I can't decide whether to see a Shakespeare play at the Globe Theater or by the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon? It doesn't seem that the RSC performs at the Globe. The Globe is beautiful and a venue Shakespeare meant for his plays to be seen. But the RSC is fabulous! (My husband and I saw "As You Like It" in Stratford-upon-Avon several years ago. We're now traveling with our 13-year old so wonder if the Globe this time around would be fun. Our son is familiar with the Globe Theater because it's part of our Holiday decorations (Dept. 56).) Or we could splurge and do both? Thoughts?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33175 posts
They are completely different. The RSC has just completed the new building in Stratford. Sometimes they also perform at the Barbican in London. Do both.... (you're paying, not me)
Posted by
Los Angeles, California
1986 posts
The Globe is an "experience" as to what it was like in Shakespeare's times. Stratford is 'theater". Depending on what the program is in stratford, you could alwyas do both.
Posted by
Land of La
8833 posts
Have not been to SUA but can attest that seeing a play at the Globe Theatre is a wonderful experience. Saw Much Ado About Nothing last May. Stellar.
Posted by
La Porte, IN, USA
7 posts
I have not been to Stratford, but my son and I saw King Lear at the Globe, and it was wonderful! Before the play we ate lunch at their restaurant, and had a wonderful view across the Thames to St. Paul's Cathedral. All of the seats in the theater are wooden benches, so we rented cushions for about one pound each. The actors not only were on the stage, but in the aisles and in a window above the stage. The "cheap seats" were about 5 pounds each, but you had to stand for the entire performance, and King Lear is a long play. Every once in a while a jet would fly overhead, and we could see it through the opening of the roof. The Globe Theater is a wonderful experience.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Quick warning: From 28th April to 9th June this year the Globe is doing a season of visiting foreign productions of Shakespeare plays, most of which are not in English and won't be surtitled. Some of the ticket agencies have a nasty habit of not telling tourists when productions are not in English.
Posted by
OP
Lopacinski
8 posts
Thank you all very much for your replies and good advice!! It's very helpful!!