Despite its short lifespan, the Globe Theatre was one of the most influential and famous buildings in theatres history. Its connection to William Shakespeare influenced many worldly authors to produce famous works performed live in theatres around the world. The Globes intricate design and wonderful aesthetic appeal were two primary contributors to the theatres revolutionary presence during the Elizabethan Era which led to replicas of the Globe in a number of todays world theatres.
Live theatre was the performed with the innovation and smart financial sense of William Shakespeare. These live performances catapulted the Globe, and Shakespeare to notoriety. The Globe Theatre was constructed in 1599 in Southwark, England, and was the most attractive and innovative theatre ever built. The original theatre was built by James Burbage and transported beam by beam to Southwark by his sons, Richard and Cuthbert. The Globe was the principal playhouse of Shakespeares acting company, Lord Chamberlains Men, according to Elizabethan Theatres. Shakespeare, writing and acting in the company, later became a shareholder in the company, ensuring his financial stability and great success (Stock). Thanks to Queen Elizabeths love of literary works of arts, many of Shakespeares plays were performed at the Globe at the request and in the presence of the Queen (Stock). Shakespeare wrote with great tenacity producing plays with inventiveness and variety (Griffith) which appealed to all levels of society. The Globe became successful and very lucrative for Shakespeare (Griffith). The live performances matched with the setting and structure of the Globe proved to be a sustaining force in the world of theatre for Shakespeare.
According to Amanda Mabillards article, The Globe Theatre, the Globe had revolutionary impacts on world theatre despite its short life span. On June 29, 1613, a misfired cannonball from a performance of Henry VIII set the Globes thatched roof on fire and destroyed it (Mabillard). Workers rebuilt the Globe in 1614. Mabillard states that the Globes success lasted until 1644 when Cromwell ordered all theatres to be leveled since Puritan beliefs followed a strict adherence to allowing no entertainment. It was not until 1997 that the Globe was reopened as Shakespeares Globe Theatre. The new theatre was built according to the Elizabethan plan and designed by Theo Crosby of Pentagram as the architect according to Elizabethan Theatres.
The Globes structure and innovative design enhanced performances, and allowed vast numbers of people from all walks of society to view each performance. The original Globe Theatre was an open-air, polygonal amphitheater, which rose three stories high with a diameter of approximately 100 feet, holding a seating capacity of up to 3,000 spectators. The rectangular stage platform on which plays were performed was nearly 43 feet wide and 28 feet deep. This staging area had a large cellar door (trap door) known as hell, allowing...
