Globe Theatre

(CC) Photo: Mckay Savage
Modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre that stands near the original site in London.

(CC) Photo: Mckay Savage
The stage of the reconstructed Globe Theatre, as seen from the upper balcony.

The original Globe Theatre was the open-air theater constructed in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the company producing plays written by William Shakespeare. The Globe was an octagonal structure with a thatched roof over the stage and the galleries, but also an open area which provided inexpensive admission for the poorest playgoers. The stage was surrounding on three sides by the audience, making it not quite theater in the round.

The original Globe remained in operation until it was destroyed by fire in 1613. A rebuilt Globe continued until The Closing of the Theatres in 1642.

In 1997, a reconstruction of the original Globe was opened near its original site on the bank of the River Thames. The rebuilt Globe is still an open-air theater reminiscent of the original and was built alongside an indoor playhouse named the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse after the man who spearheaded the rebuilding of the Globe. The current Globe Theatre is the only building in London with a thatched roof, as they were made illegal in London; builders were given special permission to build the Globe with a thatched roof like its original version. The theater holds 1570 visitors: 700 standing, and 870 sitting.

To allow theater to be accessible to everyone, the Globe Theatre has sold standing tickets for £5 since opening.