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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

4.5 star rating
28 reviews Rating Details

Category: Performing Arts  [Edit]

21 New Globe Walk
London

London SE1 9DT
Neighbourhood: Southwark
020 7401 9919
Kings and Rogues season now open

Macbeth, Henry VIII, Henry IV part 1,Henry IV part 2, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Merry Wives of Windsor, Anne Boleyn (new) , Bedlam (new)

 
Nearest Transit:

Mansion House (Circle, District)

Hours:

Mon-Sun 10:00 - 17:00

Good for Children:
Yes

28 reviews for Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

22

174

Craig M.

London SW4

5 star rating
14/7/2010

Well it's brilliant isn't it? Unique, inspiring, entertaining and something, as a Londoner, to be very proud of. We've straight up got a full blown operational and accurate replica of the original Globe Theatre that was used for the original Shakespeare productions - in our city. If you're not impressed I'm going to slap you with a copy of his Entire Works.

I most recently saw Macbeth here and I was blown away. The show was incredible. The show flew by. I had great seats and didn't mind paying £35 each for them one bit.

If you're a tourist to London then this is a must. Book ahead to avoid disappointment and get involved with it in every way. Yes, rent one of those cushions for your bum, Yes, go and get some cider and nuts in the interval, Yes, buy the program, Yes, cheer and laugh and gasp when you're encouraged to. If you're really keen (I'd recommend this for a return visit) then stand with the groundlings and see some Shakespear how it was intended. Most of all, go home and boast about it. I do.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

85

202

Joanna R.

London

5 star rating
7/7/2010

My darling fiancé brought me here on a surprise date last weekend and we had such a brilliant evening. I was thrilled that he'd picked A Midsummer Nights Dream, but a little wary when I learnt we had standing tickets... I have a funny back (not funny ha ha...) so was a tad worried I'd be in agony by the end but honestly you'll have such a great time you'll completely forget that you've been standing for 2 1/2 hours! I actually recommend the standing tickets as you feel so much more involved and part of the action. And as cheesy as this sounds, I felt like I'd stepped back in time and was watching one of his plays being performed for the first time. Cheesy but true! The actors were all fantastic and really played to the audience. And best of all, they seemed to genuinely love what they were doing.
That said, I can imagine the experience would have been quite different had we seen a more dramatic or tragic play, but for a comedy I highly recommend getting into the action and getting the standing tickets.
So much fun! Highly recommended.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

21

48

Matt B.

London SW17

5 star rating
5/7/2010

As backed up by the numerous reviews this place is a magnet for American tourists but that shouldn't put off the London natives.

As someone who thought Shakespeare's comedies lacked humour I was pleasantly surprised by the recent production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The tickets are reasonably priced, I went for a middle tier seat (more of a bench) priced at £22 plus £1 for a cushion which is worth its weight in gold after 3 hours. Those willing to stand for the duration can get in for £5 which for London is a real bargain.

The minimalist stage set up works well and brings Shakespeare to live in a way reading it at school didn't. The surrounding South Bank is full of bars and restaurants making the Globe a great day or night out.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

13

49

Katie P.

Elko, NV

USA

4 star rating
8/8/2010

On our last night in London we decided it would be fitting to see a play at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. How can you not see this amazing replica of the real thing that went down in flaming glory in the 1600's? It was interesting to see the Globe amidst all the modern buildings as we walked the foot bridge. It looked a little out of place, but spectacular. I booked our tickets online and they were super cheap, like 5 quid I think. I guess I didn't look close enough at why they were so cheap, we had to stand! We had walked our booties off all day and were really tired, but seeing a play at this magnificent theatre is worth a few more hours of pain. The great benefit of being in the pit is that you are so close to the stage you can see the actors perspire. We saw Henry VIII and it was amazing! This was truly a memorable experience! If you are in London, seeing a play here is a must do.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

99

49

Yiting S.

