Shakespeare's Globe
Shakespeare's Globe features on the Gingerguide audio walk through London. Give it roughly ~60 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type theater
- Suggested visit ~60 min
- London London guide
About Shakespeare's Globe
A faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare's plays were first performed, on the original South Bank site.
Shakespeare's Globe is a painstaking reconstruction of the open-air playhouse where many of William Shakespeare's greatest works were first performed. The original Globe was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, and burned down in 1613 when a cannon fired during a performance of Henry VIII set the thatched roof alight.
The modern reconstruction, driven by American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, opened in 1997 about 230 metres from the original site. It is the only thatched building permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666. Performances run from April to October in the open-air yard, where "groundlings" stand just as Elizabethan audiences did.
The Exhibition beneath the theatre offers a fascinating look at Shakespeare's world, Elizabethan special effects, and the story of the reconstruction.
Did you know? The original Globe burned down in 1613 when a cannon fired during Henry VIII set the thatched roof alight, one man's trousers caught fire but were doused with ale.
How long is a visit to Shakespeare's Globe?
Set aside roughly ~60 min for Shakespeare's Globe. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Shakespeare's Globe worth your time?
Shakespeare's Globe is among the 41 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for London, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in London
Hear the story of Shakespeare's Globe
Preview the London tour free in the Gingerguide app.