There’s a host of events at the Globe Theatre this summer to keep the whole family entertained. For too many of us, the term “Shakespeare” conjures up memories of dusty text books with lines of verse which, though it seemed to use English words, made no sense at all. However, those of us lucky enough to have seen a Shakespeare play in the theatre will usually have a different impression of the most famous playwright in the world. Our memories are of fast story telling; sometimes tragedy, sometimes comedy and even farce; exploring emotions and hugely entertaining. Although holiday events at the Globe inevitably include an element of education, they should be fun and should open your eyes to the delights of live theatre.
•On certain dates throughout the year, the Globe Exhibition & Tour provide an opportunity for all ages, families and groups to learn more about Shakespeare, his London and the theatre for which he wrote. Live demonstrations take place throughout the day exploring stage-fighting, Elizabethan clothing, and printing on a traditional press. Each demo lasts around 30 minutes and family tickets are available for £36. For more information and to book, go to: www.shakespearesglobe.com/exhibition.
•Globe Storytellers bring Shakespeare’s timeless words to life for the whole family (recommended for those aged six and over) in Globe Education’s Story Days series. The dynamic 70-minute sessions explore the Globe Theatre’s summer season, retelling Antony & Cleopatra, Julius Caesar and even the gruesome Titus Andronicus. Experience the stories on 12th July and 2nd August. Tickets are £15 for one child and one adult, with additional tickets £8 each. They are available from shakespearesglobe.com/education or 020-7401 9919.
•Muse of Fire, Globe Education’s multi award-winning family theatre experience, returns this August following its sell-out premiere run in October 2013 – with a twist in its tale. The immersive promenade production, which will play from 18th to 27th August, takes audiences on a journey around the unseen areas of the Globe, inviting them to discover an Elizabethan hermit hiding under the stage, fight ethereals in a secret forest and have tea in an abandoned library. Suitable for children aged six to eleven (and any brave parents or guardians), the story-based treasure hunt was originally staged to mark the 400th anniversary of the Globe burning down. It returns this summer to offer more intrepid families the chance to meet strange, magical characters and uncover vital clues to stop a hidden creature destroying the iconic venue once again. This summer, there is a twist in its tale as the fiery climax takes place in the newly opened Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Tickets (£10 for children, £12.50 for adults) are available online at shakespearesglobe.com/muse or by calling 020-7401 9919.
•Children and families can continue the Globe experience with Exploring Shakespeare, the new interactive film from the Globe Playground. Watch as two boys explore backstage at the famous theatre, and get involved by clicking through to extra content including games, quizzes and facts. The film is available online and for free, explore Shakespeare yourself at shakespearesglobe.com/explore.