London SW1

4 star rating
18/6/2010

The neo-Shakespearean 'curtain call' dances are often my favorites at Globe. While the Kings and Rogues 2010 season is tense, the open aired playhouse welcomes its guests with the timeless 'wooden O'. We dont' just watch, we imagine...

From purity to wild ecastacy, and from the rekindling of old love to an evergreen, my young heart exploded in a midnight performance. We murmured love songs showing tenderness, yet another moment engaged sword-fighting with the Capulets & the Montagues.

Standing under the O is a pleasure as sky is closer and mind is more open. I enjoyed the bare foot hours, going back to 1599...
While inside the building adjacent to the theatre, you've the wonderful public events, i.e. Read Not Dead, Talking Theatre. We infuse history with new perspectives.

Thanks to Christine C. for the initial introduction.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

22

39

Linda N.

San Jose, CA

USA

5 star rating
1/4/2010

If you're a fan of Shakespeare, make your way here sometime. It's great. They really have a traditional feel, they try to make everything as it was in Shakespeare's time, at the real Globe(which is in a different location)

I went during a summer abroad for a Shakespeare course. We went probably 4 or 5 times, I loved it.

Be a groundling(stand on the ground around the stage during the plays)!

HARRY POTTER FANS! You walk across the Millennium Bridge to get here.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

65

47

Rob O.

London W1

5 star rating
12/3/2010

Shakesfear is a terrible thing thing. Thankfully I don't suffer from this terrible ailment and can highly recommend the Globe as THE venue to watch a Shakespearean production.

Last night I had the pleasure of watching the final night of previews of Macbeth. I was stood with the groundlings, pretty much the only place to stand if you want that authentic Globe experience (Sit down? You must be mad!) The performance itself was excellent  and the actor, James Garnon, was mezmerising and my accomplice for the evening was in agreement that he really owned the stage. Equal praise must go to Lady Macbeth, a pivotal role in the corruption of the title character.

Thankfully I have both studied and performed in Macbeth so my enjoyment was only enhanced as the great cast delivered some really sharp lines. A particularly unique moment was when Macduff's family are slaughtered. I won't ruin it for you as they will be back in April and Isuggest you get down and check it out.

It is cold, so make sure you take some warm clothes. The whole Globe experience is a must. Will S would be proud of the quality of the productions spilling out on the South Bank.

It really is as good as it gets.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

36

238

Michael M.

Chicago, IL

USA

5 star rating
15/6/2010

Visiting the Globe and taking the tour was definitely a highlight of my trip to London. I wish we had the time to take in a show, but alas, it was not in the cards. The tour and museum were very informative though and I couldn't have asked for more. The funniest thing is that they sold manga versions of Shakespeare's plays in the gift. I had to grab one of those. All in all, an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone travelling to London.

Listed in: A Chicago Nerd in London,…

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

44

69

Bijoux F.

Santa Barbara, CA

USA

3 star rating
20/4/2010 3 photos

If you have kids or love Shakespeare then this is the place for you.

I happen to be there on the free day for Shakespeares birthday with Dza D, pretty awesome stuff!

Great interactive things for kids to do and the globe itself is like something out of 'Shakespeare in love'. Its huge and has a great energy about it.
We walked into the Globe to find that there was a whole skit happening on stage with kids and adults. The people that donate their time and love of theater are equally impressive. High energy and talent for acting and playing with kids.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

51

244

Catherine H.

Yorba Linda, CA

USA

4 star rating
20/5/2010

what a kooky, wonderful place.

i've seen othello and macbeth here.

i love the instrumentalists.

i love the 'curtain call' dance.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

617

136

David I.

Lanesville, IN

USA

5 star rating
31/8/2009

I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this or not, but I was pleasantly surprised.  It is a reconstruction of the original theater, not the original.  Everything about the theater has been reconstructed, the only modern convenience are the lights.  Being a circular forum, there are only a few "bad" seats, those that are sort of behind the stage on the balcony level.  We were on the ground level, facing the stage and considered the seats great.  If you are on the ground level  don't worry about sitting farther back, this isn't a football stadium, it's small and cozy.

