This week I went to the Globe theatre in London. It is a replica of the original theatre built in 1599 by Shakespeare's theatre company and it is the only building in central London permitted to have a thatched roof. It is an open air theatre with the audience either standing in front of the stage or seated in the galleries.
You sit on wooden benches in the galleries and I would advise hiring a cushion for £1 and also choosing a back row seat so you have something to support your back. Prices vary from £15 to £42 but you can get a ticket for the yard for £5 which is terrific value. The disadvantage is that you have to stand up for the whole performance as no sitting down in that area is allowed.
I went to see 'Comedy of Errors' which is a bit of a farce but enjoyable. The acting was excellent making the Shakespearean language easier to follow plus I had a seat and cushion on the back row of the lower gallery!
The majority of the plays are by Shakespeare but other works are also performed. This theatre is only open during the Summer months as it is in the open but there is now an indoor theatre here -Sam Wanamaker Playhouse still in keeping with the period, being lit by candlelit, and I look forward to the experience in the not so distant future.
Sam Wanamaker being the father of Zoe Wanamaker, the terrific English actor.
ReplyDeleteThat is special to have seen a performance there. You have to cope with the circumstances of the past to stand or sit on a wooden seat indeed. But it is Shakespeare isn't it?
ReplyDeleteCatrina and I have tickets for Julius Caesar. We did know to reserve a seat cushion but I wish we had known about the back row trick. I taught this play to high schoolers for years and have never seen a live performance of that particular play, so I'm excited!
ReplyDeleteI was there last year fantastic place. Worth visiting. The roof is fantastic.
ReplyDeleteOriginality architectuur.
ReplyDeleteBest regard from Belgium.
* http://retriever-louisettesblogs.blogspot.com/2014/09/costumes-de-legendes-20-ans-de-creation.html
Honors costumes Opera with the textiles museum of Lyon
* http://louisette.eklablog.com/-p842116
Mons in Belgium My city
Oh what fun to see a Shakespeare play in a replica of the original theater! I'd love to do something like this. Thanks for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteWhen I lived in Boulder, Colorado, I would go to several of the Shakespeare plays at the local outdoor theater. It was wonderful, but this looks even better. Of course, it's in London after all. :-)
ReplyDeleteOH My Goodness.. I love going to the theater --but could or would never want to stand up for the entire performance. I'd pay the money and get one of those seats --with a cushion of course... Beautiful theater though.. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
This place has great atmosphere!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat ... I've always wanted to go there.and you had seat & cushion!!
ReplyDeleteneat :O)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoy the play and the theater is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I have heard of it..but didn't know it was open air!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun shots!
ReplyDeleteLovely mementos of your visit. I have been the The Globe but not yet for a performance - would love to do that one day.
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