In summary
Shakespeare's Globe is a theatre on the bank of the River Thames in London. But did you know that this unique cultural landmark has a host of events and activities aimed at kids, making it perfect for a fun, creative, and educational family day out? Immerse your kids in the world of Shakespeare through kid-friendly storytelling performances, family workshops, fascinating tours, and demonstrations - including the chance to try your hand at sword fighting. This feature explores all Shakespeare's Globe has to offer kids...
About Shakespeare's Globe
If you're taking a stroll along the south bank, the Globe theatre, with its unique appearance, is hard to miss. It's a round wooden theatre space, with a white exterior and the only thatched roof in London. But there is no roof over the central yard. So those standing to watch a performance are in the open air. The current Globe is a careful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, which was located just around the corner from the current day theatre (and is commemorated by a plaque). The Elizabethan playhouse was first built in 1599, and Shakespeare's plays were preformed here, but it was destroyed by fire, and later torn down. Following a decades-long campaign by American actor Sam Wanamaker, the Globe was recreated near its original site. The chance to admire this remarkable structure, and step back in time to experience theatre in Shakespeare's day, is reason alone to visit.
When did we visit?
I visited with my husband and two sons, Odhran, 9, and his younger brother Reuben, on a cold but sunny Wednesday during February half term. The Globe run lots of kid-friendly events during school holidays. So, if you're planning ahead for a great Easter or May half term family day out, there'll be lots of workshops and family story-telling sessions talking place. The family sword-fighting demonstrations run right into November. And the tours and relaxed performances of shows take place throughout the year. So, it's always a good time to visit.
What is there for families to see and do?
Tours
We began our family day out with the Globe Story and Guided Tour. We were each given a headset, which you can adjust the volume on. The guide spoke through a headset, so there was no fear of not being able to hear what was being said or missing out on any information. Venturing into the theatre, our wonderful guide, Clive, brought to life the story of how the original theatre survived the plague, fire and political oppression and rose again as part of one man's radical vision. The 50-minute guided tour was filled with lots of interesting and fun facts. Odhran and Reuben were engaged throughout, and later repeated facts they'd learnt. After the guided part of the tour, you can enter the walk-through exhibition space, travelling through more than 400 years of history. There were some interactive elements to this and the boys enjoyed turning the handle on the wind machine to create sound effects. During the half term there was also the chance for kids to get their face painted (included in tour ticket price), and Reuben had a sword painted on his arm to look like a tattoo. There are lots of walking tours and guided tours available, so check out the Globe's website to see which one interests you the most. The Ghosts and Ghouls Family Tour is another one that caught our eye - From the Three Witches' spells in Macbeth, to Hamlet's father's ghost, you'll learn about Shakespeare's love for all things supernatural, as well as hearing the grisly details of medical practices in his time.
Family Storytelling
We enjoyed a wonderful one-woman family storytelling of The Tempest, performed creatively with minimal props. It took place in a small venue with raked seating that I imagine is otherwise used for rehearsals. It's called a storytelling session, but really it's a high-energy performance. All of the kids seemed completely absorbed and were encouraged to participate and singalong at different points during the show. The volunteers checking tickets and seating visitors were friendly and seemed to delight in watching the joy on the kids faces.
Family workshops
In the evening, we took part in an On Stage Workshop of Macbeth. There was a lot of fun learning crammed into this. We began by standing in a circle and taking turns to step into the centre to play assigned characters in a sort of blitz summarising of Macbeth. If you're shy, don't worry you won't be asked to do anything too taxing or outside of your comfort zone. It's all very relaxed and fun. We then analysed a couple of short pieces of text from Macbeth to explore the rhythm and the descriptive words within the texts that might reveal the appearance of the characters and the emotions being experienced, to hint at how the character should be performed. Reuben threw himself into physically portraying one of the Three Witches, and Odhran loved the fact that our workshop took place on the iconic Globe stage.
Demonstrations
There are few kids who won't be excited about the idea sword fighting. At the Globe, families are invited to book a Sword Fighting Demonstration, where they can learn about fighting in 16th century London and in Shakespeare's plays. Visitors will watch a thrilling demonstration and handle the weapons themselves. Or if you're interested in 16th century fashion, you can literally step into the shoes of those from Shakespeare's time in an Elizabethan Costume Demonstration.
What about the facilities?
The Globe is pram-friendly, with step-free access to the main foyer and box office entrance, and lift access to all other floors. Prams aren't permitted in the auditorium, but you can wear a baby sling, and there is a place to store prams and buggies. Prams are permitted on the tours, but it means you won't be able to access the upper levels of the Globe Theatre.
There is a gender-neutral toilet with baby changing facilities next to the souvenir shop. The Swan is the on-site bar and restaurant, and it has a children's menu. There's also the Café Foyer for more casual dining, or if you simply fancy a cuppa and slice of cake. They also offer a children's lunch deal during the school holidays.
The gift shop has some lovely things on offer for both kids and adults, and Odhran and Reuben were quick to spend their pocket money here. Reuben treated himself to a wooden sword and shield and Odhran chose a graphic novel of Romeo and Juliet.
What age is it most suitable for?
Shakespeare's Globe offers a broad range of activities to make Shakespeare accessible to kids. All ages are welcome at the Globe, and anyone under the age of three can attend any production for free and they do not require a ticket. Parents with babies might like to book tickets close to an exit in case they need to pop out at any point during the performance. The open-air Globe Theatre has a more relaxed atmosphere, whereas the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is a more intimate venue, which is worth considering when booking. Look out for Relaxed Performances (indicated by the initial 'R' under the show listing on the website bookings page). These performances have an open-door policy meaning you can come and go as you please. The family storytelling sessions are aimed at ages 5-11, the workshops are for two different age groups - 5 to 8 and 9 to 11. You can find out more here
How long will you spend there?
We spent a whole day enjoying some of the many things the Globe has to offer kids. But how long you spend there will depend on how many events you book to take part in. You could spend an hour enjoying a family story telling workshop. Or you could book in for several activities and make it a full day out.
How much does it cost?
Globe Story and Tour - Adult £27, under 16s go half price (£13.50) when booked in advance. But from 1 May under 16s tickets will cost £20. (50 minute guided tour, followed by self-guided time in the exhibition space)
Storytelling - £15 per person (approx one hour)
Family workshops - from £10 per person (approx one hour)
Demonstations - £12 per person (approx 45 minutes)
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Take a Break's verdict
Shakespeare's Globe is a unique landmark and worth a visit for that reason alone. But it's clear that a great deal of consideration has gone into making the venue and the performances accessible to families with children of all ages. The family friendly storytelling sessions, demonstrations, workshops and young actors courses are a wonderful way to introduce kids to Shakespeare from a young age. These activities make Shakespeare accessible to kids and help them familiarise with the characters in his plays, and explore the drama in the storytelling and the themes. We really enjoyed our day out and Odhran and Reuben are already asking me to book to see Romeo and Juliet (running from 25 April until 2 August). We'd rate it 4.5 out of 5.