Based on the South Bank a few paces from the Tate Modern I am ashamed to say I had never been to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Taking advantage of the wonderful weather I was fortunate enough to obtain tickets for Othello which is playing to packed audiences.
I researched the story before going which is always an advantage with Shakespeare’s plays as it makes it much more enjoyable to not have to work out what is going on.
André Holland as Othello and Jessica Warbeck as Desdemona. Photograph: Simon Annand
The theatre is in the round with its facade and interior reconstructed as it would have been during Shakespeare’s time. There are tiers of wooden seats and unless you are well-padded it is worth hiring a cushion. I was fortunate to have a seat at the back which meant I had something to lean against. The poor man in front of me kept wriggling as he had nothing to lean on but my knees which he was too polite to do. Below us at ground level were lots of people who had bought standing tickets.
The Globe has an adjoining restaurant the Swan which although within the building is modern and airy, with views across and along the River Thames. The restaurant is on their second floor which is accessed via their first floor bar which also serves food. If going to the theatre, and you want to eat at the Globe, it is advisable to book in advance. Drinks can also be bought at kiosks incorporated into the exterior of the building. The theatre is well served for food with lots of restaurants virtually on its doorstep. Running until Saturday, 13 October.
21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT.
T. 020 7401 9919
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