Opened in 1997, the existing "Shakespeare's Globe Theatre" is a modern reconstruction of the original "Globe Theatre", of which William Shakespeare was a shareholder, and is a shrine to his work.

Built in 1599, the original was destroyed by fire in 1613 during a performance of Henry the Eighth, when a stage cannon misfired, setting fire to part of the theatres thatching. Housing up to 3,000 spectators, the original theatre was extremely popular at the time and so a new "Globe Theatre" was rebuilt shortly afterwards, although it closed in 1642.

Now, just like the original theatre, the works of Shakespeare can be enjoyed here between May to October, although tours of the theatre are available all year round.

Tickets for plays are reasonably priced and start at just £5 for the uncovered, standing area, although you must stand! For a little more comfort, the covered seating areas provide the opportunity to see how the wealthier spectators of Shakespeare's day would have viewed the performances and looked down on the peasants below! Seating ranges from £15-£35.