One of my favourite outings of the entire tour was the optional trip to the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe to see "The Merry Wives of Windsor". It was FABULOUS! I wasn't familiar with this particular Shakespeare play and didn't know much aside from the fact that it was a comedy. I enjoyed it thoroughly! Playing the lead of "Sir John Falstaff" was none other than Christopher Benjamin - "Sir William Lucas" from the 1995 version of "Pride & Prejudice". For those needing their memory jogged, this quote may help, "Capital! Capital." The theatre is open air so you have to keep that in mind while dressing for the play. I originally had a ticket for the groundlings, which is the area directly in front of the stage where you stand for the majority of the play. Thankfully, there was an extra regular ticket (read: a seat with a cushion) as my ankles were swelling from all of the walking I had done earlier in the day. The play was delightful and the 2 1/2 hours passed very quickly. I would go back in a heartbeat! Photos were not allowed during the play itself but I can give you a feel for what the theatre was like.
This was my view from my seat. I was right at the front edge of the second level of seating, so I had a nice wooden rail to lean on if I wished.
The second floor of the stage (the area that looks like a balcony) was where the musicians sat.
Here you can see where the groundlings "seating" is located.
The centre part of the walkway extension of the stage rotated throughout the play to swap out different sets. It was a garden at one point, a walkway at another, etc.
The theatre is full and the musicians are announcing the play before settling above the stage.
