The venue will be putting on several retellings of the author’s most famous plays, with the goal of familiarising children with his works. Aimed at kids of different ages though suitable for grownups too, several special tours and demostrations will also be on, which will take visitors into the very essence of Shakespeare’s times.
No legacy is so rich as honesty. And nothing is more honest than the purity of a child’s heart. Nurture their imagination, and the sky’s the limit – especially when it comes to reality. And what better way to trigger their fantasies than diving along with them into the world of the most powerful enchanter in English theatre history? No, it’s not Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that we’re talking about, but the very special family-oriented programme that Shakespeare’s Globe has designed for the holiday season.
From interactive workshops to the retelling of some of the Bard’s greatest classics, this summer everyone in the house is in for a time (and probably more!) of fun and learning. Featuring a variety of productions aimed at different ages, this offer will not only bring you the opportunity to enjoy some of the writer’s best-known plays, but also to explore and discover the insides of theatre-making and even Shakespeare’s own era! Curious to know a bit more? Just scroll a bit further down and let yourself be dazzled by all the exciting unique plans awaiting you in the wings!
But if family plans are not your cup of tea, there’s no need to start your dramatic farewell soliloquy – as this week, the new version of The Tempest has just opened on the main stage. Directed by Sean Holmes (Hamlet, Shakespeare’s Globe), this elemental comedy takes the turmoil to a remote island, where magic and vengeance are to make their big entrance. Playing until 22 October, tickets are available on the following link.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
24 – 26 August
Running time: 1 hour
Recommended for ages 5-12 and their families
“The most famous love story of all time is brought to life in an exhilarating live storytelling”.
Tickets on the following link.
Globe Theatre
9-10 August
For ages 3+
“Featuring CBeebies’ favourite stars, four performances will be filmed in front of a live audience before airing on BBC iPlayer at a later date. With plenty of songs and dancing, this is a unique introduction to Shakespeare for younger audiences”.
Tickets on the following link.
Shakespeare’s Globe
22 – 23 August
Running time: 1 hour
Recommended for ages 5-12 and their families
“Families can be transported to the Forest of Arden for an enchanting live storytelling of Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It, where a hilarious tale of romance, forgiveness and mistaken identities is told by our expert storytellers”.
Tickets on the following link.
Sam Wanamaker Playhouse
28 July – 21 August 2022
For ages 5+
“The loveable Mechanicals are back with a new masterpiece which is (almost) ready for curtain-up, with a little help from the audience! Mayhem, madness and an eye-popping finale make this a theatrical dream like no other to delight the young and young at heart alike”.
Tickets available on this link.
Shakespeare’s Globe
4 – 20 August
Running time: 1 hour
Recommended for ages 9-12 and their families
“In a fun and practical workshop, Shakespeare’s magical play A Midsummer Night’s Dream is brought to life using a range of activities and games. Participants will also be introduced to the Mechanicals – a band of craftspeople-turned-actors caught up in the magic and mayhem. Workshops will be led by one of the Globe’s highly experienced practitioners who include actors, teachers and directors”.
Tickets on the following link.
But just as Shakespeare’s creativity, we’re still far from finished here! Because the Globe is preparing some very special tours and exhibits not just for you to experience, but to be a a part of! Whether it be by venturing through its 16th century-based theatrical universe or fighting for your honour, there’s surely something else for you to compliment your adventure into the Reinassance. If you don’t believe us, just check below what’s on during the summer!
Family Globe Theatre Guided Tour
Globe Theatre
4 June – 30 October 2022
Recommended for children aged 7-11, suitable for all ages
“This tour introduces younger visitors to Shakespeare’s London and to the theatrical world he created. From blood and gore to poetry and prose, the family tour will delight and disgust. Tours are led by expert guides, in English, with information sheets available in a number of languages”.
Tickets available on the following link.
Family Dressing Demonstration
25 July – 26 August 2022
Try on the clothes of a gentleman courtier and learn to doff your hat like a real Elizabethan!
Tickets available on the following link.
Family Sword Fighting Demonstration
13 – 28 August 2022
Summer family activities also include a historical sword fighting demonstration with the Globe Fight Team, a fun introduction to Early Modern stage combat.
Tickets available on the following link.
First Night Magazine 