A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Witness for the Prosecution?

These are two very unique and interesting venues- are you more interested in a modernist building that used to be a seat of local government, or a recreation of an Elizabethan theatre? I really like both, personally. With Witness for the Prosecution they've taken what was the London County Council chamber and turned it into a court room, which works very well. With the Globe they have faithfully recreated the feeling of attending a show during Shakespeare's lifetime, which may not mean the most comfortable seats (you can request a cushion for a small additional cost) tho it is very authentic.

I saw Witness back in December, and toured the Globe on a prior visit, although haven't attended a performance there. Witness is immensely entertaining, and the venue suits it perfectly, but note that the cheap seats are up in the galleries, which while offering a nice view down to the action, are a bit removed. Not sure whether your price range would seat you downstairs.

I'm sure the performance at the Globe will be first-rate, and the experience unique. Be sure to rent a cushion if you go. I don't think you can make a bad choice - Witness could be the safer choice if you don't have an ear for Shakespeare.

The previous posts have described the venues very well. For the Globe, unless you are younger and ars willing to stand for 2 hours, opt for seats in the gallery, and be kind to your backside and pay for cushions. The seats themselves are just benches.

I've seen both multiple times, but as movies, not live theatre. MSND is a very light hearted comedy and is one of my favorites, but I think, as suggested, you need an ear for Shakespeare to really catch all the word play. WFTP is obviously a courtroom drama, with a bit of comedic relief thrown in, and some delicious plot twists. It really depends on which you might feel in the mood for. No wrong choice here.

Thanks everyone! I appreciate that both would offer a unique London theatre experience. That’s part of the difficulty. 😊 Wish we could do both. Our two older daughters will be joining us on the trip, and I thought they may lean towards a MSND, but I have to admit that none of us are Shakespeare aficionados. Wouldn’t want it all to fly over our heads. Also, my husband is a tall man - the seating may be a bit of a challenge.
I kind of get the impression, that at The County Hall, the audience is able to be a part of the action in WFTP? That sounds like fun - but I’m sure that involves the pricier seating options?
Maybe we go for WFTP and do a tour of The Globe. I’ll research seating options? Thanks again!

If you aren’t particularly in to Shakespeare I would say give the Globe a miss.
I totally understand why people like it but it can be hard work and while the conditions in the Globe are authentic they are definitely not comfortable!

I kind of get the impression, that at The County Hall, the audience is able to be a part of the action in WFTP?

You can purchase a premium price ticket to sit in the jury box - it gets you 2 free drinks and a program, but you don't really participate, beyond being addressed by the judge.

Midsomer is my favorite Shakespeare play. However wholeheartedly recommend seeing Witness for The Prosecution at County Hall.
Sat in the stalls: Row C seat x 55.

Very good POV.

My travel philosophy is to spend money when I want to splurge. I’m horrible at maths so I’ll let each reader do their on calculations from pounds to dollars.

Ticket cost was £82.50

Throughly pleased with where I sat and the production.

I’m not tall so might be better to book an aisle seat for Dad.

I haven't seen a Midsummer Night's Dream, but I have seen Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall, and it was excellent! We sat pretty close up, and it was non-stop in drama and excitement. I saw it with my 16 year old daughter and she loved it too. And the building is beautiful.