Shakespeare's Globe

Overview

Today's Globe isn't the same theatre of Shakespeare's day, but it's a careful reproduction of the original, iconic wooden 'O' theatre, rebuilt in the 1990s. The Globe is an open-air round with a capacity of 1570 and a year-round schedule of fresh interpretations of classic works: think gender switching, and modern settings and costume. Plays are updated for current trends or performed in the historic manner they would have been in their own time.

It's not just Shakespeare, although he'll always take centre stage, with various Elizabethan and Jacobean works performed. Plus, it's not as exxy as you'd think for world class performances – you can grab cheap standing tickets and be right up front for the action. And for indoor performances, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse brings historic candlelit plays to life, designed in the style of the Blackfriars Playhouse used by Shakespeare's company and illuminated by more than 100 beeswax candles. You can also take a tour of the new exhibition space or attend workshops and special events.

Images: David Jensen.