Shakespeare's Globe Guided Tours with Optional Shakespearean Afternoon Tea

First let me say that Jeremy the guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about Shakespeare... which was good but also part of the problem. This felt like a 50 min Shakespeare lecture. I have been to the Globe several times and we didn't get to see a square inch that you can't see as an audience member. Not allowed on the stage, not allowed backstage, not shown anything that you can't see normally. I went back and looked at what the description says you can see and it is (looking back) vague. But the work "tour" suggests you will tour around the building, not just go in the main auditorium and that's it - felt quite cheated!

I went on the new 'Premium Globe Theatre Tour' and it was one of the absolute best things about my trip to London! 5/5 stars! An absolute must see; a captivating and enchanting experience. Our incredibly kind and knowledgeable guides, Joe and Rosanna were wonderful in every way they could be. They took us to see every crevice of the Globe: backstage, on stage (which for me was the highlight of the tour and magical,) up onto Juliet’s balcony, into the Gentleman's boxes, through WHAM (no, not the 80s pop duo, but Wigs Hair and Make Up,) outside the theater, past Carpentry, to the printing press and folio on display, and even more places-- it's an all access kind of tour! Every step of the way, Joe and Rosanna made the tour engaging. They shared both history (about the streets of London in Shakespeare's time, about the architecture itself and how it differs from the original theater, the heavenly paintings that adorn its famous ceiling, and the dress of the time, amongst so many other things,) stories of recent productions and specific backstage tales, and practical knowledge (like showing us the best spots on stage for voices to soar, and the dead spots where actors have to shout); offering to take photos and videos (of you reciting Shakespeare on the stage!) of every guest at every turn without you having to ask and so that your whole family can be included in the shot; explaining historical dress via costumes from past productions, many pieces of which they offer to let you try on; and encouraging questions and dialogue. Rosanna and Joe were very in tune with the needs of the guests (allowing shyer guests to listen to tales, and engaging less shy guests in more immersive aspects of the tour.) Their absolute love of The Globe shines through everything they say and do and is contagious; and the breadth and depth of their knowledge is unparalleled. I will forever be thinking of the cannon fired that set the thatched roof of original Globe on fire, why it is open air, the two muse statues overlooking the balcony, the fact that they used to call it 'hearing a play' in Shakespeare's time, and the gorgeous, poetic fact that the Globe Theater itself is made of wood like a violin or guitar and your voice box is like its strings-- the theater and you together making one complete instrument.

Cockney Mick was a truly fantastic tour guide this morning. Such fun and audible throughout! He is clearly passionate about his subject and made the tour interactive and interesting.