Shakespeare's Globe Tour in London

Exhibition and Scenery Give Travelers Insight on Famous Theatre

Jan 7, 2009

Located along the Thames, the reconstructed Globe Theatre has become a London icon. A ticket allows visitors to view an exhibition and follow a guided tour.

Unsuspecting travelers and Shakespeare buffs alike will appreciate the Globe Theatre's guided tour and exhibition. The journey not only exposes the Globe's history and construction, but provides insight on Shakespeare, gives visitors a glimpse into London's history during Shakespeare's time, and exhibits visually appealing theatrical costumes and accessories.

Globe Theatre Exhibition

After purchasing a ticket, visitors enter the Globe Exhibition, the largest one of its kind. A gently winding hallway leads into Shakespeare's time where the walls on either side display a wealth of information about everything from everyday expressions that Shakespeare coined, to the history of Frost Fairs held on the Thames, and to historical accounts of the original Globe and other theatres, one of which, the Rose Theatre, is featured in the film Shakespeare in Love.

On the lower level of the exhibition, one can listen to recordings of actors throughout the decades reciting lines of Shakespeare. For those wishing to practice theatrical readings, there are booths where visitors choose a scene to recite in dialogue alongside the voice of an actor over a tape recorder, then play it back to hear the result.

Sword fighting demonstrations sometimes occur behind velvet ropes in the main lobby on the lower level as well.

Visitors are permitted to wander through the exhibition before and after a scheduled, half-hour, guided tour of the Globe Theatre.

Globe Theatre Tour

The sound of a bell ringing signifies the start of the tour. Groups follow their guide into the theatre and have the opportunity to sit on various levels in the stands in order to get different perspectives of the stage and the rest of the theatre. There's plenty of time for photos and questions for the guide as well. Guides discuss audience customs, the playhouse atmosphere during Shakespeare's time, the first Globe of 1599, and the reconstruction of the current Globe that began in the 1990's.

Globe Exhibition and Theatre Tour Prices

Because the theatre is open-air, theatre season only runs from April to October, however the exhibition is open year-round.

To keep abreast of upcoming plays, prices, activities, and lectures, those interested can browse the Globe's website. Public booking for the 2009 theatre season begins February 14.

Visitors will not be disappointed after experiencing one of London's newly reconstructed treasures. Everyone will leave with more than a few interesting facts about the Globe, Shakespeare, and the history of London.

The copyright of the article Shakespeare's Globe Tour in London in England Travel is owned by Katherine Kocisky. Permission to republish Shakespeare's Globe Tour in London in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.