When following Shakespeare's trail, checking out some of London's theatres is compulsory!

First, we went to see a couple of shows at Shakespeare's Globe. Although the theatre is not the original one, the recently built Shakespeare's Globe is almost an exact replica. It was built using techniques and tools that would have been used in Shakespeare's time. The building itself is really something to see. It is an open-air theatre, which means that there is not a complete roof on the building. Many of the people who attend plays opt to buy groundling tickets rather than paying the extra cash to sit in the seats. We tried both options; I preferred standing. We were able to get right next to the stage just a few feet from the actors. The theatre quickly filled up. It was very strange to see people standing; until today I'd only ever seen that many people standing at a concert.

Today, the Shakespeare's Globe puts on Shakespeare productions, other plays from the Elizabethan Era, and some modern plays for good measure. Part of what makes the Shakespeare's Globe so unique is that they don't use sound equipment or fancy special effects. The actors must have strong enough voices to fill the theatre and these actors certainly did.

Then to the Old Vic, also located on the south side of the Thames River. We saw a performance of Shakespeare's Richard II the night before we visited. This was radically different than the productions we saw at the Globe. The Old Vic put on a very modern version using large television screens and modern costumes. Short film segments were played on the screens which were similar to the same segments we see over and over on the news today. The character of King Richard was played by Kevin Spacey; he is also Artistic Director of the theatre. What's great about this theatre is that it is where many of the great stage actors got their start. People like Judi Dench, Ian McKellan, and Alec Guiness have all appeared on this stage.

We arrived at the Old Vic early in the morning following the prior evening's performance. It was strange to be inside a theatre when a show is not on. We got to stand right next to the stage while our tour guide, Trina, stood in the middle of the empty audience seats, or stalls. She told us about the long history of theatre and Shakespeare at the Old Vic. I was so busy looking up at the decorated ceiling, how the lights where hung, and the stage behind me that I had to remind myself to pay attention to my camera.

Later on our journey, we will visit the Royal Shakespeare Company, and interview British actor Paterson Joseph at the National Theatre.

Stay tuned!

Tour the Old Vic

For Extra Credit:
Learn about other Elizabethan theatres: the Swan and the Rose.

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