There are a few shops alongside the ticket booth, a coffee shop and a gift shop.  They rent pads for your arse, GET ONE!  Everyone is very nice but your rear will get mad at you after about 30 minutes.  There was an intermission, so that helped let everyone get up and stretch.

Go to a show here, it's a great time.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

78

96

Michelle L.

Arcadia, CA

USA

5 star rating
26/9/2009 2 photos

My friend and I happened upon the Globe Theatre after wanting to see the Millennium Bridge since it was featured in Harry Potter. Yes I know that's lame, but hey we were tourists & who doesn't like prepubescent wizards?

We got to the theatre a few minutes before 6PM and noticed that people were really piling in. I asked one of the attendand and she told me a performance was about to being and that I could still go to the box office and get tickets. Score! After spending £20 for two standing tickets we were on our way to see Troilus & Cressida.

I haven't seen a live Shakespeare play since I was in high school and my teacher made us perform like we were puppets for his personal entertainment, so I didn't know what to expect. But I shouldn't have worried because everything from the building to the performance was amazing!

Don't let standing room fool you into buying the more expensive seats. If you have the money and the seats are in an area with a good view, then do it. Otherwise, standing get you a great view and the cast walks by when entering and exiting for some scenes.

There is an intermission so people flood out to get beverages and smoke. For people in the standing area, it means you creep over to the edge so you have a piece of wall to lean on for the rest of the performance. My friend & I weren't so lucky to get a piece of the wall as he wanted to smoke, and I wanted a Pimms.

The of Troilus & Cressida was amazing. Their voices were loud and clear and they were really into the character. I hope the Theatre has performances in December because I would love to go back and see another play. You can't take pictures of the performers, but before the show starts and during the intermission, you can take all the pictures you want.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

100

403

Kelly P.

London

5 star rating
5/10/2009

The best 5 GBP I've spent in London...

So, we had to stand for the show...but the actors were amazing and  scenery was so cool I forgot I was standing and my legs endured the entire 4 hours with no complaints or sudden collapses.

We walked in and got same day tickets for Trolious and Cressida - one of Shakespeare's lesser known plays, although it was nice in a way to see something completely new and not have an entirely predictable experience. I only wish they could put a tarp over the top so the performances could be year-round! (Last show of the season is October 10th, so hurry.)

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

31

218

martha w.

Washington, DC

USA

4 star rating
16/5/2010

It is places like this that make me proud to be an American. It took an American actor to envision and recreate Shakepeare's Globe Theatre exactly as Londoners would have experienced it in the 16th century (well, except for the sprinkler system on the thatched roof). And I am proud of that, darn it. What a wonderful legacy for Sam Wanamaker, who started campaigning to build the New Globe in 1969. Nearly 30 years later it was finished and has been a living theatre ever since. If you saw "Shakespeare in Love" you will know what the theatre looks like beyond the gates. It is an open air theatre and there is a "pit" where people stand and wooden benches for the others in the audience. The actors often simulate sword fights for visitors during off-hours. A modest museum and bookshop round out the experience but, honestly, it is the guts of the Globe that make it an  impressive experience. Make it a full day out and go to the Tate Modern just a short distance away; then walk across the Thames, back towards city centre, on the Millennium Bridge. You will not forget it. Promise.

Listed in: Only six hours from Dulles..., "No Sir, when a man is tired…

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

56

313

Thomas A.

London EC1

4 star rating
15/10/2009

5 Pounds? That's cheaper than half a ticket at a west-end cinema and you get a live show!  

I've been to two shows here and they were fun stops, you really get a great view of London from South of the river and it's a great walk at night.  The Swan restaurant attached to it was decent, a taaad pricey, but I guess you're paying for location.  Do check the running time of your show and make sure you're up for it.  The 2nd show I saw here with a fellow Yelper was nearly 3 hours, which when you're on your feet, can get to be a bit much..  but still a nice way to spend an evening!  Even if you don't have tickets, stop in and see if they have any available, chances are you can get some for standing room.  

