* The Globe was built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men, on the south bank of the River Thames. It was a circular wooden structure with a thatched roof, and could hold up to 3,000 people. The Globe was destroyed by fire in 1613, but was rebuilt in 1614. It continued to operate until it was closed by the Puritans in 1642.
* The Blackfriars Theatre was located in the former Blackfriars monastery, which had been dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538. The theater was opened in 1576, and was used by the Lord Chamberlain's Men from 1597 to 1603. The Blackfriars Theatre was smaller than the Globe, with a capacity of about 800 people, and was roofed. This made it a more comfortable venue for performances during the winter months.
In addition to the Globe and the Blackfriars Theatre, there were a number of other theaters in London during Shakespeare's time, including the Curtain Theatre, the Rose Theatre, and the Swan Theatre. These theaters were all located on the south bank of the River Thames, in an area known as the Bankside. The Bankside was a popular entertainment district, and was also home to a number of brothels and gambling dens.