History
The theatre was unusual for its ownership structure, as the actors themselves owned it. Richard and Cuthbert Burbage owned half of the shares, while William Shakespeare, John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope held smaller shares.
The Globe quickly became a central part of London’s theatre life, and many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed on its stage. Julius Caesar is often cited as the first play written specifically for this theatre. In 1613, the Globe was destroyed by fire when a cannon was fired during a performance. It was rebuilt the following year, but theatre activity ended in 1642 when the Puritan government closed all theatres in London.
The present-day Shakespeare’s Globe is the third Globe theatre to stand in the area. It opened to the public in 1997, following years of dedicated work by actor and director Sam Wanamaker. The aim was to recreate a working Elizabethan theatre as faithfully as possible using historical sources.
Architecture
Shakespeare’s Globe is a carefully constructed reconstruction of a 16th-century theatre, built using traditional materials and methods. Its circular form follows the so-called “wooden O” design, with the audience surrounding the stage across several tiers. This layout creates an unusually close connection between performers and spectators.
Key architectural features include its 20-sided polygonal structure, a capacity of over 1,500 spectators, and the Heavens above the stage, decorated with astrological symbols. The roof has a central opening that allows daylight, and on clear days, the sky to be visible. The Globe is also London’s only thatched-roof building, granted special permission despite modern building regulations. Performances rely on natural acoustics, with no modern sound amplification or artificial lighting.
Performances
The Globe’s repertoire focuses primarily on William Shakespeare’s plays, staged in a historical setting that respects original performance conventions. The programme also includes works by other Renaissance playwrights, as well as carefully considered modern interpretations and adaptations.
The performance season is strongest in the summer months, when the open-air structure is at its busiest. Costumes and performance styles draw inspiration from Shakespeare’s era, while remaining accessible to modern audiences. Shakespeare’s Globe functions both as a historical reconstruction and a living theatre where dramatic traditions continue today.
The Globe Theatre Experience
A visit to Shakespeare’s Globe offers a rare opportunity to experience a working Elizabethan theatre. Because the theatre is open to the elements, performances take place regardless of weather conditions, and visitors are advised to dress accordingly. Standing tickets, also known as groundlings, place audience members directly in front of the stage, reflecting the experience of Shakespeare’s original audiences. During the summer, the programme also includes Midnight Matinée performances, which begin at midnight.
The site also includes the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, along with spaces for guided tours, talks and special events. Together, these elements make Shakespeare’s Globe a significant destination for theatre history, architecture and live performance.
Restaurants and Cafés
A theatre visit can easily be combined with dining, as Swan London is located directly next to Shakespeare’s Globe on the River Thames. The restaurant and bar serve British à la carte dishes, lighter meals, brunch and afternoon tea. With river views, Swan London is a popular choice both before and after performances and also works well as a standalone dining destination in the Bankside area.
