The Globe Theatre

Off to The Globe tonight - a reproduction of the original theatre that Shakespeare wrote many of his plays for. It's built to the original specifications, close to the original site, but with one small difference. As the original burnt down during a production when a cannon was let off for dramatic effect, this one has a sprinkler system.

The play is Titus Andronicus, part of The Edge of Rome season, is a simple tale of conquest, execution, murder, coronation, marriage, marriage, adultery, murder, rape, mutilation, mutilation, betrayal, self-mutilation, execution (twice), adultery, birth, torture, ghostly appearences, execution (twice again), murder (sword up the backside, no less), murder, canibalism, murder, regicide, execution and murder. Yeah, one of Shakey's better comedies.

On to the piccies, then...

First you've got to get there. Found this sort on the platform.
Nearest tube is Mansion House, requiring a walk over the new Millenium Footbridge - every major city has to have a Millenium something, right. The Globe, the small white building is down to the left, in the shadow of the new Modern Tate Gallery (straight ahead) in this converted power station.
From the footbridge looking down the Thames.
Back across the footbridge looking at St Pauls.
Here we are.
Bit of detail here, showing the medieval construction.
Stage is set and ready to go. The cheap tickets have to stand - for 3 bloody hours!
The more affluent amongst us get to look down on them, as nature intended.
You're not allowed to boo the bad guy - or in this case, the bad gal - these days. Fruit & veg throwing is also, apparently, out. Wasted trip to the greengrocer, then.
My noble Lord Lancaster, what doest thou?
I'm getting a beer in, you twat.
Break over, back to your seats.
All over and out to the Thames-side at night.

This was just brilliant - Shakespeare as it should be done. There were a couple of modernish references to keep the humour bowling along (cooks never dressed like that at the time) but, for the most part this was as minimalist as it would have been done way back when. No elaborate sets here. Basic props invite you to suspend belief and go to the center of Rome, hunting in the forest and into the generals house. The language was authentic, too, proving that you don't need to modernise the dialogue to keep a modern audience on the edge of their seats. No problem following this plot - and, of course, all the blood helped.