Walking along London’s South Bank from Blackfriars to London Bridge, it is impossible to miss the white curves and thatched roof of the Globe Theatre. Just over 400 years ago a theatre troupe that included the Bard himself set up their own theatre on a site apparently 230 metres (750ft) from the building that graces Southwark today. Like its present day counterpart, the theatre presented many of Shakespeare’s greatest plays and prospered for 14 years.
After burning to the ground in 1613, the Globe was resurrected but this time with a much less inflammable tile roof (the previous one being thatch). It continued as a theatre until 1642, when Puritan government forced the closure of all England’s theatres. It was finally demolished in 1644 and the spirit of the Globe fell silent.
The Reopening of the Globe Theatre and the Summer Season
Just over 300 years later, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker arrived in London and sought out a memorial to Shakespeare’s South Bank theatre. There wasn’t one. After years of fundraising and planning, Wanamaker’s vision of the Globe that stands today complete with authentic plasterwork and thatching, re-opened in June 1997. Sadly Wanamaker died before its completion but he has given London the memorial it sorely lacked on his first visit to the city all those years ago.
Theatre at the Globe usually runs for about five to six months of the year only, from April to October. Being an open-air theatre, those familiar with the local climate might say it is a brave move opening for a winter season as well. Summer season tickets go on sale as from February and there is usually a range of plays to choose from. The 2009 season included Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It, Troilus and Cressida and Love’s Labour’s Lost amongst others.
A Christmas Play for Children Big and Small on London’s South Bank
Opening it’s stage for the first time, the Globe presents the Footsbarn Theatre Company’s Christmas Cracker. Footsbarn are an international touring company, known for alternative Shakespeare adaptations that bring together visual theatre, circus, music and magic.
Their Christmas show promises to be a ‘family feast of carnival, comedy and Christmas cheer’ and draws on London’s less reputable history, intermingled with Shakespearian verse, puppetry and dance.
Buying Tickets at the Globe
Bookings can be made online and prices range from £5 to £20. Be warned, the £5 tickets are for the yard and this area is standing room only. Christmas Cracker is 90 minutes including an interval and while its advertised as being suitable for all ages, not everyone will be willing or able to stand still for that amount of time.
Seat tickets are more expensive, but the wooden benches are a far cry from the velvet-padded seats of the West End. Cushions are available at the Globe for a £1 fee and they are well worth the investment. For the Christmas season, bringing a warm blanket, gloves, scarf and wearing thermals might not be a bad idea either.
For other Christmas activities in London, with or without the children, go to:
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