Shakespeare's Globe

Why go

Many detractors maintained that a faithful Globe reconstruction was impossible to achieve due to the complications in the 16th century design and modern fire safety requirements; however, Wanamaker persevered in his vision for over twenty years, and a new Globe theatre was eventually built according to a design based on the research of historical adviser John Orrell.

What to look for

• The theatre opened in 1997 under the name "Shakespeare's Globe Theatre", and has staged plays every summer.
• Shakespeare's Globe Publ., London, 2003.
• There is also an exhibition about Shakespeare's life and work, and regular tours of the two theatres.

The full story

The original theatre was built in 1599, destroyed by fire in 1613, rebuilt in 1614, and then demolished in 1644. The modern Globe Theatre reconstruction is an academic approximation based on available evidence of the 1599 and 1614 buildings. The site also includes the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, an indoor theatre which opened in January 2014. The Sackler Studios, an educational and rehearsal studio complex, is situated just around the corner from the main site. Planning and construction In 1970, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust and the International Shakespeare Globe Centre, with the objective of building a faithful recreation of Shakespeare's Globe close to its original location at Bankside, Southwark. A study was made of what was known of the construction of The Theatre, the building from which the 1599 Globe obtained much of its timber, as a starting point for the modern building's design.

Useful to know

• Confirm current admission and opening times before leaving.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.