Hi, Visiting London with my 8 year old and 13 year old, and dd is very interested in visiting the Globe and seeing a show as she's been in a few Shakespeare plays. Seeing the show as a groundling sounds like fun, but I'm afraid I'll be lifting my 8 year old up the whole time. Is purchasing seats a better option with kids? Also, is the tour interesting to kids, or would it be better to just see a show? Thanks!
Gretchen
Posted by
near Ringwood, Hampshire, UK
521 posts
My daughter (who is 16) has been twice as a groundling, the first time when she was about 14. She raves about it and wouldn't see Shakespeare any other way, but I think you are right about your 8 year old. We did the tour about 6 weeks ago, for the second time. It was excellent, well worth doing and I'd say that your eldest in particular would really enjoy it. Not sure about the younger one, and bear in mind that the guide will normally explain something about the area in the 16th and early 17th centuries and what kinds of activities took place there. So for example there could be mention of certain, well, professions that an 8 year old probably isn't aware of, and that those professions were carried on in the theatre for patrons that wanted those kind of services. Nothing R rated, not even PG, but you may wish to have a word with the guide before hand.
Posted by
Land of La
9217 posts
Split the difference. One parent with 8 year old in seats and one parent with daughter as a groundling. http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/theatre/whats-on When will you be traveling? Thinking A MidSummer Night's Dream the best for a family viewing. Enjoy your visit. Great fun seeing a performance there.
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
My personal feeling is that 8 is too young for unabridged Shakespeare, but if you want to I'd either get a seat or start queuing at the gate 90 minutes before the play starts to make sure you're at the front.
Posted by
washington
837 posts
I suspect that the kids might enjoy the tour more than a performance. The performances are lengthy. The tour is very informative.