Built in 1599, the original Globe Theatre was a three-story, open-air amphitheatre in London, England. It measured approximately 100 feet (30 meters) in diameter, making it one of the largest theatres of its time.
- Seating capacity: The Globe could hold up to 3000 people, with approximately 1500 standing in the "yard" or "pit" and the rest seated in galleries or "tiers" that surrounded the stage.
- Stage: The stage was a raised platform measuring 43 feet (13 meters) wide and 27 feet (8 meters) deep. It was covered by a "heavens" or canopy supported by pillars.
- Architecture: The Globe was constructed using primarily oak, with a thatched roof. The walls were plastered and decorated with paintings and carvings.
The Globe was not only a popular venue for plays, but also for bear-baiting, bull-baiting, and other forms of entertainment. It was associated with the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theatre company which included William Shakespeare, and it was the premiere location for many of Shakespeare's greatest works, including Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear.
In 1613, the Globe Theatre was destroyed in a fire during a performance of Henry VIII. It was rebuilt in 1614 and continued to operate until 1642 when all theatres were closed due to the English Civil War.