The Globe Theatre in London

Overview

• The Globe Theatre we see today is the third version.
• First Globe Theatre: built around 1598, opened in 1599.
• Other important theaters: The Hope, The Swan, and The Rose.
• Original Globe was not built on the same spot as the modern one due to changes in the River Thames.
• Original site is about 200 yards away; foundations were rediscovered in 1989, marked by a plaque.

Historical Context

• Theaters generally located on the south bank of the River Thames during Elizabethan times.
• The area known as Bankside was popular for entertainment (e.g., bear gardens).
• Theater-going was a favored pastime for all classes.
• Audiences traveled across the river to theaters via ferry boats or the London Bridge.

Theatre Operations

• Performance advertisements: raising a flag to indicate shows.
• First Globe hosted performances from 1599, including many of Shakespeare's works.
• Significant events: Death of Queen Elizabeth, accession of James I.
• First Globe burned down in 1613 due to a cannon accident during a performance of "Henry VIII."
• Second Globe built in 1614, survived until 1642 when Puritans closed theaters, demolished in 1644.

Third Globe Theatre

• Construction of the third Globe began in 1993, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1997.
• Designed to be as faithful to the original as possible despite limited information.

Architectural Features

• Center of the theater is open to the sky; performances scheduled for daytime.
• The modern roof is made of Norfolk reed thatch, same as the original, first thatched roof in London since 1666.
• Walls constructed from Lincolnshire oak timbers, plaster made from sand, lime, and goat hair.

Interior Layout

• Based on a sketch by Dutch traveler Johannes Davitt of the Swan theatre.
• Circular, 20-sided structure; the open area known as the pit or yard (for Groundlings).
• Yard: cheapest place to watch plays (cost one penny), could hold about 1,000 Groundlings.
• Galleries: sheltered areas for 2,000-3,000 spectators paying more (two or more pennies).

Audience Experience

• Visitors would say "I’m going to hear a play" emphasizing the importance of the script.
• Close proximity of the audience to the stage; some sat on the stage edge.
• Actors were all men and boys, playing both male and female roles.

Stage Details

• Stage projects into the pit, with a height of five feet above the ground.
• Roof supported by two pillars, painted to resemble marble.
• Stage roof (the heavens) painted with zodiac signs; special effects managed through a trapdoor.
• Behind the stage is the tiring house (modern dressing rooms) where actors changed costumes.

Musical Elements

• Musicians located on the balcony; music played a significant role in plays.
• Example: balcony used in "Romeo and Juliet".

Cultural Significance

• The Globe Theatre remains an important part of English history and a major attraction in contemporary London.