Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, one of the most renowned theatres in all of Great Britain, is home to William Shakespeare's acting company. This open-air octagonal amphitheatre is located on the south bank of the River Thames.

Experience the greatest of Shakespeare's plays the way they were intended to be watched by the great bard himself in the wooden 'O'. Get ready to get lost in a Shakespearean wonderland with the shows playing at the Globe Theatre.

What is Shakespeare's Globe?

Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe is a renowned performing arts center, cultural attraction, and educational facility. Shakespeare's Globe is situated on the River Thames in London, UK. It houses two performance spaces – one outdoor and one indoor theatre.

The original Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's time was built in 1599. Unfortunately, it was razed to the ground by an accidental fire in 1613.

In 1970, an American director named Sam Wanamaker reconstructed the venue to its original appearance. The building's architecture is based on the materials used during William Shakespeare's era. Thousands of people visit The Globe each year owing to its historical connection and traditional construction.

Shakespeare's Globe Summer 2022

Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre History

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Wondering what is the history of the Globe Theatre, one of the most iconic theatre buildings in London? The current Globe Theatre is a replica of the former Elizabethan playhouse by the same name that was destroyed in a fire in 1613 during a staging of Henry VIII. Sam Wanamaker, the pioneering American director, and actor, founded Shakespeare's Globe. The Globe Theatre is one of London's most distinctive, remarkable, and stunning theatrical settings today, having been established only 23 years ago. Now, Shakespeare's Globe is home to two theatres, the famous wooden 'O' serves as the outdoor stage and the intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is an indoor space that was opened in 2014 and serves as a stage for plays, concerts, educational workshops, and other activities throughout the year.

Theatres Inside Shakespeare’s Globe

The outdoor Globe Theatre and the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse are two distinct performance spaces at Shakespeare's Globe.

shakespeare's globe theatre
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

 Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Outdoor Theatre

Located right next to the Globe Theatre is the indoor playhouse named after the founder of Shakespeare's Globe. The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which is now seven years old, is based on Shakespeare's London's candlelit theatres. The intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which is illuminated by over one hundred beeswax candles, features plays, concerts, educational workshops, and other events throughout the year.

The theatrical season lasts from October to April, but there's also a comprehensive program of activities throughout the summer.

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Architecture

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre was erected in 1599. In 1613, an unfortunate fire breakout destroyed the theatre. In 1970, Sam Wanamaker, an American actor, and director reconstructed the theatre to its original likeness. The theatre was built using materials that were used during Shakespeare's era.

The circular structure of the theatre is what gave it the famous name wooden 'O'. It is made out of wooden bays, the walls are made out of lime plaster and the roof of the theatre is thatched. The Globe is famous for its historical connection and traditional construction, due to which it attracts numerous visitors each year.

Know Before You Go to Shakespeare's Globe

Opening Times
Getting There
Accessibility
Tips & Guidelines
Shakespeare's Globe

Box Office Timings

Monday – Friday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday: 10 AM - 5 PM

Note: The timings of Shakespeare's plays being help during Summer 2022 depend entirely on the day of the week and differs from play to play. Please do check the show timings of the play you intend to watch before booking your tickets.

Nearest underground stations: Mansion House (District & Circle Lines), Southwark (Jubilee Line), London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee Lines), and St Paul’s (Central Line).

Nearest overground stations: Cannon Street, Waterloo and London Bridge

Nearest bus station: Southwark Street stop

Other stops within 0.5 miles: 381 to Southwark Street, 45, 63, 100 to Blackfriars Bridge, 15, 17 to Cannon Street, 11, 15, 17, 23, 26, 76 to Mansion House, 344 to Southwark Bridge Road, RV1 to Sumner Street

wheelchair
  • Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is wheelchair-friendly and has wheelchair and lift access in both the theatres. Audio guide headphones, printed transcripts, and Braille panels are also available.
  • Hearing and guide dogs are welcome to Shakespeare's Globe.
  • You can also find British sing language interpreted performances at Shakespeare's Globe theatre.
  • There are also relaxed performances of the plays that take place at Shakespeare's Globe.
  • There are two accessibility parking slots available on a first come first serve basis.
  • There is also a dedicated Access Helpline and Desk for further assistance.
shakespeare's globe
  • You can not visit the Globe Theatre without a tour or a show ticket because it's a working theatre. Hence, it is a good idea to purchase play tickets so that you get to experience not only a classic Shakespearean play but also get to explore the magnificent theatre.
  • Enjoy your afternoon tea at Swan, the in-house restaurant at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The tea selection is based on A Midsummer's Night Dream, a famous Shakespeare play.
  • Don't forget to pop into the souvenir shop for some quirky mementos and Shakespeare-themed merchandise.
  • If you're only interested in seeing the exhibit and tour, go early; ideally in the morning so that you can skip the theatre crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Q. Where can I buy Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tickets?

A. The best way to buy Shakespeare's Globe Theatre tickets is to book them online.

Q. Are Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tickets available online?

A. Yes, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tickets are available online.

Q. Where can I find last-minute Shakespeare's Globe Theatre tickets?

A. If you are looking for last-minute Shakespeare's Globe tickets, we recommend looking online. You can easily book Shakespeare's Globe theatre tickets with us.

Q. Can I exchange or refund my Shakespeare's Globe Theatre tickets?

A. Tickets once purchased cannot be canceled, amended, or refunded.

Q. What are the accessibility features at Shakespeare's Globe?

A. Both theatres at Shakespeare's Globe are wheelchair accessible. There are accessible toilets as well.

Q. Where is Shakespeare's Globe located?

A. Shakespeare's Globe is located at 21 New Globe Walk Bankside London SE1 9DT.

Q. How do I reach Shakespeare's Globe?

A. You can reach Shakespeare's Globe by a variety of means of transport like train, bus, bike, or the underground tube. Popular train stations include Blackfriars and London Bridge. For the underground tube, London Bridge on the Northern line is a 9-minute walk from the theatre.

Q. What is the dress code while attending a play at Shakespeare's Globe?

A. There is no strict dress code for Shakespeare's Globe. However, like all London theatres, it is prudent to dress up in smart casuals.