Is Shakespeare's Globe a Fake?

2007-09-25T13:02:58+02:00

One of the curent big attractions in for theatre breaks in London is a visit to "Shakespeare's Globe", but is it his, or an elaborate fake? From the first time I saw the Globe this bothered me. I worried that rather than giving us an 'authentic' experience of Tudor theatre it would turn the plays into a historical sideshow. All the work done to place the works in a timeless context, with modern dress and minimalst settings, that I've enjoyed over the last 20 years or so might be undermined, especially as the Globe does a great deal of work with schools.
Deciding to put my preconceptions on one side I set out to explore just what is good and not so good about this "Shakespearian Experience". I assumed that most people there would be either American tourists (and I must confess to a rather stereo-typical view of them!) or A level students. Wrong! The mix is much the same as that of any London theatre audience and they behave in much the same way as they would in a more conventional theatre.

The groundlings (who stand for the entire performance!) are surprisingly quiet and respectful and this is where the whole idea of authenticity slightly falls apart. In the Tudor theatre the groundlings were a disrespectful rabble who were there for a good night out, to have a laugh and a fight, or to 'do a bit of business'. They were essentially that dangerous beast, the London Mob, whose opinions and mood could turn in the blinck of an eye. They were constantly getting the theatres closed and the cause of numerous riots. It's hard to equate them with the groundlings of today, many of whom are university students who have managed to get some of the £5 tickets available on the day. But then students aren't what they were...... (sighs )

VideoJug: London: Shakespeare's Globe
The interior of the Globe is impressive, but "the play's the thing" and for me I'd rather see a modern production in the evening and visit the Globe, perhaps doing one of their theatre tours, during the afternoon. That way I get to make the most of my theatre breaks in London

Comments

Theatre breaks in London - What to See ?

2007-09-21T14:12:03+02:00

Autumn and winter 2007 look like a great time for theatre breaks. In London theatres there are some really fantastic shows that will make choosing just one a real challenge. I'm going to suggest a mix of old and new that I think are the most interesting choices for each of the main categories.
Comedy

Spamalot - sort of based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, wildly comic with a very sureal edge. (Palace Theatre on now)
The Importance of Being Earnest - Wilde's timeless classic, has to be worth seeing especially with Penelope Keith as Lady Bracknell. How will we resist joining in with the handbag line? ( Vaudeville Theatre from January)

Drama

Glengarry, Glen Ross - Jonathan Price should be great in this 25th aniversary revival of Mamet's '80s take on greed and the verbally violent world of sales. (The Apollo, from Sept 27th)
Macbeth - the Scottish play transferred from the Chichester Festival to the West End with rave reviews. This is not an anodyne schools version but high octane, full on Shakespere. ( Geilgud Theatre, Sept 21st - Nov 27th)
King Lear - after sell out shows in Stratford, McKellen's Lear comes to the West End. Trevor Nunn directs, and if that isn't enough to tempt you Sylvester McCoy plays the Fool! ( New London Theatre, Novemeber 12th - January 12th)

Musicals

Desperately Seeking Susan - Based on the 80s film comedy that introduced Madonna, with a period musical score provided by Blodie's greatest hits and one totally new song written by Debbie Harry for the show. This should be a real feel-good evening of 80s nostalgia. (The Aldwych, from October 12th)
Rent, the musical- despite being a revival this promises to be a 're-mixed', up to the minute production with some popular names, including Denise Van Outen. (The Duke of York Theatre, from October 2nd)
Mary Poppins - last chance to see this timeless classic before the run ends. A wonderful show to take the kids to or just enjoy reliving your own childhood! ( Prince Edward Theatre - till January 12th)

So, that's my round up of some of the more interesting things to see during t heatre breaks in London to cheer up the next few months.

Comments

Theatre Breaks in London

Is Shakespeare's Globe a Fake?

Theatre breaks in London - What to See ?