Shakespeare’s Theatre

Outside view of the Shakespeare Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre was awe-inspiring. Completed in 1599, it was designed and constructed by The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. This group of actors and writers contained one man who would become well-known for his plays: William Shakespeare.

As Shakespeare’s fame rose, so did his ownership of the Globe Theatre. By 1613, it had solely belonged to Shakespeare and performed many of his plays. The theatre became one of the most successful theaters in London, England, until a disaster broke out.

The Fire

That same year, on June 29th, the Globe Theatre hosted a performance of Shakespeare’s play “Henry VIII”. The play had been going well until the cannons were brought out.

Suddenly, one of the cannons misfired and hit the thatched ceiling. It immediately set ablaze the ceiling, and the crowd began to panic. People rushed out of the theatre as it engulfed the building in flames.

The Second Theatre

Inside view of the Globe Theatre by Shakespeare

One year after the Globe Theatre fire, a new theatre was built in the same location. It was to be the second Globe Theatre to bring back the glory of the first.

Yet, the timing could not have been worse. The second theatre operated for about 30 years. In 1644, the Long Parliament of England ordered the theater to be shut down. The Parliament ordered all theaters in London to be closed as the First English War had been ongoing.

Following the civil war, the theatre was never re-opened. Centuries went by, and it seemed to only be a memory in history.

The Third Theatre

Over three hundred years later, people renewed their interest in the Globe Theatre once again. In 1989, the remains of the theatre were rediscovered, which confirmed the building’s unique design and original dimensions.

In 1997, American actor Sam Wanamaker had the Globe Theatre rebuilt. He chose the exact original site as the one where William Shakespeare had built his theatre on. Wanamaker named his theatre “Shakespeare’s Globe” in honor of the famous playwright.

Conclusion

To this day, Shakespeare’s Globe continues to hold performances. The theatre also performs some of William Shakespeare’s plays occasionally, as to honor the man who had started it all.

Bryson Kenison is a freelance writer and history researcher.

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