Shakespeare's Globe--go see whatever is playing there
Written: Mar 26 '00 (Updated Mar 30 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Truly unique London experience, beautiful theater, the best place to see a Shakespeare's play, good prices
Cons: Only open during summer months
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| AlexG's Full Review: Cultural Centres |
If you are looking for a truly special cultural experience in London, I can’t think of a better place than a Globe Theater. It’s not surprising that the photo that Epinions chose for the “Cultural Events” section (in the upper left corner) is a picture of the Globe. In 1996, Shakespeare's Globe was voted the best attraction in Europe by the European Federation of Associations of Tourism Journalists.
Shakespeare’s Globe was erected in 1599. The modern Globe Theater opened for the 1997 season after many years of reconstruction. And I must tell you--it is beautiful, and most importantly it resembles the Globe of old days. It is located where the old Globe once stood.
The Globe Theater is a large polygonal building, thatched with the center open to the sky. If you saw the movie “Shakespeare in Love,” it’s the kind of theater shown in the movie. My advice to you--go see whatever is playing there. When I was in London in the summer of ‘98 I was fortunate to see Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice.” The program differs from year to year, so let me reiterate, go see whatever is playing in the Globe. And in 2000 season, “whatever” consists of four plays.
The Tempest -- William Shakespeare
Hamlet -- William Shakespeare
The Two Noble Kinsmen -- William Shakespeare and John Fletcher
The Antipodes or, The World Upside Down -- Richard Brome
The Globe is only open during the summer months. The season starts on May 12th and runs through September 10th.
In Shakespeare’s days it cost one penny to stand in the yard if the Globe and see a play, two pennies to sit in the gallery and three pennies for a seat with a cushion. Though these prices are gone, seeing a play is still a bargain by current standards. The most expensive seats are 25 pounds (23 pounds for students), and a place in the yard is only about 5 pounds if you don’t mind standing for a 2-3 hours.
Important Notes: Do not expect to sit in the yard. You will have to stand during the whole show. Also, the show goes on regardless of the weather. The seats are protected by the sound roof. However, if you are standing in the yard there is no cover. As you can imagine, tickets to the Globe are very popular. If you know you are going to London, I suggest you order your tickets in advance. You can call the box office from the States and charge tickets on your credit card.
Sure, plays and musicals like Rent, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, etc. are worthy of attention, but you can see them without leaving the states, while the Globe experience is one of a kind.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
AlexG
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 130
Trusted by: 237 members
About Me:
Alex has a voracious appetite for travel. Travel hasn't satisfied an appetite. It's created one.
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