In the heart of London’s bustling South Bank stands a structure that seems almost out of time – a faithful recreation of one of the most iconic theatres in English history. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, opened in 1997, is more than just a performance venue; it’s a living bridge between the past and present, offering a tangible link to the world of William Shakespeare and the birthplace of some of the greatest works in the English language. This modern incarnation, born from the vision of American actor Sam Wanamaker and built through painstaking historical research, represents a unique architectural achievement. It not only honors the original Globe of 1599 but also serves as a working theatre, an educational center, and a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s works. As we explore the architectural history of both the original and reconstructed Globe Theatres, we uncover a story of innovation, preservation, and the timeless allure of Elizabethan drama.
The Original Globe Theatre (1599-1644)
The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 by the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, Shakespeare’s playing company. It was constructed using timber from an earlier theatre, The Theatre, which was dismantled and moved across the River Thames to Southwark.
The Globe was a three-story, open-air amphitheater approximately 30 meters (100 feet) in diameter that could house up to 3,000 spectators. Its structure was polygonal, thought to be either 20-sided or 18-sided, with a thatched roof over the rear portion of the gallery. The central area, known as the “pit” or “yard,” had a raised stage at one end and was open to the sky.
The stage itself was a rectangular platform, about 13 meters wide and 8 meters deep, projecting into the yard. Above the stage was a covered structure called the “heavens,” painted with stars, moons, and other celestial objects. This structure also contained trapdoors for special effects and entrances.
Behind the stage was the “tiring house,” a multi-story structure where actors could change costumes and wait for their cues. Its upper levels could be used for balcony scenes, such as the famous balcony scene in “Romeo and Juliet.”
The original Globe had a relatively short life. In 1613, it burned down when a theatrical cannon misfired during a performance of Henry VIII, igniting the thatched roof. It was quickly rebuilt with a tile roof but was closed down by the Puritans in 1642 and demolished in 1644.
The Concept and Planning of the Modern Reconstruction
The idea of reconstructing the Globe Theatre emerged in the early 20th century but gained significant momentum in the 1970s thanks to the efforts of American actor and director Sam Wanamaker. Wanamaker founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust in 1970 to research the original Globe and build a faithful reconstruction.
The project faced numerous challenges, including fundraising difficulties, archaeological debates, and negotiations with local authorities. However, Wanamaker’s persistence paid off, and construction began in 1987, although he didn’t live to see its completion.
Architectural Design and Construction of the New Globe
The new Globe Theatre was designed by Pentagram architects, with Theo Crosby as the lead architect. The design was based on extensive research into Elizabethan architecture and theatre design, as well as archaeological evidence from the excavation of the Rose Theatre, another Elizabethan playhouse.
Construction began in 1987 and was completed in 1997. The theatre was built about 230 meters from the original site, as the exact location was occupied by listed buildings.
The new Globe is the first thatched roof building permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666. Modern fire safety measures, including fire-retardant materials and a sprinkler system in the thatch, were incorporated to meet contemporary building codes.
Features and Authenticity of the Reconstruction
The reconstructed Globe closely follows what is known about the original theatre’s design:
- It is a three-story, open-air amphitheater approximately 30 meters in diameter.
- The stage is a rectangular platform projecting into a large circular yard.
- Surrounding the yard are three tiers of seated galleries.
- The theatre can accommodate about 1,400 spectators, compared to the original 3,000, due to modern safety regulations.
The building materials and construction methods were chosen to be as authentic as possible. The frame is made of green oak and fastened together with wooden pegs. The walls are made of lime plaster mixed with goat hair and sand, supported by oak laths.
The thatched roof is made of water reed from Norfolk, based on evidence that Thames reed was used in the original Globe. The stage pillars are painted to resemble marble, a common Elizabethan practice known as “marbling.”
The Globe’s Impact on Modern Theatre and Shakespeare Studies
Since its opening in 1997, Shakespeare’s Globe has had a significant impact on both theatrical practice and academic study:
- It has provided a unique space for experimenting with original performance practices, including all-male casts, period costumes, and live music.
- The open-air design and close proximity of the audience to the stage have influenced modern interpretations of Shakespeare’s plays.
- It has become a valuable resource for researchers studying Elizabethan theatre architecture and acoustics.
- The theatre has expanded to include the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, an indoor candlelit theatre based on Jacobean designs, opening up new possibilities for winter performances and different theatrical experiences.
The Globe complex also includes exhibition spaces and educational facilities, making it a significant cultural and educational landmark in London.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre stands as a remarkable architectural achievement, bridging 400 years of theatrical and architectural history. Its construction required a unique blend of historical research, modern engineering, and traditional craftsmanship. The result is not just a theatre but a living museum and research center, offering insights into Elizabethan drama, architecture, and social history.
While it’s impossible to create an exact replica of the original Globe, the modern reconstruction provides an invaluable approximation of the space for which Shakespeare wrote his later plays. It offers modern audiences a taste of the theatrical experience of Shakespeare’s time while also serving as a venue for innovative productions and a laboratory for performance studies.
The Globe’s architecture, with its open-air design, thrust stage, and galleries, continues to challenge and inspire directors, actors, and audiences, ensuring that Shakespeare’s works remain vibrant and relevant in the 21st century. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s plays and the architecture that first brought them to life.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.