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The Globe Theatre, originally
built in 1599, was the headquarters of a band of players for
whom William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616) wrote.
Many of this plays were first
performed here. In 1613 the theatre burnt down during
a performance of Henry VIII, when a spark from a cannon set
fire to the roof.
Although the Globe was rebuilt
in 1614 it was closed by the Puritans in 1642 and demolished
two years later.
Due to the efforts of American
actor-director Sam Wanamaker a reconstructed building was
completed in 1997. The project involved building an
entire complex, including the Globe, a pub, an exhibition
hall and indoor theatre. The reconstruction of the Globe
used techniques and materials as close to the originals as
possible. The thatched roof is made of Norfolk reed,
the timber frame of green oak and the walls of lime plaster.
Productions,as Elizabethan as
regulations allow, are staged in the Globe from May to September.
These rely on natural light and a simple unchanging set, and
audience participation is encouraged!
The admission price includes
a tour of the Globe by guides and entrance to the exhibition.
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The exhibition is in the space
beneath the theatre, the UnderGlobe, where winter performances
will hopefully be held in the future. The multi-media
exhibition explores all aspects of Shakespeare's work, the
role of the actor and the audience. Displays illustrate
the history of the Globe Theatre and the nearby Rose
Theatre, built in 1587, where Shakespeare also
acted.
Shop, cafe and restaurant, lunchtime
events including jazz, poetry and Elizabethan music.
Admission charge
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