London has a rich theatrical history filled with unforgettable moments, but one stands out as both sad and famous: the terrible fire that destroyed the original Globe Theatre. It happened during a performance of a play by Shakespeare when a cannon shot caused the straw roof to catch fire, and the whole theatre was engulfed in flames. This disastrous event marked the end of an era for one of the most famous theatres in history.
The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 and was a magnificent example of Elizabethan architecture. It stood by the River Thames and attracted people from all walks of life who came to watch plays. The theatre had a circular design with parts of the roof made of straw and open-air spaces. It was the perfect place to showcase Shakespeare's plays, like "Hamlet," "Macbeth," and "Romeo and Juliet," which became very popular.
On this day 29th June 1613, the Globe Theatre was full of excitement as theatre fans gathered to watch Shakespeare's play "Henry VIII." During an important moment in the play, a cannon was fired, and a spark flew into the air. Unfortunately, the spark landed on the straw roof, which quickly caught fire because straw is highly flammable and had been coated with tar. The flames spread rapidly, destroying the iconic theatre within moments.
As the fire grew, the audience and actors panicked. Some say that the actors bravely kept performing, while others rushed to leave the theatre. Luckily, no one died in the fire. The quick thinking and bravery of the audience and actors saved lives.
Even though the original Globe Theatre was lost, its memory lives on. Less than a year later, a new theatre was built in the same spot, this time with a roof made of slate. It was called the Second Globe Theatre or simply "The Globe." This theatre was used until 1642. In 1997, a reconstructed version of the original theatre was opened about 230 meters away from the original site. It faithfully reproduced the original design and continued to host Shakespearean plays.
By C. Walter Hodges - Folger Shakespeare Library http://luna.folger.edu/luna/servlet/detail/FOLGERCM1~6~6~40370~102858:The-Globe-Playhouse,-1599-1613--A-c?sort=Call_Number%2CAuthor%2CCD_Title, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34711726
The fire that destroyed the original Globe Theatre left a mark on London's theatrical history. It became a symbol of how theatres are temporary and how buildings can be fragile. It reminded everyone of the risks and challenges faced by actors and theatre companies. But it also showed how popular and powerful Shakespeare's plays were.
Today, the reconstructed Globe Theatre brings back the spirit of the original theatre. Visitors can experience the magic of Elizabethan theatre and see Shakespeare's works performed in an authentic setting. The Globe's dedication to preserving Shakespeare's legacy and showcasing his plays has made it an important cultural institution.
The fiery end of the original Globe Theatre is a testament to the enduring spirit of theatre. Even though it was a sad loss, it did not diminish the impact of Shakespeare's plays or the influence of the Globe itself. The theatre's legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of storytelling, the strength of the arts, and the timeless appeal of Shakespearean drama.
You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here
If you find this practice useful please consider supporting the author from just £1 per month here
Comments