History
A theatre in London associated with William Shakespeare. It was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. The Globe was an open-air amphitheater, circular in shape, with a diameter of approximately 100 feet (30 meters) and a capacity of approximately 3,000 people. The stage was a platform extending into the audience, and there was a "heavens" above, which was used for special effects. The Globe was hugely successful, and Shakespeare wrote many of his greatest plays for it, including _Hamlet_, _Othello_, _King Lear_, and _The Tempest_.
Fire and Restoration
In 1613, the Globe was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1614, but it closed in 1642 when all the playhouses were closed due to the English Civil War. After the monarchy was restored in 1660, the Globe was rebuilt again, but it was demolished in 1644 to make way for residential development.
Excavation and Present Theatre
In 1989, the remains of the Globe Theatre were excavated in Southwark, London. Based on the excavated foundations, a new Globe Theatre has been built as close as possible to the original design and location. The new Globe is a popular tourist attraction, and it is used for performances of Shakespeare's plays.