Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre London – History, Tours & Tips
Few places in Shakespeare London feel as alive as the timber-framed Globe Theatre London. Step inside this modern reconstruction, opened in 1997 on Bankside, and you are whisked back to 1599 when Shakespeare and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men first raised the curtain on plays that still shake the world. This guide distils the essential history, how to book tours at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the best pubs for a post-show ale and where to dig deeper into Globe lore.
A Brief History of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
The original Globe stood just yards from today’s site. Built in 1599 with timbers from The Theatre in Shoreditch, it hosted premières of Julius Caesar, Hamlet and more. In June 1613, during Henry VIII, a stray cannon spark set the thatch ablaze and the Globe burned to the ground. Rebuilt within a year, it thrived until Puritan authorities closed all playhouses in 1642. Centuries later, actor-director Sam Wanamaker launched a campaign to resurrect the space. After years of research and oak-frame carpentry, the “wooden O” reopened in 1997, thatched roof and all, for a new generation of theatregoers.
What It’s Like Inside the Globe Theatre London
The open-air amphitheatre seats 857, while up to 700 groundlings stand in the yard watching plays by daylight just as Elizabethans did. With no amplification, actors project beneath the open sky, so choose your spot accordingly. Summer matinees can be sun-drenched; autumn evenings atmospheric under floodlights. Productions switch between original practices with ruffs and candlelight and bold modern dress, yet every show harnesses the intimacy of a stage only metres from the audience.
The Flag System Lives On
On performance days a coloured flag still flutters above the roof: white for comedy, black for tragedy, red for history. For the full story behind this centuries-old marketing trick, read our detailed article on Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre flags.
Booking Tours and Performances
Guided tours run most days except when matinees occupy the stage. Tickets and show calendars are available only through the official site, so book early for summer groundling performances; they sell out fast.
Book Globe Theatre London Tours & Tickets
Best Riverside Pubs Near Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- Swan at the Globe, the theatre’s own gastropub, perfect for pre-show fish pie and river views.
- Anchor Bankside, rebuilt after the Great Fire, once frequented by Samuel Pepys.
- Founder’s Arms, a glass-fronted bar with unbeatable St Paul’s panoramas.
- The George Inn near Borough Market, London’s last surviving galleried coaching inn from Shakespeare’s era.
Turn your theatre visit into a full Bard adventure.
Follow the Shakespeare Walking Tour in LondonWhat’s On at Shakespeare’s Globe
Below is an embedded view of the Globe’s official What’s On page. Scroll for the latest season highlights or open in a new tab.
Sources & Further Reading
Click to view
Think You Know Shakespeare? Put Your Knowledge to the Test! 🎭📝
Test your knowledge about Shakespeare's plays. From the history of the original playhouse to fun facts about the Bard's famous productions, our quiz will challenge and entertain you. Whether you're a seasoned Shakespeare enthusiast or a curious visitor, this quiz is a perfect way to deepen your appreciation of the Globe Theatre. 🤔