They're out of season now, so you'll have to wait till the spring to catch a show here.

Listed in: Feeling Touristy?

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

14

37

Katie C.

London SE21

5 star rating
10/7/2009

A great way to spend the afternoon! I saw As You Like It from the ground level, which was much more tolerable than anticipated. The intermission helps, along with the uber-trendy paper hats to keep the sun out of your eyes. I must also mention that the ice cream trucks strategically parked across the venue were a life saver! Cheaper concessions and colder water, but no Pimms, sorry kids.

This was my first time seeing Shakespeare performed. The actors were superb, they really brought each character to life in a way that I couldn't have imagined just from reading the plays. The only thing to remind me I am a resident of the 21st century was the occasional buzzing of a plane from London's many airports overhead.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

7

146

randy m.

Haymarket, VA

USA

5 star rating
10/7/2009

Wonderful place.  We caught a midday showing of As You Like It.  We got great seats in the front row of the first tier, center stage; yet we were somehow envious of the people standing on the ground level.  Must be a completely different experience watching from the ground.  
We rented seat cushions for a pound a piece.  It was a really sunny day, and very hot, we were given paper hat/visors about half way to intermission.  At the break we got Pimms... my first experience with the drink.  Refreshingly odd I must say.
The performance was great, the performers very likeable.  In the end they break into a dance number that I was not expecting.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

108

87

Chris O.

London

5 star rating
8/6/2009

'Is it even so? then I defy you, stars!' - Romeo

Whoa, whoa, whoa chill Romeo. Your whiny adolescence is unbecoming - I mean, I gave you 5 stars! Well, your creator at least. Well, actually, your creator's theatre.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is phenomenal. There is simply no better professional entertainment for £5.00 anywhere. Anybody who tells you different is lying. The theatre itself is a wonderful venue that allows for life's modern joys (read: alcohol in plastic bottles) even as it retains a link to the past.

Not surprisingly, the productions put on at The Globe are top notch. Tourists...locals...I cannot recommend it enough!

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

4

177

Matthew D.

London N7

5 star rating
7/12/2008

This place is a must for any visitor to London and those who love good theatre done in great surroundings.  Built on the original Globe's site and in the manner they believe it to look, it is a superb building worth taking a look around even when the theatre season is closed.

From May onwards, get yourself down there, pay as little as £5 for standing seats and watch some of Shakespeare's plays performed in as similar a manner as it would have been done back in his day.  I've seen several great performances here, including the wonderful midsummer night midnight performances which are wonderful

One of the must see venues of London

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

45

154

Ariz G.

Long Beach, CA

USA

4 star rating
8/8/2009 3 Check-ins Here

as a groundling.  under the rain.  what an experience!

sometimes... you even get free stuff.    when they throw props!  you'll be the first to catch it.

some of my friends got roses!  FREE SOUVENIR!  woohooo!

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

9

188

Karen F.

London N1

5 star rating
25/11/2008

Revive your history classics and endulge in some Shakespearean attitude February 2009. Thats when the new season begins. The Globe theatre is an open air theatre and constructed in original traditional anglo-saxon construction style.

The open ground is for a standing audience who can pay noting more than £5.00!  Other seating prices start from £15.00 onwards. They have a fully equipped bar and snack restaurant. Also within the main premises is a little display of curios designed from the era itself.

Its an active place both for entertainment and academic research.

The grand finale at the end of every play is a traditional little dance performance put up by the actors. Definitely charming.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

6

280

Felix W.

Stepney, London

4 star rating
7/12/2008

It's funny that it took an American to get this place built.  Sam Wannamaker, the father of that woman off "My Family" came to London and couldn't fathom why there wasn't some kind of Globe theatre standing so, he got one built. I don't think it's quite in the exact location of yore, but it's close and they did try.

