Vita

I'd like to attend a performance at the New Globe Theatre in May. Some questions: <BR><BR>1) I thought I would get groundling tickets, but I'm wondering if I'll be able to see anything. I'm 5'2".<BR><BR>2)Also, how quickly do these tickets go? I don't like committing myself to a strict schedule, but I don't want to miss out on going. Tickets just opened for Twelfth Night in May.<BR><BR>3) I thought I would do a tour of the Globe on the same day. Does it make sense to do the tour, get something to eat in the area, then go back to the theatre to see the play? I'll be by myself so it doesn't need to be a fancy pre-theatre dinner, just good food. <BR><BR>4) I'd like to catch another production in a different theatre while I'm there. I get the newsletters for London theatre, but I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for plays that will be open the week of May 19. I'd like to spend under $15 for tickets if possible.

Martha

Vita -<BR><BR>I saw Julius Caesar at the Globe in 1999 and loved it. I would not suggest getting the "standing" tickets since the performances can be long - I can't imagine standing that long. Lots of people sat on the dirt or looked very uncomfortable when I was there. All of the seats are good, but are on wooden benches. They rent cushons, which is what I did - or regulars brought their own pillows to sit on. The gift store and restaurant were open before the performance. I ordered my ticket on-line a few months before the performance and had it mailed to me in the U.S. From what I've read on this forum, performances are usually sold out well in advance. Also, be prepared for cool weather in May. Remember you will be sitting for a long period of time out in the open, so dress appropriately.<BR>Martha<BR>

Vita

Thanks, Martha. The Globe's Web site doesn't show an option for booking online. How did you do it?

Martha

Vita -<BR><BR>Sorry, I just checked the web site too and there really isn't online booking. Hard to believe today. I've booked so much online, I guess I thought I had these tickets too. I remember receiving the tickets in the mail long before I left for London, so I guess I must have faxed, mailed or telephoned my request for tickets. Again, it was in 1999 - several trips ago. Whatever it takes, I would try to get to a performance there. It was a really wonderful, unforgetable experience.<BR><BR>Martha<BR>

jahoulih

I'm sure I've booked Globe tickets on line, I think from www.ticketmaster.co.uk. That website says there are currently no bookings available for the Globe; but the Globe's own website says that bookings for this season just started yesterday. Maybe they'll become available on Ticketmaster soon.

Joanne

Last year's production of Macbeth at the Globe was a sparse, modern affair with all the actors in tuxedoes, panned by critics and audiences alike. You might want to learn more about the offerings before you book. We chose to see our Shakespeare in Stratford instead. <BR><BR>An additional risk of booking in advance is that they go on regardless of the weather -- another reason to NOT be a groundling! As I recall, there is one section with chairs (gentlemen's quarters?), otherwise if you're in the back row of a section you can at least lean against the wall behind you! The online seating chart shows which seats are obstructed view -- and they truly are, you don't want those but they are the only really bad seats.<BR><BR>At the Globe, in addition to the tour of the theater itself (which we thought was rather pricey), there is an extensive museum about Shakespeare, theater, Elizabethan life in general, and the American producer (Wanamaker) who made the new Globe happen, which we wished we had allowed more time for.

janis

By far the best way to get tickets is to call the theatre directly - I don't have the phone number at hand but will lok for it. But you should be able to find it easliy on-line.<BR><BR>The Globe had two restaurants - one inexpensive and one higher priced - both have wonderful views of the river and terraces. So take a morning theatre tour, eat lunch in the theatre and then attend your performance. If there is time to spare, wander along the south bank - lots to see including the Tate Modern, OXO tower, Hays Galleria, etc.

Erlsegaard

I was there the last week of June last year. When I went to the box office that night's show was sold out, but they had some tickets available for the next day, groundlings and some of the 28 pound seats. If you can book ahead, do it, but you aren't necessarily doomed if you wait till you get there.<BR><BR>I thought the Macbeth show that they put on last year was pretty good myself, my only criticism would be that I thought the actor who played MacDuff played him a little more wishy-washy than I would have thought he would be. The tuxedos weren't a big distraction, and I thought they did some clever things with that approach, particularly the way they presented the banquet scene. I also saw Twelfth Night at the RSC in Stratford, which was a good production as well (they had Victorian clothing and sets for that one). My seats there were rather farther from the stage however and after the Globe the sound effects and fancy light play felt like a distraction. I don't want to disparage it though, because it was a good show, though my immediate reaction was that it was really not better than the Globe performance. Naturally I am mortified to discover that my sensibilities have betrayed me into a judgement opposed to that which was obvious to the London theater critics, but until you've been to a few hundred plays at least, I suppose that's a risk we all take. <BR><BR>

Vita

Thanks, all. I think, more than anything else, I really just want to go for the experience of being at 'the Globe' watching a Shakespearean play. I hope to attend at least one other play (hopefully cheaper) while I'm there to satisfy my London theatre fix. I decided against the groundling tickets because I didn't think I'd be able to see anything. I contacted them by fax from home, so I guess I'll see what happens.

jpm

I saw The Tempest and Macbeth at the Globe in 2000 - both were extremely good. Bought the tickets online through tickemaster.uk. And we had the groundling tickets - only &pound;5 each then.<BR><BR>Yes, the plays can be long (3-4) hours, and they continue in rain or shine (if rainy get one of those little rain covers that fit in your pocket).<BR><BR>The secret to the groundling tickets is to arrive at the play early. And then as soon as they open the doors rush to the stage - this way you can lean on the stage during the play. But, if you can't stand for three hours pay the extra money and get real seats. Its a lot of fun either way. I have complete descriptions in my travelogue at www.appleberryroad.com.<BR><BR>Have fun - and get your tickets now!<BR><BR>jpm

xxx

I bought my tickets online through www.eventsworldwide.com and they arrived the next week. No hassle.

Sheila

We went to Macbeth last year and I realized after the play that I am spoiled to the luxury of today's theatre. We have never been so uncomfortable anywhere. The play was very good but after about the first hour or so sitting on the wood bench with no leg room it became almost unbearable. My son and nephew are 6'2" and they could not bend their legs or stand up. It was a good experience but something I would never do again. I am not trying to discourage anyone but just wanted to be honest about the seating especially for a tall person. At 5'2", the seating would be ok for you if you decide not to stand. I got my tickets through ticketmaster before we left.

Vita

I just thought I'd follow up. I got my tickets in the mail last night. I had actually requested that they be held at the box office, but other than that, I got exactly what I asked for. I took another look at the Globe Web site, and it looks like online tickets will be available soon, but I'm glad I didn't wait. I'm so excited! Oh, what will I do when there's nothing left to plan!!

janis

Vita - while you are there do try one of the restaurants in the theatre. One is more expensive, the other more of a cafe, but both have a wall of window looking out over the river. Makes a good stop before the show or after the tour.