Review: Shakespeare’s Globe

Give us the big picture: What’s the vibe of the place, what’s it like?
In London, every building and street has history. And Shakespeare's Globe, although a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre—where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first staged and which burned down in 1613 during a performance of 'Henry VIII'—is no exception. The theater was rebuilt not far from its original site, using construction methods and materials as close to the original as possible, and to watch a performance here is to step back in time. Seated in three tiers, open to the skies, the audience heckles and shouts as they did in Shakespeare’s day.

What are we coming to see?
The Globe is all about the UK’s most famous playwright’s work, performed for the most part by The Royal Shakespeare Company. Over the years and under its different artistic directors, every single one of the bard’s plays has had its moment—shifted to different times and settings but mostly performed without the aid of modern microphones or technical equipment, as actors in the 1500s would have done. To witness 'Hamlet' here, or a comedy like 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream' is a magical experience you’ll never forget.

How are the seats?
As you might expect from a theater designed to be exactly like it was in Tudor times, the seats are more bench than comfy upholstered chair (although you can hire a cushion), and that’s in the tiers encircling the stage on three levels. All the sight lines are fine, providing a full view of the performers, who also are aware of their audience and perform to them all as directed. The best tickets however are the cheapest ones, those where you stand in the pit below the stage and gaze up at the performance. Why? Because there’s no experience like it. Yes, if it rains you’ll get wet (plastic rain jackets can be purchased for a small fee) as the show will go on, and yes you’ll feel a bit stiff-legged and necked by the end but it’s wonderfully exhilarating to be so free. When the players interact with the crowd, as they often do, you truly feel special. At the interval you can sit down and everyone does, often with snacks and drinks you've brought in yourself.

Is it good for kids?
Last time I was here, I took my 11 year old daughter and we stood through a whole three hours of 'As You Like It.' We squeezed to the front and taller people politely moved to the back so the youngsters could see. It works, and again feels more exciting than sitting as you would in a normal theater. For smaller kids, it might be worth thinking twice as they are bound to get fidgety but you know your kids better than anyone, so make the call. Shakespeare's plays are long, and as these are open to the elements make sure to bring something warm to wear as it can get cold. As for the performances themselves, live theater, Shakespeare in particular, can be entrancing and the RSC actors know their craft so well that it's extremely hard to be disappointed.

Any other tips?
The Globe also hosts a lovely restaurant and cafe that can be visited without having to watch a play and which boast views across the Thames to St Paul’s. There are also tours of the site during off-hours, with fascinating insights and history into Tudor theater, architecture and Shakespeare's life and work. A daytime matinee when the sun's out is the most fun.