Shakespeare Globe-where to watch play?

We saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream" there a few years ago, and it was one of the best experiences we've ever had. We thought about going as groundlings, but changed our minds. That's a long time to stand, especially in a crowd. We got mid-level seats, and it worked out well. We had a great view of the entire stage, which was important because all parts of the stage - including upper levels - were used. The groundlings did get to be "up close and personal" when Puck dashed out into their area several times, though. But I doubt they had as good a view as we did.

We went as groundlings several years ago. We arrived early and were able to stand right at the stage, in fact we could rest our elbows on it. (Don't know whether that is allowed now. The last time we went we had seats and noticed there was a barrier keeping groundlings back somewhat). It is a very long time to stand. But the experience of being involved in some of the sightgags and with the actors was magic for my 14 year old son's introduction to Shakespeare. The last time we went to a play there was lots of jet traffic that interfered with hearing the play. We had seats and rented cushions but not the most comfortable....we had cheap seats. Good experience though.

I’ll walk 6 miles a day during my trips to London but no way could I stand as a groundling.

I got tix and paid for cushions for my one visit to the globe a decade ago.

If the performance is crowded (which it probably will be for a Shakespeare play) it's better to stay in your seat to avoid overcrowding the yard.

Who wants to stand for 2.5 hours? I wouldn’t. If you have a seat, use it. Groundlings - another of Rick’s “good” ideas and ok when you’re 20, but not a practical option for anyone older than say 30.

Having had Shakespeare drummed into me at school, I pay NOT to see another tedious play, particularly if I had aching legs from standing for hours, but it’s your holiday, not mine!

We’ve got tickets for ‘Upstart Crow’ when we pay a flying visit to ‘that London’ next month! Looking forward to it, especially as tickets cost the proverbial arm and a leg!

As regards the Globe performances, we don’t stand with groundlings - with my arthritis, are you kidding? - but get seats in the first tier immediately behind/marginally above the groundlings. More expensive, but more comfortable, a relative term as The Globe is an accurate reconstruction and has wooden bench-style seats as opposed to plush bucket seats. Therefore, pay extra to hire a cushion and if you can get one, a backrest - worth every penny! You won’t be able to sit anywhere at all with a groundling ticket - they are strictly standing for the ENTIRE performance, so shell out for a seat. The Globe is open to the sky, like I said, it’s a fairly accurate reconstruction, but of course in Shakespeare’s day they didn’t have to worry about being directly under the flight path into Heathrow, and that can be a bit of a distraction.

Thanks to the British education system I was exposed to Shakespeare at an early age and have come to love it. Seeing performances at The Globe gives an extra bit of nuance. That said, the plots can be mystifying, so I always do a quick swot-up of the plot synopsis online before attending, just so I have a rough grasp of what’s going on and who is doing what to who and, if possible, why! The language is not that difficult to understand once you get into it (unless it’s by the fantastic Northern Broadsides who ditch Received Pronunciation for their own, unfiltered, usually northern, accents) - after all, Shakespeare was writing for the groundlings (cheap seats!) as well as the cognoscenti!

Have a wonderful time!

Ian

Hi. I think As You Like It was the first play I saw at the Globe. I have been 5 times, I think, and try to fit it in whenever I get to London. Some seasons they have had a slew of plays I haven't wanted to see, Titus Andronicus, for example. My favorite has been the Emma Rice Midsummer Night's Dream that I believe Jane referenced in her post. This was the MOST fun. It was released on DVD last year and I scarfed it up.

I have no interest in standing. I sit and try to get the best seat I can, though not the priciest, meaning the best view available, not stuck in the middle of a row, and not on the first tier. I want to be a little up. Somewhere on the second tier in the front row on an aisle would suit me really well. I saw Macbeth from a restricted side view on the top tier, and it was still fun and amazing. I do pay for the cushion.

I think there is much material available online about the reconstruction of the Globe, so maybe you can get your history fix that way?

My impression is that the little staircases that separate the ground floor from the first tier are either used by performers or watched to prevent people who have not paid for them from trying for a seat. I do not believe you can move back and forth at will. I prefer to sit. Enjoy!

Debbie, I didn't know about the DVD. Wow! I have got to look that up. That performance was absolutely wonderful. "Tedious?" No way. It was fast paced, funny, with amazing sets and costumes. And not being from England, I'm sure we didn't get half the jokes. The acting was amazing. Miau-Miau in a dual role was outstanding. (I think that was her name? She played Puck, as well as the old man.) And Hermia, breaking into "Put a ring on it" in the forest scene...

Thank you so much! Can't wait to find the DVD. We actually ran into a person from Kansas City who saw the same play that same season; in fact, we were in London at the same time, but she went to the Globe the night after we did. Her reaction was the same as ours.

Jane, the DVD is for sale at the Globe's shop. Order online - just 20 pounds. Yes, people were singing along to bits of song. It was great. So glad I have the DVD.

Thanks, Debbie. I told my DH last night that there was a DVD, and he said "Get it!"

I have heard (and Google just confirmed) that UK disks may not work in US players. The source said they should play on computers, and would work also once they've been copied.

Did you have to do anything special to get the disk to work? I want to be sure before I spend ₤20.

Edit to add: I just checked the Globe's website, and it says the DVD plays in all formats. I'm on it!

(And just looking at the cover of the DVD made me laugh, remembering what a slut Tatania was!)

Whilst a couple of posters obviously prefer to cackle away at Mrs Brown's Boys, I do agree with the other poster who suggested doing a bit of homework and checking the plot before attending. Especially with As You Like It which doesn't make a huge amount of sense (or have humour), to "modern ears". That's not so necessary, I think, with the history plays where you can just enjoy the story, but the comedies can be odd.

Jane - sent you an PM so as not to highjack this thread. Bye all.

Oops, sorry, Marie. Although the focus of the OP - whether to sit or stand - got lost some time ago.

Thanks to all who chimed into my questions. Even the off topic comments were interesting. My bum will definitely be in a seat, hopefully with a cushion.

Yes to the cushion!! And instead of renting a back rest, we have gotten seats in the last row of Tier 1, which lets you lean up against the wall to ease the strain of sitting for so long. I think that was a recommendation on TheatreMonkey. Enjoy the show!

The back rows on all three levels have walls behind you that you can rest your back on.

We had seats against the wall. I don't remember if we got cushions or not.

I sat against the back wall for a pretty bad production of Macbeth a few years ago. It was the least comfortable theater experience I've ever had. A better production would have made it more bearable. I couldn't imagine standing for the whole show. Someone passed out down there, they didn't stop the play but there was evident commotion with flashlights as people came in to help. I would have hated a bench seat without a back, which I think most of them are. I don't think I had a cushion, that would have helped.

To be or not to be a Shakespeare fan -- I am one, without making a fetish of it. Read plays in American and English schools, saw them in many cities and formats, enjoyed most but not all. Going to see Henry VI in Ashland next month. It helps to read the play and learn something about the context if you can beforehand. So if you like As You Like It, go see it, but for heaven's sake sit down! ;-)