Summary
Highlights
The Globe Theatre, rebuilt from its 17th-century original, gets its name from the expression 'everyone in the world is an actor'. Plays were performed during the day due to the cost of candles at night, leading to significant audience interaction. 'Groundlings' (those with the cheapest seats) would often shout and throw things at actors. Women were not allowed to act, and the church disapproved of theatre, calling it 'the nest of the devil', which is why theatres were typically built outside city walls. Despite this, it was very popular and affordable for all.
The 'groundlings' stood in an open area for only five pounds, considered one of the best seats despite the lack of umbrellas in the rain. This close proximity allowed for immense audience participation, with viewers being right next to the actors, creating an immersive experience unlike modern West End plays where audiences are often in the dark.
The rebuilt Globe Theatre prioritizes authenticity, even down to recreating 17th-century underwear. Acoustics were paramount in the original theatre, with more expensive seats offering the best sound quality for hearing the play. The stage design symbolizes three elements: heaven (blue ceiling with zodiac signs and a trapdoor for entrances), Earth (the main stage), and hell (a trapdoor leading underneath).
The round shape of the theatre enhances audience participation. Rebuilding the Globe with a thatched roof was challenging, especially after the Great Fire of London, which saw the original theatre burn down twice. It took eight years to get permission for the thatched roof, but it was eventually approved.