Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre on London’s South Bank is a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse associated with William Shakespeare and his playing company. The modern Globe seeks to replicate the 16th/17th-century open-air timber structure and stage configuration and hosts a season of Shakespeare and other plays.

The original theatre was built in 1599, burned down in 1613 and was rebuilt in 1614 before finally being demolished in the mid-17th century. The contemporary reconstruction opened in 1997 near the historic Bankside site and combines live performance with a permanent exhibition and educational programmes.

The auditorium is a thrust stage with standing room in the central yard and galleries around three sides; capacity and layout are intended to approximate the original Elizabethan experience and the playhouse operates an indoor companion theatre for winter productions.

Located on the south bank of the River Thames at Bankside, close to London Bridge and the Tate Modern, it is accessible by public transport from central London.

• History summary: The original Globe was built in 1599, burned in 1613 during a performance and was rebuilt in 1614; the modern reconstruction opened to the public in 1997 close to the original Bankside site.
• Visitor note: Guided tours and an on-site exhibition explain Elizabethan theatre practices; the outdoor space is unroofed and performances are weather-dependent during the summer season.

What to See #

• Reconstructed Globe: The reconstructed open-air playhouse - a circular, timber-framed theatre built to replicate the Globe's original thrust stage and standing 'yard' for groundlings, used for summer Shakespeare productions.
• Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: Sam Wanamaker Playhouse - an indoor, candlelit Jacobean-style theatre built as a companion performance space to the main Globe, opened in the 2010s and used for winter seasons.