Family Outings: Shakespeare and The Gunpowder Plot, The Globe, London
Big bang theory
By Juliet Rix
Published: 02 October 2005 by Independent.co.uk
The venue
The Gunpowder Plot, uncovered 400 years ago this autumn, is remembered in an exhibition at the Globe theatre in London that brings together original prosecution documents and modern police methods to reassess the truth behind the fireworks. The 20th-century reincarnation of Britain's famous 16th-century theatre is an apt choice of venue, because Shakespeare was personally acquainted with several of the plotters as well as being employed by James I's acting troupe, The King's Men, based at the theatre. So visitors get a double deal: as well as entrance to this special exhibition, your ticket includes a lively 30- to 40-minute theatre tour.
Something for children
A competition sheet guides youngsters through the Gunpowder exhibition, encouraging them to investigate one plotter and his role - there are chocolates for anyone handing in a completed sheet. Suitably theatrical actors lead on the tours, keeping young minds focused on their surroundings. My son was intrigued to hear that because there was no easy way out of the scrum (some 2,000 "groundlings" paid a penny each to cram into the muddy pit below the stage) and no loos anyway, a smelly bucket was passed around as required.
Something for adults
Although the show is not well laid out, it is interesting, offering a chance to rethink your school history. Be sure to see the original documents - including the crucial letter tipping off Lord Monteagle not to attend Parliament - and read some of the informative panels assessing their relevance.
Refreshments
A café and restaurant by the Thames. Light meals from £5.95; "modern European" set menu from £17.95.
Souvenirs
A vast range of books and gifts, including Shakespeare's insults magnets (£8.50) and a plague rat hand-puppet (£10.50).
Admission and access
Open daily, May-September, 9am-5pm, October-April, 10am-5pm. Admission £9 for adults, £6.50 for children aged five to 15, family ticket (two adults, three children) £25. Tours start every 15-30 minutes (except during matinees). The Gunpowder Plot exhibition runs until 25 March 2006.
Wheelchair accessible. Some Braille and recorded commentary in the permanent exhibition. Full access guide available.
How to Get There
Shakespeare's Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT (020-7902-1500; www.shakespeares-globe.org).
By Underground: Cannon Street/Mansion House/Blackfriars/ (and walk over the Millennium Bridge), London Bridge, Southwark.
By train: Cannon Street, Blackfriars, London Bridge, Waterloo. By bus: 344 to Southwark Bridge.
