Shakespeare's Globe

Sam Wanamaker's dream - to recreate the theatre where Shakespeare first staged many of his plays - became a reality in 1997, some four years after his death. A lasting legacy, Shakespeare's Globe has been an unbridled success, underpinned in part by its educational programme (you can drop in for talks and readings) and its commitment to faithfully recreating an original 'Shakespeare in performance' experience. The open-air, free-standing Yard is the best bet for those after complete authenticity - the absence of seating may test your stamina but tickets are excellent value - while the Middle and Upper Galleries afford a (marginally more comfortable) atmosphere of their own. The only thing that tends to mar a performance is the theatre's somewhat noisy, flight-path location. If the Bard is not your bag, look out for various seasonal festivals that take place on the riverside area outside the Globe Theatre.