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The Historic Globe Theatre in London

Feb 20, 2025

Globe Theatre Overview

Introduction

  • The Globe Theatre in London is the third of its kind.

Historical Background

  • First Globe Theatre:

    • Built around 1598 and opened in 1599.
    • One of four significant theatres in the area (others: Hope, Swan, Rose).
    • Site marked by a plaque, original location is 200 yards away.
    • Foundations rediscovered in 1989.
  • Theatre Context:

    • Located on the south bank of the River Thames, known as Bankside during Elizabethan times.
    • Popular entertainment included bear/bull baiting.
    • The public accessed the theatre by ferry boats or walking over London Bridge.
    • Performances advertised with flags raised over theatres.

Timeline of Globe Theatres

  • First Globe:

    • Hosted notable Shakespeare works from 1599 to 1609.
    • Witnessed the death of Queen Elizabeth and the rise of James I.
    • Burned down in 1613 due to a cannon accident during a performance of Henry VIII.
  • Second Globe:

    • Built on the same site in 1614.
    • Closed by Puritans in 1642 and demolished in 1644.
  • Third Globe:

    • Constructed from 1993 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.
    • Faithful reproduction of the original Globe, relying on limited historical information.

Architectural Features

  • Design:

    • Circular 20-sided shape, open to the sky for natural light.
    • Roof made of Norfolk reed thatch, first since the Great Fire of 1666.
    • Walls of Lincolnshire oak and plaster (sand, lime, goat hair).
    • Interior layout based on a sketch by Dutch traveler Johannes de Witt.
  • Audience Experience:

    • Open area called the pit or yard for standing audience (groundlings).
    • Cost to watch a play was one penny in the pit, accommodating about 1,000 groundlings.
    • Galleries: 2-3,000 seats for two or more pennies, with the best views close to the stage.
    • Emphasis on hearing the play (audience would say "I'm going to hear a play").

Performance Aspects

  • Seating Capacity:

    • New Globe holds 900 in galleries and 700 in the pit.
  • Actors:

    • All roles played by men and boys; elaborate costumes used.
  • Stage Design:

    • Stage projects into the pit, with audience on three sides.
    • Supported by two painted pillars representing marble.
    • Stage roof (the heavens) for special effects, painted with celestial themes.
    • Tiring house: Actors' dressing rooms, accessed through doors in the stage wall.
    • Wood stage, 5 feet high, with trapdoor for effects (e.g., Hamlet's grave).
    • Balcony for musicians and used as settings in plays (e.g., Romeo and Juliet).

Conclusion

  • The Globe Theatre is an integral part of English history and remains a significant attraction in London.