When I walked into the globe, I was so nervous. I had seen so many photos and illustrations of this space and now I was finally getting a taste of it. I cannot explain how beautiful it was to feel like I had been transported through time. It was such an inviting space, filled with joy and excitement. It was also nice to be inside, away from the cold wind. The weather was perfect. Cold enough to be fresh, and warm enough standing in the pit, surrounded by all the people.
My first thoughts were when I laid eyes on the stage. SHAWN WAS WRONG. I fully went into the globe, with the expectation of absolutely no set or props. Instead, the stage was beautifully set, with an abundance of oranges in crates, gold orange trees, and bright blue balconies. The stage itself was beautiful in its architecture, its detail and color made it so unique to all the venues we have been in. Which made the set pieces on top of the stage, stand out even more.
The composition of all the colors on stage was so rich, from the dark red and gold of the columns to the dark blue-green of the curtains backstage. The gold of the trees and the yellow of the wood blended so well with all the gold of the stage itself. The only piece that stood out from the composition of the stage, was the bright royal blue balconies. But I didn’t mind it at all. The color added a touch of fun, which added to how fun this show is.
After admiring the set and the globe as a whole, I was getting more and more excited. I knew from the beginning that I was going to be standing in the pit. And after I saw the stage, I knew I couldn’t watch this show in the corner where we had our seats. We got inside the globe at a great time and secured a spot right in the center. We were close enough to see and interact with the actors, but far enough to get the whole action of the stage.
I have only ever watched one production of Shakespeare before, The Tempest. I watched it the summer before my senior year, and it was the reason I realized Shakespeare might actually be enjoyable. But this show has converted me to a Shakespeare lover.
Watching Much Ado About Nothing, at Shakespeare Globe was lifechanging. I realized that I wanted to make theatre like that. It was so interactive, and funny, and I laughed out loud! Like an actual LOL in real life. I understood what they were feeling and saying, even when I couldn’t comprehend the words that came out. The audience interaction was such a huge part of why it was such a success. It didn’t feel like the actors were bound to the script, but just living truthfully. Their performance reminded me of why I love acting. I love the interaction and feeding off the audience to create those magical moments. Like is this what live theatre should be? The dancing and singing during the show were one of my favorite parts. It was so lively and beautifully choreographed. When the father of Hero, Leonato, sang his song and then included everyone in the audience to sing it with him. We started singing and it felt like we were all connected. I could not stop smiling, my mouth actually started hurting. I felt like I was part of a community, and we were all experiencing something so magical. That moment in that time could not be recreated, and I got to enjoy it with my amazing peers.
I had so much fun being a groundling that afternoon. I was so happy and joyous, and filled with inspiration. This production made me question what live theatre should be, and I am so grateful for that. I can take this experience with me, and apply it to the theatre I want to make.
I cant wait for what we watch next!
Farewell besties!
Theatre in London U of A 