All the world’s a stage, isn’t it?
In 2024, London continues to embrace this Shakespearean truth with a range of performances celebrating the Bard’s work.
Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or new to Shakespeare, London’s stages throw open windows into the world of the playwright’s genius.
Shakespeare’s legacy in London
William Shakespeare has a deep-rooted connection with London. The city not only witnessed the debut of many of his plays but also hosts a modern-day homage to his work. From the hallowed halls of the Globe to contemporary theaters, Shakespeare’s spirit is alive and well in London.
When did Shakespeare move to London?
William Shakespeare moved to London around 1585. This marked the beginning of his remarkable career as a playwright and actor.
Image Credit: John Wildgoose, Shakespeare Globe Trust. Image Location: Shakespeare's Globe, London, UK
The Globe: where Shakespeare’s words come to life
A Globe full of stories
Shakespeare’s Globe, located next to the Tate Modern and across the River Thames from St Paul’s Cathedral, stands as a living monument to Shakespeare’s legacy.
Replicating the original 1599 Globe Theater (which no longer exists), Shakespeare’s Globe is a portal to the past, where the question “To be, or not to be” is posed on a regular basis, according to schedule.
2024 at the Globe, London: what’s on stage
In 2024, the Globe’s schedule brims with Shakespearean classics. From the tragic depths of Hamlet to the comedic twists of As You Like It, the Globe offers a diverse palette of the Bard’s best.
Pro tip. For a unique experience, buy a “Groundling” ticket to stand in the open-air yard. It’s affordable and offers an immersive perspective, just as the common folk of Shakespeare’s era would have watched.
Other venues for Shakespearean drama in London
The National Theater’s tribute
London’s National Theater often stages Shakespearean plays, infusing them with a contemporary touch while honoring the original text. Romeo and Julie, a new play by Gary Owen, is one of these.
Image Credit: Ellie Kurttz (c) RSC
Royal Shakespeare Company in London
While based in Stratford-upon-Avon, the Royal Shakespeare Company frequently brings its productions to London, offering yet another venue for experiencing Shakespeare’s timeless tales.
Making the most of your Shakespearean experience
- Secure your seats in advance. It’s best to book early for these popular shows to make sure you get a seat.
- Dine with the Bard of Avon. Around these theaters, numerous dining establishments offer pre-show meals. Why not have a feast fit for a king before attending Henry V?
- Join a behind-the-scenes tour. Many theaters in London offer backstage tours. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the inner workings of a Shakespearean theater and learn about the history and production aspects.
- Attend a matinee performance. Afternoon shows are often less crowded, offering a more relaxed viewing experience. Plus, they’re usually cheaper than evening ones.
- Explore Shakespearean locations. Enhance your visit by exploring locations associated with Shakespeare in London, such as the Southwark Cathedral where his brother is buried, or the Middle Temple Hall, where Twelfth Night was first performed.
Image Credit: Getty Images, ZambeziShark. Image Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Journey to the Bard’s beginnings: discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon
Embark on a scenic rail adventure from London to Shakespeare’s birthplace in Warwickshire. Hop aboard at London’s Marylebone station and set off on a 2 to 3-hour journey to the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon.
While these routes might whisk you through short-changing stops like Leamington Spa, each twist and turn bring you closer to the heart of Shakespeare’s world.
Perfect for a day trip, this journey not only leads you to explore the quaint streets where the Bard was born but also takes you to the revered Holy Trinity Church, his final resting place.
5 lesser-known facts about Shakespeare in London
- Globe Theater’s “Penny Stinkers”. At the original Globe Theater in Shakespeare’s time, the cheapest tickets cost just one penny, allowing the poorest citizens to attend. These spectators, known as the “Groundlings”, or more humorously as “Penny Stinkers”, would stand in the open yard around the stage. Their boisterous reactions to the plays added a lively, and sometimes smelly, atmosphere to the performances.
- Shakespeare’s lost plays. Shakespeare may have co-written a play called Cardenio, inspired by a character in Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. This play was performed in London but was never published, and its script is lost to history. It’s amusing to think of Shakespeare’s fans scouring old London bookshops in hopes of finding this literary holy grail!
- The Bard’s witty insults. Shakespeare wasn’t just a master of beautiful verse; he was also a king of cutting slights. His plays are peppered with clever and often hilarious barbs. Phrases like “Thou art as fat as butter!” from Henry IV, Part 1 would have had the London audiences roaring with laughter. Today, his cheeky insults are still celebrated and quoted, proving that a good burn is timeless.
- Street sonnets. Despite the passage of centuries, Shakespeare’s influence is literally written on the map of modern London. The city is dotted with locations named after his characters and plays, like Macbeth Street, Othello Close, Portia Court, and Prospero Road.
- Shakespeare’s gardens. Across various locations around the globe, you’ll find enchanting Shakespeare gardens, dedicated to the Bard’s love for nature. These gardens are carefully curated with plants and flowers mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. From the vibrant roses of Romeo and Juliet to the fragrant herbs in Hamlet, these gardens are a living anthology of Shakespeare’s works.
In 2024, London invites you to “brush up your Shakespeare” and immerse yourself in the world of Elizabethan drama. And with Trainline as your travel buddy, navigating England’s theater scene is a walk in a Shakespeare garden.
Header Image Credit: David Jensen, Shakespeare Company Trust. Image Location: Shakespeare's Globe, London, UK