London's Globe theatre

I bought my tickets online before I went to London, to guarantee my seats. This was some years back. I can't remember the number of the section where I sat, it was in the back of the middle section and it wasn't in the highest price range. Good view. Definitely rent a cushion when you arrive at the theatre - the wooden seats are hard! The theatre layout encourages the audience to talk to each other, and I found myself talking to strangers sitting next to me during interval. I've also stood among the 'groundlings' in front of the stage, it was fun and you are very close to the action. Can get tiring though, and you can't sit down while the play is going on. Best to call the theatre when you arrive in London to check on the ticket situation, if you don't buy them in advance. It didn't get too cold at night, but since it's London, you should bring a sweater or windcheater just in case.

I've done groundling, and the middle level of the balcony. The site is fairly good about warning you of obstructed view. They stage the productions for the venue, but I don't think I'd want to be too far off to the sides. Both my experiences were great, and I'm looking forward to seeing more plays there soon. Buy in advance, even groundling tickets sell out for some productions. I wasn't cold in the summer evening, it was a warm day. Do take the recommendation for a seat cushion, it's well worth the rental. The benches are hard, small, and with not a lot of leg room. I appreciated being able to lean forward onto the railing of the balcony.

Ruth We've sat in most places at various times. Anywhere is fine for the atmosphere and the productions are designed so as to fill the space. Having said that given a choice I would go for the centre of the middle gallery. You're straight on to the performance but high enough to get an overview. If you're thinking of standing tickets remember that the groundling area isn't covered and that we get rain in England even in the summer. We saw a version of King Lear a couple of years ago which was much enhanced by a thunder storm during the heath scene. I wouldn't like to have been standing out in it though! There's a nice Turkish restaurant almost next door to the theatre. They'll ask you if you are attending a performance and make sure to get your food to you in plenty of time if so. http://www.tasrestaurant.com/tas_pide/index.htm Cheers Alan

I go there quite regularly and nowadays standing tickets are sold out in advance for most performances. There are always huge queues for returns. I'd suggest booking the ticket as soon as possible, I think booking is open now for the 2011 season.

Good to know Shakespeare's still pulling in the crowds in the 21st century!

Thanks, everyone -- bought our tickets yesterday! By the way, if anyone is planning to go to a performance this summer, book ASAP. I was shocked at how few seats were left (although plenty of standing room, still) for performances in July!

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I have just booked our tickets for the Globe in May.

I totally recommend a yard ticket. So cheap and so good! Experience it just like the people did in Shakespeare's time. If you must buy a seat, get on on the lowest level. From those seats you can stand in the yard if you want or go sit down if you get tired of standing. There is a separate line for yard ticket holders and people RUN to stand at the edge of the stage and be in the face of the actors! The Globe is the most marvelous theatre in the world! It will change the way you think of Shakespeare in performance! Go to a matinee and see it as it was intended. As the head of education at the Globe, Patrick Spottiswoode said to our class at the Globe as we walked in, "You're going to do something I can never do again: see the Globe for the first time." Do a Friday or Saturday matinee and go to Bourough Market for lunch before the show. A total Elizabethan experience!