sound effects, the music and the musical instruments are all reliable replicas of the 15th century originals.

The current theatre is close to its original Bankside, Southwark location, where the Globe was first erected in 1599. It was built of timber, lath and plaster and with a thatched roof which made all theatres and houses of the time vulnerable to fire. And that was what actually happened to the Globe - twice, in 1613 and 1621, when it was consumed by fire. It was co-owned by J. Burbage, one of the most important theatre entrepreneurs of the time, and a group of actors, Shakespeare being one of them. The Globe was officially closed in 1644. Reconstructed in 1997, the new building is as faithful a replica as it ispossible to be. It’s a beautiful characteristic example of Elizabethan playhouses and the best place to enjoy some of the masterpieces of the best Elizabethan playwrite, if not the best playwrite of all times.

The price of the tickets varies between five pounds for standing (the poorest citizens of London back in the 15th century paid one penny for standing right in front of the stage) to twenty-five pounds for the balconies – the wonderfully decorated private boxes being a bit more expensive.

Even if you are not considering seeing a play, the building is worth a visit, and there are daily guided tours which are not at all expensive.

Every summer, different plays by Shakespeare are performed. This summer season you can enjoy: “The Merry Wives of Windsor”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “King Lear”.

These last two plays are two good examples, which will give you a general appreciation of Shakespeare’s work. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a witty mixture of romance, fairy magic and comic scenes from the gutter, while “King Lear” is a touching tragedy which deals with family betrayal and the downfall of a hero. “King Lear” is regarded as one of Shakespeare’s supreme achievements and is particularly noted for its probing observation on the nature of human suffering and kinship. The actor playing King Lear’s role has been repeatedly praised by critics for his strength and conviction, but the truth is that every single actor and actress in the play, from the leading to the supporting ones, do a spectacular job.

Even before the play has started, the member of the audience is transported to another age, the age of Shakespeare, with jesters and little musicians mixing with the audience in the yard, playing and welcoming the audience to a unique experience of history, art and literature. From the first minute to the last, watching a Shakespeare’s play in the Globe is breathtaking.

Without a shadow of doubt, the Globe is a must-see in London and any self-respecting visitor owes it a visit.

Fatima

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