We had the amazing opportunity to see Much Ado About Nothing preformed in Shakespeare Globe Theatre. The building itself—a replica of the original that burned about 400 years ago—is a Tudor style circle with a simple stage surrounded by bench seating on three levels and a large space for standing. There is only a roof over the seating area, but the center of the building is open to the elements. Apparently, Shakespeare’s Globe is the only building in London that has permission to have a thatched roof. Given their proclivity to burn easily, London has banned them all elsewhere, but the Globe is allowed because they want it as similar to the original building design as possible. I spent the first half seated because I thought I would be too uncomfortable to stand. Our seats were on the side though, and blocked by a wooden column, so I had to shift around to watch all the action. After intermission I had to go try standing, most of the rest of the group had watched the first half from the ground and I knew the experience was going to be even better. I was right, we were so up close and personal with the actors, who in proper Shakespeare form interacted with the audience a bit! I knew that Shakespeare’s plays were more interactive than others, with characters often addressing the audience with soliloquys, asides, even just a funny joke. I probably could have taken the whole play standing, but I am at least glad I was down there for the second part. That is when the characters Dogberry and Verges, the comedic relief, had their scenes. They were so funny and I loved the way they interacted with the audience. When a little kid laughed at Dogberry saying “ass”, the actor played along and acknowledged the kid a few times. As good as the play itself is, what really made the whole experience for me was that personal relationship you get with the actors. They will look directly at you, laugh with you, make fun of you, anything to further the bit. I was also able to picture other, older generations doing the same things as us. Some sitting, some standing and all collectively drawn in to the story and drama right in front of us. I imagined people in the dress of England in the 17th and 18th centuries in front of the same stage or sitting in the same seats as I was now. The production was even better than I was expecting, and I was already excited because it’s Shakespeare, its in the Globe, it’s Much Ado, and the actor for Benedict was a small role in some of the Harry Potter movies. I had high expectation and they were still exceeded. It was just such a fun play and being right next to the actors, where they hand you a real orange from the stage or laugh at your beard or help them on stage, was such a unique and exciting experience. I don’t know how different it was performed back in Shakespeare’s day, but I imagine it was just as fun and entertaining to that audience as it was for ours. I would love to see another play there, particularly a comedy, as I think that is the most fun to do with that type of interactiveness, whereas one of his tragedies or histories might serve just as well to be seated like other plays. My legs were a little tired, but only afterwards, as I was so captivated by the drama I couldn’t care less. Shakespeare’s Globe was so much fun!
Theatre in London U of A 