Petunia Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 Many years ago I was in London when the Globe Theatre on the South Bank was just completed. I did a tour then but didn’t see a performance. Since that time I have often dreamt about watching a play as a “groundling”, but when I visited London in the following years it was never in the summer so there were no performances. Next year I’d like to come in May/June as I hope to catch a performance of the RB’s Robbins/MacMillan mixed bill so there might be a chance to see a play at the Globe. The Globe’s website doesn’t reveal their plans for the next year, so my question is – does anyone know when they are going to announce their schedule? And does one have to book standing tickets in advance? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anon2 Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 I would try emailing them and enquiring about the programme for next year as have noticed it always seems to be on the drag when announcing performances on the website. If you are lucky you might manage to get a groundling ticket on the day but to be safe I would always book in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 Great! Thanks, Jane. I'll send them an email and ask. I always thought the groundling tickets weren't bookable in advance, so that is good news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aileen Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 Petunia, are you aware that the Sam Wanamaker Theatre, which is a small, candlelit, indoor theatre next to the Globe, has now opened? I've not yet been to it but I believe that it's very atmospheric. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 Yes, when I was in London in March, I tried to see L'Ormindo, but it was sold out. I'd love to see a performance there, if I can remember to buy tickets well in advance. It's quite pricey, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lottie Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 When we used to go to the Globe, I think the tickets went on sale in February. Grounding tickets were available then as we used to get two seats and the rest groundling tickets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jm365 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 I have been to several performances at the Sam Wanamaker - and it's true, the atmosphere is absolutely wonderful. I have mostly been to recitals and it is a perfect place for very small scale groups. I am afraid I walked out of The Knight of the Burning Pestle because I hated the patomime style production. As you know, the lighting is by genuine candles. I have managed to get a ticket for L'Ormindo this time, and also for Farinelli. I think they should be fascinating. However, if you do try to go - and you will definitely have to book in advance, as the audience capacity is tiny - may I suggest that you try for the back row in the pit or the first gallery. The seating is 'authentic' - backless benches unless you are in the rows I suggest - and is truly the most uncomfortable seating I have ever encountered. Row D in the pit, if you take a cushion, is fine because you can lean back against the wall. The same applies in the lower gallery, but the cushion is less essential as there is much less of a gap between the back of the seat and the wall. Sorry to spend so much more time on the auditorium than the performances, but bitter experience has now taught me what to go for and if someone had explained to me before my first booking session, it would have saved a lot of discomfort. Good luck with getting tickets. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beryl H Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 I had an E-mail from Shakespeare's Globe yesterday and public booking for the summer season at the outside Globe starts on Monday 9th February, that includes standing tickets which are still £5, information is on the website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted November 23, 2014 Author Share Posted November 23, 2014 Thank you jm365 for your detailed advice and BerylH for the heads-up! Planning a visit to London is becoming more and more difficult... ! I have to find out how to cram as much dance and theatre as possible into a short stay... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted March 31, 2015 Author Share Posted March 31, 2015 I have to push this thread up to ask some more questions. I have just bought tickets for the RB triple bill on 29 May, now I can plan my visit to the Globe. There are two plays to choose from: As You Like It on Saturday 30th May evening or The Merchant of Venice at the 31th May Sunday matinee and evening. As I know and love both plays and couldn't decide anyhow, the main question is whether to go in the evening or at 1.00 pm (depending on availability of groundling tickets of course). So please all you seasoned theatregoers: can you help a clueless tourist? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarriott Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 I have to push this thread up to ask some more questions. I have just bought tickets for the RB triple bill on 29 May, now I can plan my visit to the Globe. There are two plays to choose from: As You Like It on Saturday 30th May evening or The Merchant of Venice at the 31th May Sunday matinee and evening. As I know and love both plays and couldn't decide anyhow, the main question is whether to go in the evening or at 1.00 pm (depending on availability of groundling tickets of course). So please all you seasoned theatregoers: can you help a clueless tourist? I prefer the evening to enjoy the atmosphere as the sun goes down (no modern lighting at the Globe). But whatever the time of day there will still be planes roaring overhead throughout the performance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beryl H Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Actually I'd be interested in knowing what an evening performance is like, quite cool I imagine even in midsummer, I always go to the 2pm start as I'm usually going on to the ballet, and because I can imagine the original Globe more in the afternoon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarriott Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 Actually I'd be interested in knowing what an evening performance is like, quite cool I imagine even in midsummer, Often, yes, like any other open air performance - and the seats are all under cover. It can get pretty wet too sometimes for Groundlings but transparent hooded ponchos are on offer - as are collapsible paper sunhats for daytime performances. What I like about evening performances is the unusual quality of the lighting - very atmospheric. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Petunia Posted June 3, 2015 Author Share Posted June 3, 2015 I did it! I went to see the Merchant of Venice last Sunday ( evening performance) and it was such an experience! I stood in the pit the whole time (felt my back slowly giving in ) Jonathan Pryce as Shylock was so great I felt thoroughly shaken at the end. Was so glad it wasn't raining, but it was very windy. Hope I can go again sometime! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnneMarriott Posted June 4, 2015 Share Posted June 4, 2015 I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I really hope you get the chance to experience it again, despite the wind and the aching back. If it helps, next time try to get in early and bag yourself a spot right up against the stage so you can lean on it - but beware being involved in the action if you do! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loveclassics Posted June 9, 2015 Share Posted June 9, 2015 Sometimes even the weather can't spoil a performance. My sister went to see The Tempest and there was a real downpour but it amazingly co-incided with Prospero summoning up a storm so really added to the atmosphere! I used to go a lot but in the seating areas as I couldn't stand that long. The seats are not that comfortable but you can hire a cushion which helps a bit. So glad you enjoyed your experience - I think it's something everyone should put on their bucket list if they're lucky enough to be able to get there. linda 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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