Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Guided Tour

Learn about the history of The Globe Theatre

Closely tied to William Shakespeare's fortunes, here is where a majority of his most famous plays were staged. The story of the Globe maybe worthy of a Shakespearean play in its own right. The Globe Theatre is an open-air octagonal amphitheater lying on the south bank of the river Thames. The original theatre was built way back in 1599 before succumbing to an unfortunate fire incident in 1613 where the theatre literally burnt to the ground due to a spark ignited by a theatrical cannon.

In 1970, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker sought out a faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. After the unfortunate incident, few documents remained on the structure of the Globe, but that did not stop Wanamaker from rebuilding the theatre. Built using traditional materials, the circular structure is made up of twenty wooden bays, the walls made of lime plaster, and the roof thatched. Learn all this and more on the history of the Globe with an expert storyteller guiding your way through the theatre.

A Shakespearean World

During the second-half of the 16th century, William Shakespeare went on to write some of his greatest literary works, the likes of Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer's Night Dream, Othello, Hamlet, and many more. It is to this theatre that Shakespeare owes much of his success.

The guided tour includes access to the exhibition detailing Shakespeare's life in London and his vast accomplishments as an artist. With a range of interactive displays and live demonstrations, watch Shakespeare come to life! Also, find out about extravagant Elizabethan costumes, musical instruments, and how they were used.

No matter how old the venue gets, Globe Theatre is still one of the best places in London to enjoy a theatrical performance.