The globe theatre, London

The original Globe Theatre opened in 1599. In those days about 3.000 people came to watch each performance. The stange was in the middle of the theatre and the audience sorrounnded it on all sides.Rich people sat on the stage balcony.Poor people stood in an area called ''the pit'' below the stage.They stood during the entire performance, which was about three hours long.People walked in an out of the theatre as often as they liked and bought food and drink with them.In fact, they threw food at the didn't like! In 1613, the theatre burned down.A new theatre was built, but it closed in 1642.

400 years later, a new Globe Theatre stands 200 metres from its original localitation.

The bew Globe Theatre opened in 1994. Every year, thousands of visitor from all over the world come to see the theatre. There is also a permanent exhibition there, so visitors can learn about Shakespeare and about the society he lived and worked in.