Shakespeare’s Globe for Couples

Experience the magic of Shakespeare’s Globe, an iconic London treasure. Perfect for couples seeking unique things to do in London, immerse yourselves in the rich history of this remarkable theatre, feel the pulse of the Bard’s timeless tales, and create shared memories that will last a lifetime.”

Why Shakespeare’s Globe is one of the best things in London for Couples

Shakespeare’s Globe presents an unparalleled opportunity for couples to experience London through a unique lens that blends culture, history, and entertainment. Here’s why it’s an unmissable destination:

• Historical Significance: The Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the theatre where many of Shakespeare’s plays were first performed. Walking its wooden ‘O’ is like stepping back in time, offering couples a chance to walk in the footsteps of the great playwright himself.
• Diverse Performances: From the spellbinding tragedies to the laugh-out-loud comedies, the plays performed here cater to all tastes. Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or new to his work, the vibrant productions will captivate you and your partner, making for a memorable date.
• Incredible Atmosphere: The open-air theatre design allows for an intimate and immersive experience. As the sun sets and the stars glitter overhead, the magic of live theatre under the London sky is bound to stir romance.
• Educational Experience: The Globe isn’t just a theatre – it’s also a living museum, offering insights into Elizabethan stagecraft, Shakespeare’s life, and the London he lived in.
• Location: Situated on the scenic South Bank of the River Thames, the Globe is at the heart of London’s cultural quarter. It’s the perfect starting point for a romantic walk along the river, with numerous restaurants and bars nearby for a post-show dinner or drink.

In essence, a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe offers couples not just a show, but an unforgettable journey into the heart of London’s cultural and historical tapestry.

Unveiling Love: Themed Exhibits at Shakespeare’s Globe

Immerse yourselves in the world of Shakespeare’s most famous couples and explore the themes of love, family, and the complexities of relationships in the specially curated exhibits at the Globe.

• Love in Shakespeare’s Works: Exhibits may delve into the portrayal of romantic love in Shakespeare’s plays, featuring excerpts, quotes, and analyses of famous love stories like Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, or Much Ado About Nothing.
• Family Dynamics: Exhibits might explore the themes of family relationships and dynamics as depicted in Shakespeare’s plays. This could include displays about parent-child relationships, sibling rivalries, and familial conflicts in works like King Lear, Hamlet, or The Tempest.
• Marriage and Relationships: Exhibits could focus on the portrayal of marriage and relationships in Shakespearean times, shedding light on the cultural norms, gender roles, and the institution of marriage as represented in plays such as Taming of the Shrew or Othello.
• Sex and Gender in Shakespearean Era: Displays may address societal attitudes toward sex and gender during the Elizabethan era, examining how these themes were explored and challenged in Shakespeare’s works.

Each exhibit not only offers an in-depth exploration of these famous love stories from Shakespeare’s plays, but also provides a unique insight into the Elizabethan understanding of love, sex, and family. So, take a romantic stroll through these exhibits and allow the Bard’s tales to enrich your understanding and appreciation for the complexities of love.

Shakespeare’s Globe Highlights

• The Stage: Standing on the edge of the stage, you can imagine yourself in the midst of a Shakespearean drama, with the echoes of famous dialogues reverberating in the air. This ‘wooden O’ is a testament to Elizabethan stage design, with its open-air setting, thrust stage, and the enchanting ‘Heavens’ painting overhead.
• The Yard: For a truly authentic experience, stand with ‘the groundlings’ in the Yard. This is where the common folk would have watched the plays in Shakespeare’s day, and it offers an unmatched intimacy with the performance.
• The Exhibition: The Globe’s permanent exhibition takes you on an immersive journey through Shakespeare’s world, complete with interactive displays, costumes, and a recreation of an Elizabethan printing press.
• The Globe Theatre Tour: Led by expert guides, the tour not only gives you insights into the reconstruction of the Globe and the intricacies of Elizabethan stagecraft, but also shares fascinating anecdotes about the performances and actors who have graced the Globe’s stage.
• The Swan Bar & Restaurant: A visit to the Globe isn’t complete without a meal or a drink at the onsite Swan Bar & Restaurant. Enjoy delectable British cuisine with stunning views of the River Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• The Globe Shop: Take a piece of the Globe home with you from the Globe Shop. From books, scripts, and DVDs of performances to unique souvenirs and Elizabethan-era inspired clothing and jewellery, the shop offers a wide range of Shakespeare-themed memorabilia.
• The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse: This beautiful, candlelit indoor theatre offers performances during the winter months, providing a different, but equally magical, theatre experience.

