Tudor life The Globe Look inside Shakespeare’s theatrical playground O ne of the first purpose-built theatres in London, this legendary open-air building is best known for its links with the most famous playwright in history, William Shakespeare Its construction was funded by his playing company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, and Shakespeare himself was one of four actors who bought a share in the Globe Up to 3,000 people from all walks of life would pack into the theatre to watch his latest production – that was until a cannon set off during a 1613 production of Henry VIII misfired and set the highly flammable thatched roof ablaze No one was injured, but the theatre was burned to the ground in less than two hours It was rebuilt in hopes of achieving its former glory once more a year later, this time with a tiled roof, but was closed down by Puritans in 1642 It wasn’t until 1997 that the theatre was rebuilt and opened to the public once more Performances still take place there regularly come rain or shine The galleries Wealthier spectators could sit in one of the three raised galleries, and pay extra for the added comfort of a cushion Upper-class women would often wear a mask to hide their identities The yard For a ticket price of one penny, the lower classes would stand for up to three hours to watch a performance These people were called ‘groundlings’, although during the summer months they were also referred to as ‘stinkards’ – for obvious reasons 128 Entrance The theatre had only one entrance, meaning the audience had to allow an hour and a half for entry On arrival, they would drop their entrance fee into a box, hence the term ‘box office’