Shakespeare
 
                                            
        The new Globe Theatre in London.  This reconstruction was completed in just the last few years.  It was built according to the 16th century plans for the Globe and using the same construction techniques from that time.  It is the only building in London today with a thatch roof.  (After the fire of 1666, no new building in London could have a thatch roof.  This is the only exception to that law.)
 


        The theatre holds approximately 1600 people.  The groundlings stand on filbert shells and stand for the whole performance.  Originally, these people paid one or two pence (penny) to watch a performance standing in front of the stage.  Today it will cost you five pounds (about $8.35) for this privilege.  Other seats (under the roof, you'll notice) range from 10-25 pounds (one pound = $1.67).  Yes, the roof is open, and performances go on rain or shine, but only during the summer season.   Tours and workshops are held during the rest of the year.
 

                                                      More Shakespeare pictures
 
 

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