What is the Globe Theatre? - Behind the News

A pop-up version of the famous Globe Theatre has popped up in Sydney. The original was built in 1599 and it's where Shakespeare introduced the world to his plays. But how was this famous playhouse different from the kind of theatres we see today?

“To be or not to be? That is the question.”

“Romeo, oh Romeo. Where for art thou Romeo?”

“Double toil and trouble, fire burn and caldron bubble.”

These are just some of the very famous lines from some very famous plays, written by one very famous playwright and they were all originally performed at one very famous theatre, the Globe. The Globe was first built in London way, way, way back in 1599 by a theatre company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men. And you've probably heard of their playwright, a guy called William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare is a bloke who 400 years ago sat down and wrote a bunch of the most well-known plays in history (and we're still performing them today).

A lot of Shakespeare's plays continue to inspire new movies all the time, like the Lion King. In fact, you've probably seen some of Shakespeare’s work without even realising it.

Unfortunately, the original Globe burnt down a few centuries ago. They did build another one though, just around the corner from the original. Which if you are lucky enough you can visit one day and see some of these iconic plays in action. But if you can't make it over there don't worry because this guy has created a full-size pop up version. So, Australians can experience what it was like to see a show back in Shakespeare’s day too.

There are a few big things that make the Globe different to anything you'd see today. It has three storeys of seating and can hold up to 3,000 people. But at the base of the stage there's an area called the pit where people stand and watch the performance. Although there's also no roof so if you're standing you might want to bring an umbrella just in case.


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