Shakespeare's London

Last week my staff association organised a trip to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to see The Merchant of Venice. For those who do not know, the Globe is a near exact recreation of the original Globe which stood in Southwark back in Shakespeare's time. This one has been built right along the Thames, just across from St Paul's and is the only building in London with a thatched roof (this is because of the Great Fire of 1666). The Globe has three tiered seating which stretch in a half-circle from one side of the stage to the other (see below) and the Yard. Historically the Yard was where the poor stood to watch a play and they were called Groundlings. They were often unruly and if the play was not worth the price of admission, tended to throw moldy veg at the actors!

Cora and I chose to stand in the Yard and it was well worth the sore back the next day. This production used two staircases from the Yard to the stage as major entry/exit points throughout. At times the set of stairs we stood next to - made to look like a bridge over one of the canals - had parts of scenes enacted upon them. It is quite strange to have to make way for actors as they enter or leave the stage, as well as peer up at them from no more than an arm's length away! It made for a very exciting and enthralling couple of hours, made all the better for the dry weather, since as you can see, no roof overhead!

A highly recommended unique theatre experience for any of those planning a future visit to London.