1. Global empire
In the second half of his career, Shakespeare also became a theatrical manager. In 1599 his troop (the Lord Chamberlain’s Men) built their own theatre, the Globe.
In 1613 the theatre burned to the ground when the wadding for the cannon used to create special sound effects caught fire. It was, however, rebuilt with a tile roof the following year.
A reconstruction of the Globe, built near its original site, opened in 1997.
The official website of the reconstructed Globe Theatre is at
What else can you find out about the Globe?

2. The Globe
Balcony
Housed the musicians; parts of the play might also be staged here
Galleries
Wealthier theatre-goers sat here
Only partly roofed
Actors and groundlings got wet in the rain
Tiring house
Where the costumes were kept
Stage
Most of the action took place here
You may need to explain the term ‘groundlings’ – the poorest members of the audience who stood or sat in the yard to watch the play.
For more information, visit the official website of the reconstructed Globe Theatre at
Yard
The groundlings stood here to watch the play
Hell
Home of fiends and villains, accessed by a trapdoor
Circular layout
Audience surrounded the stage

3. The audience Yard ……………….. 1 penny Wooden seats ……. 2 pennies
People from all walks of life went to the theatre, from thieves and pickpockets to wealthy nobles. We can tell this by looking at the price list:
Yard ……………….. 1 penny
Wooden seats ……. 2 pennies
Wooden seats
(cushioned) ……….. 3 pennies Lord’s room ……….. 6 pennies