Your ticket allows you to enjoy the indoor museum (which at this time of year you’ll probably enjoy the warmth) which houses a timeline of Shakespeare’s work, music used for his plays, costumes that would have been work at the time, and a stage area below where you can see about rehearsals before embarking on the tour of the Globe Theatre itself.
I don’t wish to give out too much information as I think this really is worth a trip yourself, but the tour of the Globe Theatres covers a great deal of history about all of the theatres in Southwark in Shakespeare’s time, the construction of the theatre, and if you’re lucky you might catch a rehearsal.
However, my favourite bit will always be the penny stinkers. The penny stinkers, ladies and gentleman, are the paupers who paid a penny to watch the play by standing in the middle of the theatre rather than for a covered seat. Unfortunately, there was, and still isn’t, any access to bathroom facilities from this area (I think you can see how I’m getting to the ‘stinker’ part now…) and buckets and bottles were frequented by paupers in order for them to be able to attend, and enjoy, the performance on stage.
The Globe Theatre is not only open for tours but Shakespeare’s plays are also put on there. There is also an indoor theatre next door which is lit entirely by candlelight – no fancy electrical stage lighting!
The theatre is open for plays from April and standing tickets are £5 with seated tickets ranging from £16 - £43. (yes, penny stinkers still exist but the value of the penny has changed somewhat). The Globe Theatre is well worth a visit whether you’re into history, literature, architecture, or you’re a bit bored this afternoon …
http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/