All the World’s a Stage
“Shakespeare’s Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the open-air playhouse designed in 1599 and a unique international resource dedicated to the exploration of Shakespeare’s work and the playhouse for which he wrote.”
The centre of the theatre, and standing space in front of the stage, is open to the sky. The auditorium also has seats arranged across three levels around the side. These are covered with a thatched roof. This is the only thatched roof in London.
Whilst thatched roofs remain popular in English villages, they have been seen as dangerous in cities following the Great Fire of London. ‘The ordinance of 1212 (London’s first building regulation) banned the use of thatch to stop any further incidents of rapid fire spread from one building to another.
Tours of the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre tours run every day, except 24 & 25 December. For the Globe Theatre performance season (mid-April to mid-October) the tours finish at midday to allow for the matinee performances.
Tours include the inside and outside of the building.
A visit to the Globe Exhibition
There is an accompanying exhibition with details about London’s history, displays of costume and props used for plays, and demonstrations of printing.
You can listen to recording of Shakespeare read by famous actors from the past and even have a go at recording a brief snippet yourself.
Want to join us on a sightseeing adventure?
To become a member of The City Adventurers visit https://www.cityadventurers.co.uk/City-Adventurers.html and subscribe. Full City Adventurers Membership includes invitations to adventures and travel mainly in the UK. If you are not UK based, or prefer online adventures, join the City Adventurers as an Armchair Detective.