Watch: Inside Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London
Find out more about one of the world’s most culturally significant theatres.
The Globe Theatre is one of the most iconic and historically significant theatres in the entire world, closely associated with the works of William Shakespeare.
The original Globe was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. It stood on the south bank of the River Thames in Southwark, a bustling area full of taverns, bear baiting arenas and other entertainment venues of the Elizabethan era as well.
But what made the original Globe so unique was its structure. It was a circular open air theatre with three tiers of seating and a large yard in the centre where the groundlings, those who paid just a penny, stood to watch the play.
The stage extended into the audience, creating an intimate and interactive experience that helped bring Shakespeare's language to life.
In 1613, though, a disaster struck. A cannon fired during a performance set the thatched roof on fire and the theatre burnt down in less than two hours. It was rebuilt the following year, but eventually demolished in 1644 after theatres were closed by Puritans.
But fast forward to the 20th century. An American actor and director, Sam Wanamaker, made the decision to bring the Globe back. And it's very similar to what it would have looked like.
The reconstruction is called Shakespeare's Globe, and it opened in 1997, just 230 metres from the original site. It’s the most faithful replica of the Elizabethan theatre ever built, with a thatched roof, wooden beams and no modern lighting or sound systems, just like it was back in the day.
In fact, it's only the thatched roof in London since the Great Fire of London in 1666.
So what makes the Globe truly special today? Its commitment to authenticity and education.
Actors still perform without microphones like they would have done back in the day and often interact directly with audience members, just like in Shakespeare's time.
It's also a centre for learning, hosting, workshops, lectures and international performances as well. Now, the Globe isn't just a monument to the past.
It's a living, breathing theatre that continues to celebrate the power of storytelling, language and the shared experience of life through live performance.
The Globe really is just one of many unique places here in London.