Shakespeare's Globe Summer Season 2022

What Is the Shakespeare's Globe Summer Season?

The Shakespeare's Globe Summer Season is the annual programme of outdoor performances staged at the world-famous Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. Each summer, the Globe presents a rotating repertoire of Shakespeare's plays alongside new writing and classical works, performed in the open-air yard of the reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse. The 2022 season brought a rich selection of productions to one of London's most iconic and atmospheric stages, continuing the Globe's long-standing tradition of making Shakespeare accessible, vital, and entertaining for audiences of all backgrounds.

Performances take place in the round, with the audience surrounding the stage on three sides. The yard, where "groundlings" stand closest to the action, offers a uniquely immersive theatrical experience that connects modern audiences to the way Shakespeare's plays were originally enjoyed. Rain or shine, the open-air setting gives every performance a spontaneous, lively energy that indoor theatres simply cannot replicate.

Why Is Shakespeare's Globe Worth Visiting?

Few theatre experiences in London are as memorable as watching a Shakespeare play at the Globe. The building itself is a painstaking reconstruction of the original 1599 playhouse, built using traditional craftsmanship and materials, and situated just metres from where the first Globe once stood. For visitors to London, it offers both a theatrical event and a genuine encounter with history.

The Globe's productions are known for their physicality, wit, and directness with the audience. Actors frequently interact with the groundlings standing in the yard, making every performance feel fresh and participatory. Whether you are a lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast or coming to his work for the very first time, the Globe has a particular gift for making centuries-old language feel immediate and alive. The South Bank location also means the venue sits within easy walking distance of landmarks such as Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, and Borough Market, making it straightforward to build a full day around your visit.

Is Shakespeare's Globe Suitable for Families?

Yes, the Shakespeare's Globe Summer Season is considered family-friendly, and many of the productions in any given season are well suited to younger theatregoers, particularly older children and teenagers who may be encountering Shakespeare through school. The Globe regularly programmes comedies and accessible works alongside more demanding tragedies, so it is worth checking the specific titles on offer when planning a visit with children.

The standing yard tickets, known as groundling tickets, are among the most affordable in London theatre and give younger audiences the freedom to move, react, and engage with the performance in a relaxed environment. Sunday performances are also part of the regular schedule, making weekend family visits particularly convenient. Children under a certain age are generally admitted free or at reduced rates to some performances; it is advisable to check the Globe's own guidance when booking.

Practical Visitor Information for Shakespeare's Globe

The Globe is located at 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London, SE1 9DT. The nearest underground stations are London Bridge (Jubilee and Northern lines) and Southwark (Jubilee line), both within a comfortable walking distance. The theatre is also accessible by river bus via the Bankside Pier.

Groundling (standing yard) tickets have historically been available from as little as £5, making them some of the most affordable theatre tickets in the entire city. Seated tickets in the galleries are priced higher, with a range of options depending on tier and position. Visitors should be aware that the yard is entirely uncovered and exposed to the weather; comfortable shoes and a light rain layer are strongly recommended regardless of the forecast. Performances run for varying durations depending on the production, typically between two and three hours including an interval.

The Globe also houses an on-site café and bar, as well as the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, a candlelit indoor theatre used for winter productions and some daytime events. The adjacent Globe Exhibition and Tour is open throughout the year for those who wish to learn more about the history of the original theatres and Elizabethan stagecraft.

Shows Similar to the Shakespeare's Globe Summer Season

If the open-air, classic-text atmosphere of the Globe appeals to you, there are several other productions and venues worth exploring. The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre offers another beloved outdoor venue in the heart of London, with a summer season that typically mixes musicals, Shakespeare, and family shows in a beautiful garden setting. For indoor classical theatre of the highest order, the National Theatre on the South Bank regularly stages Shakespeare and other canonical works in its three auditoriums. Fans of ambitious, text-driven performance may also enjoy productions at the Barbican Theatre, which frequently partners with the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring major Shakespearean productions to London.