2014 marks the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday. If you’re planning a trip to a London Travelodge then a great way to celebrate is by visiting the beautiful replica of Shakespeare’s Globe. Shakespeare’s birthday is normally celebrated on the 23rd of April, which is also St George’s day but the Globe remains an exciting place to visit on any day in 2014. As we head into a warmer season, a whole range of great Shakespeare classics await.
1. The Globe Itself
A visit to Shakespeare’s Globe is like taking a step back in time. The theatre’s main aim is to promote and share works of Shakespeare in a traditional and authentic way. Be prepared for an all weather production, a lively hustle and bustle and tasty stage-side snacks. The standing tickets are just Ā£5 and an evening in the pit is really one to be remembered. However, from the 21st to the 27th of April, tickets will only be 450 pence, a celebratory saving! The 2014 season of plays is exciting and vibrant including Hamlet, a one day event on Shakespeare’s actual birthday, Titus Andronicus, starting on the 24th of April, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed in British sign language, Julius Caeser, King Lear and many more. As well as watching a play, a tour of the theatre and a visit to the museum is an interesting way to spend a couple of hours. The Globe will also be celebrating Shakespeare’s Birthday on the 21st of April, hosting a free family fun day. The day will include face painting, bouncy castles, party games, performances and a chance to visit the Shakespeare exhibition for free (it’s normally Ā£13.50!)
2. Pre and Post Theatre Dining
Shakespeare’s Globe is located on the South side of the river and there are many restaurants perfect for catching a pre or post show bite. Favourites include The Swan Bar and Restaurant at The Globe, which is just next door. The pre theatre menu is just Ā£26.50 for three courses and includes delicious dishes such as salmon rilletes, confit duck and white chocolate and rhubarb pavlova. Food from the nearby Borough Market is also a great choice in the day and by night a few lively restaurants offer excellent dining options. FISH! is an excellent restaurant serving (you guessed it) the very best fish in London in an impressive setting. The set menu is Ā£21.95 for three courses and includes mussels, lemon sole and hake choices. Italian food lovers have the option of heading to the nearby Zizzi, Strada or Pizza Express, all tried and tested favourites, perfect for family dining. If you chose to indulge in a stage-side bite whilst watching the show and are looking for an after show drinking spot, The Rake is an award-winning speciality beer bar, also located in Borough Market, and the Samuel Pepys is a contemporary looking bar with an excellent view of the river.
