Shakespeare's Globe — Attraction in London

Before I say anything I want to say our tour guide Finn, they did an amazing job and kept a smile and was very helpful with any questions. Now...

Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe is like stepping into a time machine that whisks you back to the Elizabethan era, allowing you to experience the magic of Shakespeare’s works as they were originally intended. This iconic theater is a must-visit for anyone with an appreciation for literature, history, or live performance.

The Theater: Shakespeare’s Globe is a meticulous reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, and the attention to detail is astounding. From the thatched roof to the wooden beams, every aspect of the structure exudes authenticity. The open-air design adds to the charm, creating an intimate atmosphere where you can truly feel connected to the performers and the play. The standing yard, where "groundlings" can watch the play up close, is a unique feature that offers a different perspective from traditional seating arrangements.

The Performances: The performances at Shakespeare’s Globe are nothing short of extraordinary. The actors are exceptionally talented, bringing Shakespeare’s timeless characters to life with passion and skill. Whether it’s a tragedy or a comedy, the productions are faithful to the spirit of the original texts while also incorporating contemporary elements that make them accessible to modern audiences. The energy in the theater is palpable, and the interactive nature of the performances, where actors often engage with the audience, adds a layer of excitement that you don’t typically find in other theaters.

The Experience: What makes Shakespeare’s Globe truly special is the overall experience it offers. Beyond just the performances, the theater provides educational tours that delve into the history of the Globe and the life of Shakespeare. The guides are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, offering fascinating insights that enhance your appreciation of both the plays and the theater itself. There’s also a delightful café and gift shop on-site, where you can enjoy a light meal or pick up a memento to remember your visit.

What Could Be Improved: It’s hard to find fault with such a unique and well-executed attraction. However, it’s worth noting that the open-air design means that performances are subject to the weather, so it’s a good idea to come prepared for rain or shine. Also, while standing in the yard provides an immersive experience, it can be tiring for longer plays, so consider booking a seat if you prefer a more comfortable experience.

Conclusion: Shakespeare’s Globe is more than just a theater; it’s a cultural experience that transports you to another time and place. Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or just looking for a memorable outing in London, this venue offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the Bard’s work. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city—this is one attraction that truly lives up to...

The Globe Theatre in London is a remarkable venue that beautifully intertwines history and modern theatrical artistry, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Shakespearean drama. Our recent experience watching "King Henry V" was nothing short of extraordinary, made even more special by the unique backdrop of this iconic theatre, which replicates the original Globe built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men.

As we approached The Globe, the striking timber-framed structure immediately captured our attention. The open-air design and circular shape evoke the ambiance of Elizabethan theatre, allowing for a deep connection with both the performance and the surrounding environment. The theatre’s layout, reminiscent of its historical roots, features a vibrant pit where audience members can feel close to the action, much like the lively crowds of Shakespeare’s time.

The performance of "King Henry V" was masterfully executed, showcasing the exceptional talent of the cast. The actors brought Shakespeare’s language to life with energy and passion, making the complex themes of leadership, honor, and camaraderie resonate with modern audiences. The staging was inventive, utilizing the space creatively to enhance the storytelling, and the live music added an extra layer of depth to the experience, reminiscent of the dynamic performances that captivated Elizabethan audiences.

One of the standout aspects of The Globe is its commitment to maintaining an authentic atmosphere. The use of period costumes and minimalistic set design allowed the audience to focus on the text and the performances. The central stage, exposed to the elements, along with the natural light streaming in, created an enchanting ambiance that transported us back in time, much like the original Globe did for its spectators.

The staff at The Globe were friendly and helpful, ensuring that our visit was enjoyable from start to finish. The availability of refreshments and snacks added to the overall experience, creating a relaxed environment that encouraged us to savor the moment while enjoying the performance.

In summary, The Globe Theatre is an exceptional venue that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and artistry. Watching "King Henry V" there was a memorable experience that highlighted the power of live theatre, all while being surrounded by the rich legacy of Shakespeare's work. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare or simply looking for an engaging cultural experience in London, The Globe should definitely be at the top of your list. The combination of stunning performances, the enchanting setting, and the historical significance makes it a truly unforgettable...

I want to start this off by saying that I love Shakespeare and I wanted to love the globe but I was and am severely disappointed with the staff. Today my tour group (50 people) went to attend our tour of the Globe. We had emailed months in advance asking how they would like us to handle that, as we are a big group of people and we wanted to make it as easy as possible on the staff. Through email we were told that we could just show up and go in as tours happen frequently and there are many tour guides. Upon arriving our directors went in to check that it was a good time and that we were alright to come in before storming 50 college students in and overwhelming them. The lady at the group tour desk said that without a reservation she couldn't let us in. We have the London pass and that's what we wanted to use to go through. She said we could not use the London pass for that big of group but would instead have to pay for our group to on in. That would be fine but instead of one payment for our one group she insisted we pay three times and have the group go in every thirty minutes. We were unwilling to pay that amount. We were given the option to let 10 people go in with the London pass at that moment so ten of us decided to go. About 15 minutes after those 10 people went in another worker came out to talk to the directors again. After finding out that we were a school group and that we wanted a group tour he said that he would take us and to come and grab headsets. As we came through a second male employee started asking if we were with the Idaho group (a state where our school is located in America) or with BYU (our school) when we said we were with BYU Idaho they got mad that we came in as only the Idaho group was being taken in. However, we are the Idaho group. So we had one guy yelling at us because we came in and another telling us to get headsets as we were holding up the group. If they had simply talked to each other or listened to one of us as we tried to explain that the group was the same there would have been no issues. In all the staff was rude and getting mad at us for simply following the directions of other staff members. We were patient. We were willing to not go in when that was what we were told. The problem was that no one would listen to us when we were trying to explain that another staff member invited us in. We even overheard two staff members complaining about us and asking how many tours do these people need. I will never go to the globe again which is sad because I love Shakespeare, but I am unwilling to support people who bully customers who are only following the directions...