[huedaanydrax]

Actually, that's the wrong play.

I've just booked (well the other night as a matter of fact) to see Henry V at the Globe Theatre in London, in June. They've got this thing on called "Globe to Globe" where companies from around the world are performing all of Shakespeare's plays, each in their own language. My Times+ membership is getting me the best seats for £20 (normally £35), and since Henry V is the only one in English I went for that one.

I could have been a "groundling" for £5, but you're at the mercy of the weather, and I wasn't sure about standing around for 2 or 3 hours.

I'm never been a Shakespeare play, or to the Globe (except from the outside) so this will be a new experience for me.

--- Post Update ---

The Globe is a modern recreation of the theatre where Shakespeare's plays were performed at the time, and which burned down in 1613.

[PekHyvac]

Should be choice, I don't recall seeing that play but it should be a really good experience - are you going with anyone and/or dressing in period costume for a laugh?!
The old style 'Royal Shakespearian' reciting used to piss me off a bit, but the more modern, more earthy, flowing style is really good - especially if you understand the underlying wordplay.

[DebtDetox]

Should be choice, I don't recall seeing that play but it should be a really good experience - are you going with anyone and/or dressing in period costume for a laugh?!

No, and no. I doubt anyone else will (dress up) either. People tend to go just in their normal clothes. There's pictures all the net of what it's like.

[Avgustslim]

Henry V is one of Shakespeare's best plays, but I don't know about the new Globe's reputation. Couldn't you get tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Company performance? How far is Stratford-upon-avon from London?

Should be choice, I don't recall seeing that play but it should be a really good experience - are you going with anyone and/or dressing in period costume for a laugh?!
The old style 'Royal Shakespearian' reciting used to piss me off a bit, but the more modern, more earthy, flowing style is really good - especially if you understand the underlying wordplay.

You need to get out into the city more.

[sadgpokx]

Obviously you know little about "the city" here

[kimaddison]

Obviously you know little about "the city" here

What is there to know? I'd be amazed if it has paved roads.

[videolkif]

What is there to know? I'd be amazed if it has paved roads.

Don't you have an onion soup to be making?

[Longwow]

There's a Shakespeare themed exhibition at the British Museum this summer, which I'll probably be going to (free entry to me, being a member), too.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_o...akespeare.aspx

[cafeviahe]

Henry V is one of Shakespeare's best plays, but I don't know about the new Globe's reputation. Couldn't you get tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Company performance? How far is Stratford-upon-avon from London?

Just because it's not the RSC, it doesn't mean the performance will be no good. Also, surely the point of going to see a play at the Globe is to see a play at the Globe, as they were performed in Shakespeare's time? I read some review someone posted somewhere, about the venue in general, which said something along the lines of "oh, you're better off going to an ordinary theatre because it's more comfortable" - that's kind of missing the point imo.

Stratford's about 2 hours by (infrequent) train from London, and it takes about an hour to get from here to London, so a bit difficult to do in a day trip. I am actually considering visiting Stratford-upon-Avon some time in the future for another one of my few days away

[12dargernswearf]

Just because it's not the RSC, it doesn't mean the performance will be no good. Also, surely the point of going to see a play at the Globe is to see a play at the Globe, as they were performed in Shakespeare's time? I read some review someone posted somewhere, about the venue in general, which said something along the lines of "oh, you're better off going to an ordinary theatre because it's more comfortable" - that's kind of missing the point imo.

I'd just worry the production will try to adhere to stuffy historical accuracy when modern interpretations are closer to the essence of Shakespeare. Compare Branagh's Henry V to Olivier's. The whole experience might feel like a Disneyfied version of Shakespeare.

[Greapyjeory]

Could be I guess. The production starts off in Liverpool today, so we shall see what the reviews say.

[hablyShappY]

I could have been a "groundling" for £5, but you're at the mercy of the weather, and I wasn't sure about standing around for 2 or 3 hours.

Nobody stands.

I saw "Faust" at the New Globe this summer, and everyone sat on the ground. If you get in early enough, you can sit against the divider. Just bring an ass pillow, ice cream, and a beer.

[fotochicaes]

I'd just worry the production will try to adhere to stuffy historical accuracy when modern interpretations are closer to the essence of Shakespeare. Compare Branagh's Henry V to Olivier's. The whole experience might feel like a Disneyfied version of Shakespeare.

I assume you made the contradiction in error and you would also prefer a more historically accurate interpretation from Branach rather than the 'traditional' RSC reciting such as Olivier used?

Oh, most streets are sealed, some of us even have inside toilets and running water

[Twendypreency]

I assume you made the contradiction in error and you would also prefer a more historically accurate interpretation from Branach rather than the 'traditional' RSC reciting such as Olivier used?

You clearly haven't seen Branagh's Henry V. And to be clear, theatrical realism and historical accuracy are not necessarily the same.

[Z1IRo4Ap]

The reviews are in. Looks like it's quite good.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/reviews/theatre/london/E8831334764556/Henry+V+(Tour+�+Liverpool).html

http://www.thepublicreviews.com/henr...use-liverpool/

In summation then Henry V was an excellent and vivacious production of one the history plays, a genre that can often conjure a roll of the eyes even in the most ardent Shakespeare devotee. The cast was phenomenal, the delivery was flawless and the music was perfect. Go and watch!

[Grenader]

I'm glad I booked a seat (they're all under cover) now. It looks like it's going to chuck it down tomorrow.

Plus we've got gale force winds coming Friday. Nice.

[Axxflcaj]

I just got back home from the Globe. The play was fantastic! If you're thinking of going, do so. I really recommend it. The weather had cleared up by the time the play started. It lasted for aprox. 3 hours, including a short interval.

I had a tremendous view of the stage:



I don't think I would have liked to have been in the Upper Gallery, it's a bit high. Where I was was (almost) perfect.

[boffincash]

The Globe has put images of last night's performance up on their Facebook page:


http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...5920773&type=3