The Globe Theatre was a large, round or polygonal open-air amphitheatre built in 1599 by Shakespeare's playing company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. It was located on the south bank of the River Thames, in the London borough of Southwark.
The Globe had a diameter of approximately 100 feet (30 m) and could hold up to 3,000 people. The stage was a platform that extended into the audience, and was surrounded by a three-tiered gallery of seating. The top tier was known as the "penny gallery," and was the cheapest place to sit.
Construction
The Globe was built of timber, with a thatched roof. The walls were made of wattle and daub, a mixture of mud, straw, and animal hair. The stage was made of wood, and was covered with a canvas canopy.
The Audience
The Globe Theatre was open to all social classes, from the wealthy nobility to the common people. The audience was often rowdy and vocal, and would sometimes heckle the actors.
The Performances
The Globe Theatre was primarily used for the performance of plays by William Shakespeare. However, other playwrights, such as Ben Jonson and Christopher Marlowe, also had their works performed there.
The Fate of the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613. It was rebuilt the following year, but was closed down by the Puritans in 1642. The theatre was demolished in 1644.
The Modern Globe Theatre
In 1997, a modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre was built on the south bank of the River Thames, near the site of the original theatre. The new theatre is used for the performance of Shakespeare's plays, as well as other plays and events.