17 April, 2011 - 02 October, 2011
Bankside, London

This unique venue, which opened in 1997, represents a labour of love by American actor and director Sam Wannamaker, who wanted to commemorate the fact that William Shakespeare worked in the Bankside area of London, as the resident playwright for The Lord Chamberlain's Men, who were based in the original Globe Theatre.

The result is a painstaking replica of the 17th-century open-air theatre, complete with thatched roof. There's a permanent exhibition here, but the real interest is undoubtedly the theatre season (April-October), when world-class performers interpret several works by Shakespeare as well as new plays.

In 2011 Shakespeare's Globe will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, which was completed in 1611, and the enduring power of dramatic language with a season entitled The Word is God.

The season will include: The Bible (in which a team of actors present the Jacobean texts), Hamlet, All's Well that Ends Well, As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, Marlowe's Doctor Faustus, Howard Brenton's Anne Boleyn, The Globe Mysteries (a celebration of Medieval street theatre) and The God of Soho by Christopher Hannan, a wild satire on modern living.

Ticket prices range from around £15 to £35 for covered seating, or there are cheaper standing tickets; shows continue regardless of rain and last two to three hours. Many spectators opt to stand in the yard since they can move around at will to get the best views. The venue has its own bar and brasserie.

 

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org

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