Embarking on an enriching exploration of Shakespeare’s Globe, couples will find themselves immersed in captivating narratives, breath-taking performances and unique experiences that bring the words of the Bard to life in the very heart of London.

Shakespeare’s Globe Opening Hours

Shakespeare’s Globe warmly welcomes its visitors throughout the week as follows:

• Swan Bar & Restaurant: Monday – Saturday 12.00pm–8.45pm, Sunday 11.30am–8.45pm
• Globe Theatre: Open at specific times for tours and performances.
• Box Office: Monday – Friday 11.00am–6.00pm, Saturday 10.00am–6.00pm, Sunday 10.00am–5.00pm
• Shop (New Globe Walk): Monday – Sunday 10.00am–5.00pm.

These timings are subject to change during performances, so it’s always a good idea to check the official website before planning your visit. Embrace the opportunity to step into a world where timeless tales unfold, where every corner reverberates with the echo of classic soliloquies, and where the bard’s immortal words still linger in the London air.

How to Reach Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is nestled on the banks of the River Thames in London’s bustling Bankside district. Its address is 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT, England. Here are the various ways you can reach this iconic landmark:

• By Underground (Tube): The nearest tube stations are Blackfriars (on the District and Circle lines) and Mansion House (on the District and Circle lines), which are a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, London Bridge (on the Northern and Jubilee lines) and Southwark (on the Jubilee Line) are approximately 15 minutes away on foot.
• By Train: The nearest train stations are London Bridge, Blackfriars, and Waterloo. From any of these stations, it’s a pleasant stroll to the Globe, with the journey offering scenic views of the River Thames.
• By Bus: Many buses serve the area around the Globe. Routes RV1, 344 (night and day), 381 (night and day), and 45, 63 and 100 (a short walk away) all stop nearby.
• By River: A more scenic and leisurely option is to take a riverboat service. Bankside Pier is just a few steps away from the Globe, and is served by various river services including the River Bus (RB1, RB2, RB6) and Thames Clippers.
• By Taxi or Car: If you’re taking a taxi, you can get dropped off directly outside the Globe. If you’re driving, please note that parking is very limited in the area. The nearest car park is the NCP Car Park London Bridge, a 10-minute walk away. Don’t forget that the Globe is in the Congestion Charging zone.

Plan your journey in advance and check for any disruptions on your route on that day. Regardless of how you choose to travel, your journey to the Globe is bound to be part of the wonderful experience of visiting this unique and historic venue.

History of the Shakespeare’s Globe

The tale of Shakespeare’s Globe is as dramatic and intriguing as any of the Bard’s own plays. The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by Shakespeare’s playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, led by Shakespeare himself and his business partners and fellow actors. Constructed on the south bank of the River Thames in an area known as Bankside, the theatre was unique for its time with its circular, open-air design. This architectural marvel quickly became synonymous with Shakespeare, hosting the first performances of many of his most famous plays, including ‘Macbeth’, ‘Othello’, and ‘King Lear’.

However, fate dealt a cruel blow to the Globe. In 1613, during a performance of ‘Henry VIII’, a stray spark from a theatrical cannon set the thatched roof alight, and the theatre was consumed by fire. Undeterred, the company rebuilt the Globe on the same site, this time with a tiled roof. This reborn Globe continued to serve as a beacon of the arts until 1642, when all theatres were ordered to close by the Puritan administration. The building was officially demolished two years later.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, when the vision of American actor and director Sam Wanamaker brought the Globe back to life. After more than two decades of fundraising, planning, and construction, a faithful recreation of the Globe was opened to the public in 1997. Today, this modern Shakespeare’s Globe stands just a few hundred yards from the site of the original, continuing the legacy of Shakespeare and his theatre, and serving as a monument both to the transformative power of the arts and the enduring appeal of the Bard’s timeless works.

For a deeper exploration into the fascinating world of Shakespeare’s Globe, here are some resources that you might find useful:

• You can delve into the history, architecture, and repertoire of the original and modern Globe Theatre at Encyclopaedia Britannica.
• To plan your visit and check for any changes in opening hours, performances, or tours, the official Shakespeare’s Globe website serves as a comprehensive guide.
• The Visit London Website offers a wealth of information not only on the Globe but also on other major attractions in the city.
• If you’re interested in the life and work of this legendary playwright, you can visit the BBC’s Shakespeare resource, which offers a vast array of articles, videos, and audio clips.
• For those interested in reaching the Globe via river services, the Thames Clippers Website provides detailed schedules and routes.
• London For Couples provides detailed information and itineraries made by couples for couples, making your London stay a unique experience and creating lifelong memories <3

Make sure to check these resources out to enrich your visit to this iconic symbol of theatrical history.