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YOUR NEWS – Groundlings Are Back!

YOUR NEWS – Groundlings Are Back!

Main photo: John Wildgoose


By Paul Johnson

The much-loved £5 ‘Groundling’ standing tickets are back at Shakespeare’s Globe coinciding with the current production of Twelfth Night which is now running until 30 October 2021.

As a result of the easing of restrictions not permitting standing theatre tickets, the open-air Globe theatre has announced that 200 standing tickets are available for each performance. This number will allow for those who choose to socially distance in the Yard. The number of standing tickets available will incrementally increase throughout the summer until the end of August when 400 Groundling tickets will be available for each performance.

Seating capacity will also increase throughout the summer with spaces between groups sat on the same row remaining until mid-August. The open-air theatre has laid out plans to be back to full seated capacity by 23 August. The maximum capacity of the Globe is normally 1,600 and the theatre will return to full Groundling capacity (circa 600-700) at a future date. Since May 2021, The Globe has welcomed over 32,000 audience members into 79 performances in the open-air theatre.

Despite restrictions being lifted, safety remains of key importance to the Globe. As such, social distancing onstage, no intervals and reduced audience capacity will continue to remain in place for the time being. Globe staff will continue to wear a face covering and audiences are encouraged to do the same. Enhanced cleaning, hand-sanitiser stations, contactless ticketing, modified routes and arrival points to avoid overcrowding will also remain.

The piazza and onsite facilities (including the Globe shop) have also reopened before performances. Restrictions on booking party sizes have been lifted and temperature checks and check-in via the NHS app will no longer be mandatory. The Globe will also maintain its ‘Book with Confidence and Exchange with Ease’ pledge, allowing exchanges up to 24 hours ahead of a performance if a ticket holder cannot attend due to Covid-19 related issues.

The Swan at the Globe restaurant now boasts full-seating capacity. Welcoming guests for the bar, dining and events in a socially responsible manner.

Michelle Terry, Artistic Director of Shakespeare’s Globe, told Sardines: “The very thing that theatre thrives on is the one thing that Covid denied us: the live, alchemical relationship between play, actor, audience, space and time. It has been beyond incredible to have opened our doors to live theatre again. The beating heart of that space is the unique and ultra-live relationship between actor and groundling, standing together and ready for action. Well, we’re all ready. And we can’t wait!”

 

Photo: Clive Sherlock

 


Summer Holidays

Shakespeare’s Globe is offering a host of exciting courses and events throughout the summer holidays:

Summer Schools (8-19 years)
Perfect for aspiring actors and academics, Summer Schools in 2021 offer young people an unparalleled opportunity to develop their skills with Globe professionals.
Courses taking place online and onsite in August 2021.
For more information please visit: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/learn/ courses/summer-schools-2021/

Telling Tales (Family Festival)
Telling Tales is back on stage live with a festival of storytelling for the summer holidays. Until 22 August these storytelling performances will take you on a sensory, interactive adventure giving younger audiences the chance to get into Shakespeare’s stories in the splendid surroundings of the indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
For more information please visit: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/ seasons/telling-tales-2021/

Family Guided Tours of the Globe Theatre
Ideal for those with children aged 7-11 years old. The Globe Theatre Guided Tour introduces younger visitors to Shakespeare’s London and to the theatrical world he created.
For more information please visit: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/family-globe-theatre-guided-tour/#photos

 

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