The ancient Romans may have brought drama to England, but it didn’t make top billing until the 16th century. Fast forward 500 years and discover today’s dramatic turns with these three must-dos.
1. Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace
Shakespeare famously said, “All the world’s a stage.” And since many of his plays were set in places like Italy, Spain, Denmark and Scotland, he was obviously a firm believer! But the playwright actually spent most of his life in his birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. There, you can glimpse three acts from the writer’s life. See his mum’s (Mary Arden) house, his childhood home (whose visitors have included Charles Dickens, John Keats and Robert Hardy) and the thatched cottage where his wife (Anne Hathaway) lived before their marriage. It still has Anne’s original furniture and a Shakespeare Garden filled with plants and flowers from his plays. That’d be rosemary, daisies, violets, fennel and roses (which by any other name would smell as sweet).
2. Watch a West-End Theater Production
With 43 theaters lining the West End’s streets, it’s the place to catch a show. In fact, thespians have been gracing the West End since 1663 when the Theatre Royal in Bridges Street first opened its doors, (only to close nine years later (no) thanks to the Great Fire of London.) Now, you’ll find modern theatrics meet old-world tradition. Stop by The Adelphi theater built in 1806, the Savoy Theatre designed for Gilbert and Sullivan or the Harold Pinter Theatre whose interior reflects its opening night in 1881. Or, take in a performance of Agatha Christie’s, The Mouse Trap, whose 60-year run plants it firmly on the world stage.
3. Globe Theater Visit
Just south of the River Thames is Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the 16th century Globe Theatre, located steps from the original site. The original had some bad luck in its heyday. In 1613, it was destroyed by fire during a production of Henry VIII. Then, after re-opening a year later, Puritans forced its doors shut for good in 1642. Check out this theatre-cum-educational forum and participate in Elizabethan-style workshops—from costume design to stage setup. Of course, you must watch a Shakespearean performance. Hecklers, welcome!
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