The Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre: a theatre synonymous with William Shakespeare. However, the Globe Theatre that stands on the banks of the River Thames today is not the original theatre, or even the second Globe! This guide will look at the origins of the Globe Theatre and its construction from the hidden timber of a former theatre taken down in secret during the night. It then looks at the structure and key traits of the Globe Theatre. We then put the theatre in context during Shakespeare’s lifetime and explore its popularity among the residents of London. Finally, we explore the modern Globe Theatre and its detailed reconstruction.

Key Dates and Events

• 1576 - The Theatre was established in Shoreditch by James Burbage, a leading actor with the Earl of Leicester's Men.
• 1587 - The Rose Theatre was built on the south bank of the River Thames by businessman, Philip Henslowe.
• 1597 - James Burbage died.
• 1597 - The lease was not renewed for the land on which the Theatre was built.
• 1599 - The first Globe Theatre opened and was a huge success.
• 1599 - The first of Shakespeare’s plays to be performed at the Globe Theatre was believed to have been Julius Caesar.
• 1613 - The first Globe Theatre burned down on June 29th during a performance of Henry VIII.
• 1642 - The Second Globe Theatre was shut down by the Puritans, along with the rest of London’s playhouses.
• 1644 - The Second Globe Theatre was demolished to make way for new housing.
• 1997 - Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, opened its door with a performance of Henry V. It was founded by the actor and director Sam Wannamaker.