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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Review

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Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, South Bank, London
Phone: 020/7401-9919 box office; 020/7902-1400 New Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition
www.shakespeares-globe.org

Category: Neighborhoods/Streets
Location: South Bank

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Fodor's Review:

A spectacular theater, this is a replica of Shakespeare's open-roof, wood-and-thatch Globe Playhouse (built in 1599 and burned down in 1613), where most of the Bard's great plays premiered. For several decades, American actor and director Sam Wanamaker worked ceaselessly to raise funds for the theater's reconstruction, 200 yards from its original site, using authentic materials and techniques. His dream was realized in 1997. At the plays, "groundlings"—those with £5 standing-only tickets—are not allowed to sit during the performance. You can reserve an actual seat, though, on any one of the theater's three levels, but you will want to rent a cushion for £1 (or bring your own) to soften the backless wooden benches. The show must go on, rain or shine, warm or chilly—so come prepared for anything. Umbrellas are banned, but you can bring a raincoat or buy a cheap Globe rain poncho, which doubles as a great souvenir. Throughout the year, you can tour the theater as part of the Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition, amuseum under the theater (the entry is adjacent) that provides background material on the Elizabethan theater and the construction of the modern-day Globe. Admission also includes a tour of the theater. On matinee days, the tour visits the archaeological site of the nearby (and older) Rose Theatre.

Cost: Exhibit admission £9 for exhibition; ticket prices for plays vary (£5-£32)
Open: Exhibition May-early Oct., daily 10-5; mid-Oct.-Apr., daily 9-noon and 12:30-5; plays May-early Oct., call for performance schedule
Tube: Southwark, then walk to Blackfriars Bridge and descend the steps; Mansion House, then cross Southwark Bridge; Blackfriars, then walk across Blackfriars Bridge; St. Paul's, then cross Millenium Bridge

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