Globe Theatre Fact 1
The Globe Theatre was built in 1599 in Southwark on the south bank of London’s River Thames by Richard Burbage.

Globe Theatre Fact 2
The timber for The Globe Theatre was actually reused wood from “The Theatre” – an earlier theatre owned by Richard Burbage’s father.

Globe Theatre Fact 3
The Globe was built as a large, round, open air theatre. There was a roof around the circumference which covered the seating area, leaving the theatre looking like a doughnut from above. Globe Theatre Fact 4
The Globe had three stories of seating and was able to hold up to 3,000 spectators in it’s 100 foot diameter.

Globe Theatre Fact 5
At the base of the stage was an area called “the pit” which held “the groundlings” – people who paid just a penny to stand and watch a performance.

Globe Theatre Fact 6
Part of the stage was called the “apron stage” – a rectangular platform that thrust out amongst the audience into the pit.

Globe Theatre Fact 7
William Shakespeare was a shareholder who owned 12.5% of The Globe Theatre. As a young

writer Shakespeare bought shares in the theatre and benefited financially as his popularity grew. Globe Theatre Fact 8
Colour coded flags were used outside the theatre to advertise the type of play to be performed – a red flag for a history play
, white for a comedy play and black for a tragedy play
.

Globe Theatre Fact 9
A crest above the main entrance to The Globe Theatre was inscribed with motto “Totus mundus agit histrionem” – Latin for “The whole world is a playhouse”.

Globe Theatre Fact 10
There were no actresses performing at The Globe Theatre – or any other theatre at that time.
Female roles were played by young boys as theatre stages were considered too risque a place for ladies.

Globe Theatre Fact 11
The Globe Theatre burnt down in 1613 when a special effect on stage went wrong. A cannon used for a performance of Henry VIII set light to the thatched roof