Shakespeare's Globe Theatre London
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre Tickets
What’s On at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on Bankside isn't just a place to see a play: it's a unique experience that merges classic and modern stagecraft to memorable effect. As a top destination for UK and international tourists, the 2026 summer season includes some of the Bard's best shows, with A Midsummer Night's Dream and Much Ado About Nothing both playing in the Wooden O. If you're after something a bit different, you can also see 20th century European classic Mother Courage and Her Children, by Bertolt Brecht. Whatever you choose to see at London's most historic theatre, it's guaranteed to be a memorable visit - whether it's clear skies or raining!
About the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Opened in 1997 by director and actor Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe gives audiences the opportunity to experience theatrical events in a way no other venue can replicate.
The building sits close to the site of the first Globe Theatre, which opened in 1599. Wanamaker wanted to match the dimensions, materials and playing conditions of the original as closely as possible and worked tirelessly for over 20 years to achieve his vision.
The Globe is constructed entirely from timber and natural materials, with a thatched roof - the first permitted in London since the Great Fire of 1666 - and thrust stage. Visitors can sit on benches or stand in the yard as "Groundlings" during the venue’s summer performance season. Over the winter months, visitors to Shakespeare's Globe can enjoy candlelit performances at the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. There are several Globe Theatre tours available to book for those keen to learn more about the rich history of this iconic venue.
Artistic Directors at the Globe include Academy Award-winning actor Mark Rylance and theatre practitioner Emma Rice. Rice‘s tenure lasted just a few months; the board cited concerns over authenticity and the use of lighting technology in this decision.
The Globe Theatre programme includes Shakespeare's plays and brand new writing. It has produced many hugely successful productions, including Morgan Lloyd-Malcolm’s Emilia and Lucy Bailey’s notoriously gory staging of Titus Andronicus, which made headlines for the number of Groundlings fainting during its run.
Should I get there early?
As well as taking a walk along the beautiful bankside, if you arrive early to the Globe theatre you can sample their cafe, bars and restaurants, as well as the Globe shop, which is jam packed with playtexts and merchandise, perfect for the Bard lover in your life! There are also often talks and events relating to the current season's productions, which can be held either pre or post-show.
Map and Address
21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT
Rail: Blackfriars Station is about 10 minutes away from the theatre. London Bridge is a 15-minute walk, or Waterloo is a 25-minute walk along the river.
Tube: London Bridge station is on the Jubilee and Northern lines, around 15 minutes walk away. Across the Millennium Bridge, St Paul's station (Central line) is around 15 minutes walk.
Bus: Local routes include 45, 63, and 100 to Blackfriars Bridge, 11, 15, 17, and 26 to Mansion House, or the 76 to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Car: There are limited Blue Badge spaces on New Globe Walk and other nearby streets. Bankside is pedestrianised, but drop-offs are possible on New Globe Walk or Park Street.
Nearby Attractions
Shakespeare’s Globe is a recreation of an Elizabethan playhouse at Bankside on the south side of the River Thames.
The Tate Modern sits at the foot of the Millennium Bridge, around 5 minutes' walk from the Globe, and is host to a free-to-visit permanent collection and a varied programme of temporary exhibitions, including the famous Turbine Hall. To the east of the theatre is Southwark, where attractions include the Cathedral (around a 10-minute walk) and Borough Market (around 8 minutes' walk).
St Paul’s Cathedral is across the Thames, around a 15-minute walk across the Millennium Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Globe Theatre box office open and how do I collect tickets?
The box office is open for ticket collection and enquiries from 11am - 6pm on Monday - Friday, 10am - 6pm on Saturdays, and 11am - 5pm on Sundays. Tickets are usually sent electronically, up to one day before your scheduled performance. If you need to collect tickets on the day, this can be done at the box office.
What time does Shakespeare’s Globe London open for a show?
The building is open daily from 10am for pre-booked guided tours, which can be enjoyed before attending a show. It is advised that you arrive at the theatre at least half an hour before the start of a performance, to allow time for security checks and getting to your seats.
What food and drink are available at Shakespeare’s Globe?
The Swan bar and restaurant is located on-site, offering seasonal menus for pre-theatre dining and refreshments. Theatregoers can also take drinks ordered at the bar into the auditorium.
The Swan bar is open from 10.30am daily, with last orders at 10pm. The restaurant is open from 12pm - 9.45pm on Monday - Saturday and 12pm - 6pm on Sundays.
Is there a dress code at Shakespeare’s Globe?
There is no dress code, but the venue is an open-air theatre and performances go ahead in most conditions. It is therefore best to dress for the weather. Please note that umbrellas are not allowed to be opened in the theatre.
Does Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre have a cloakroom?
The cloakroom is currently closed. Visitors can take bags up to 40cm x 35cm x 19cm into the building, and any bags larger than this must be stored off-site. There are exceptions for larger bags containing medical or childcare equipment.
Luggage storage facilities such as Stasher have locations nearby that will accept larger bags, including Premier Inn (Bankside) and Premier Inn (Tate Modern). Spaces must be pre-booked, and prices start at £6 for one bag.
Where should I eat near Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre?
The on-site Swan restaurant has seasonal lunch and dinner menus, whilst nearby Borough Market has a variety of global food vendors and restaurants including Levantine outlet Arabica. Other options in Bankside include Mediterranean restaurant The Real Greek and burger and BBQ joint, Porkys.
What is the best hotel to stay at near Shakespeare’s Globe?
Native Bankside is a hotel and aparthotel complex in a converted Victorian warehouse, located very close to the venue. Rooms are relaxed and stylish, offering a boutique hotel environment with lots of cultural attractions nearby. There are also a range of mid and low-budget hotels such as Ibis Southwark and Premier Inn Bankside within walking distance of the theatre.
How do I contact the box office?
The box office can be contacted by phone on +44 (0)20 7401 9919 or by email at tickets@shakespearesglobe.com.
When was Shakespeare's Globe built and how old is the theatre?
The theatre opened in 1997, and 2022 marks its 25th year as a performance venue. It was the passion project of actor and director Sam Wanamaker, who worked for 20 years, with the help of historical advisors and architects, to replicate the style and materials of Elizabethan playhouses.
The Globe is based on a much older theatre with the same name, which opened in 1599. The original was built by the Lord Chamberlain's Men, an acting company that Shakespeare had often performed with. The theatre became heavily associated with Shakespeare's work, and many of his best-known plays such as Hamlet and Othello were performed there during his lifetime.
In 1613, the theatre burned down when a theatrical cannon misfired during a performance of Henry VIII. It was rebuilt and reopened in 1614 on the same site. It was later closed by the Puritan government in 1642, and pulled down in 1644. The current site in modern-day Bankside is located around 750 feet - or one street - away from the site of the original theatre.