Don't be cheap and get the £5.00 groundling tickets, I guarantee you are not as poor, desperate and drunk as they were in the seventeenth century because you'd need to be in order to stand up for that long. The attendants really do enforce the rules, if you try and sit on a step, they're there to kick you off.

So, it's pretty nice to experience what it would have been like to see a Shakespearean play in his lifetime, and they really tried to build it like it would have been back then. And I do like a trier...

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

21

116

Julian A.

Berkeley, CA

USA

5 star rating
10/7/2009

Amazing.  I have seen a few productions here, most recently Romeo and Juliet.  Not a better show to see one week before my wedding.  We sat in the first row of seats closest to the standing section.  It's a great spot, even for some shorties like me and my new wife.  We had no problem seeing over the heads of the tall people standing in front.  Food and drink concessions are great too.  The theater is beautiful and every time I've been I leave reminded how amazing Shakespeare continues to thrill crowds.  One more thing. If you sit, and I do recommend that you pay a little extra to sit, get a cushion, it will save your bum and keep you focused during the show.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Elite '10

126

431

Tawny A.

Pearl City, HI

USA

5 star rating
4/5/2009

I love this place! I can't help but close my eyes and dream of wearing a big 17th century gown, trying to push my way through the crowds to see the stage!! (I realize that it would not have been as romantic as in my dreams considering the putrid smells of body odor and livestock.....but hey, a girl can dream)....I have been here a few times now and get swept away constantly. I forget that I am in a busy metropolis....especially when I see a show here! What a unique venue!

Listed in: My London Calling

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

7

127

Sylvia F.

New Bern, NC

USA

4 star rating
15/7/2009

THis was a good stop. We were able to see many exibits of original props from their performances.There was also hands on type exibits. We got in on the guided tour that took us out to the stage and seating area. This was about a 2 hour stop, Very informative.Learned a lot about the MAN shakespere was as well as his work. Yes, you need to go.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

0

23

Alex K.

Boston, MA

USA

5 star rating
21/7/2009

Ok i must say I was extremely shocked of how wonderful the performance was! My family has gone to see Romeo and Juliet three weeks before me and were extremely disappointed. So I went to see As You Like It, trying to figure out what it would be like. My family had sitting spaces and said they were really uncomfortable! You even need to pay for a cussion if you don't want to sit on pure wood, on the other hand I was standing, and too my surprise the actors were so brilliant that I didn't even notice 3 hours coming by! Don't get me wrong it's hard to stand for that long, but you feel part of the stage when you stand at the bottom.

The building itself, well I am sure all of have seen the models before and it looks exactly like it! Very good experience overall, recomend the show a lot!

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

13

139

millie m.

San Francisco, CA

USA

4 star rating
23/1/2009

there's not much that i can say that hasn't been said already by the other folks. but i can tell you that i love the history behind shakespeare 's work and him as a person, so for me it was a dream come true to visit the place where so many of his works came to life.

very reasonable admission, and a great selection of gifts + such located in the shop. lord, that reminds me, i really need to frame the poster i bought from there. ooops.

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

 

15

261

Derry N.

London E5

4 star rating
28/12/2008

This is the recreation of Shakespeare's original Globe, only a few hundred yards away from its original location and complete with an open-air amphitheatre. The regular performances usually come in batches - ie. one comedy plus one tragedy/history. A charming part of the actors' reportoire is their need to shout over the circling planes and city noise, and the almost-guaranteed crowd interaction with the people standing close to the stage. in fact, if you are doing this, expect to get at least one shower of abuse/beer/spittle hurled in your direction during your play. The tickets are cheap but in great demand so it's important to plan ahead and book. There are cancellation queues on the day but it's a risky business. I also wouldn't recommend the standing tickets for the older visitor. A must-visit for all tourists of London, indeed for all Londoners.

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