London Buildings West End Shakespeare's GlobeShakespeare's Globe Theatre
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse in the London Borough of Southwark, on the south bank of the 
River Thames. The original was built in 1599 by the playing company, Lord Chamberlain's Men, to which Shakespeare belonged. It was destroyed by fire on June 29, 1613. The fire was caused by an accident with a cannon, during a production of Henry VIII (called 'All is True' at the time). The theatre was rebuilt by June 1614 (the exact opening date is not known), but was officially closed by pressure of Puritan opinion in 1642 and demolished in 1644 .
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, which officially opened in 1997, is a remodelling of this original Globe Theatre. It's approximately 230 metres (750 ft) from the site of the original theatre and was the first thatched roof building permitted in London since the Great Fire of London in 1666. Jack Shepherd's 'Prologue Production' of The Two Gentlemen of Verona starring Mark Rylance as Proteus, opened the Globe to the theatre-going public in August 1996, a year before the formal opening Gala.
In 1970 American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust, and International Shakespeare Globe Centre with the objective of building a faithful recreation of Shakespeare’s Globe close to its original Bankside location. While many had said that the Globe reconstruction was impossible to achieve, he persevered for over twenty years, and eventually a new Globe theatre was built according to a design based on the research of historical advisor, John Orrell.
The theatre is one of the must-visit destinations in London, even for those on a budget. 'Groundling' tickets can be had for £5, though they represent a no-frills standing option, and if it rains you may get wet. 
In Elizabethan London, this area of Southwark and Bankside was the site of several theatres, including The Swan, The Globe and The Bear Garden. Many, such as 'The Bear Garden' had a dual function and were popular bull and bear-baiting pits when they weren't staging plays. Inn yards were also popular locations for plays and the last remaining galleried inn (where most current stage terms derive - such as stalls) is nearby - The George Inn in Southwark.
Anyone who's watched 'Shakespeare in Love' will know that only male actors were used in the theatre during the Elizabethan era. Generally a different play was performed on each of the six days the theatres were open during the week. Popular plays might be repeated once a month suggesting a gruelling prospect for actors with lengthy speaking parts. Actors had to learn lines from many works and complex stage directions if they were to become successful. It's supposed that Shakespeare was able to master the play format, since he was an experienced actor and would be well versed in the structure and style of many plays. Significantly, he would also have direct experience of which plays proved a hit with the theatre-going public. He lacked a formal education, but his success and profitability in being a 'Sharer' (where his income was a share of the profits, not a direct wage) also suggested a keen sense of public awareness.
The creaking beams, thatch, authentic staging and even the prospect of braving the elements contribute to an unforgettable experience. All that and a reasonable price too.
A history of the Globe Theatre.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, 21 New Globe Walk, Southwark, London, SE1 9DT
Call: 020 7401 9919
Nearest Tube: London Bridge or Blackfriars
