New Globe Theatre Interior

New Globe Theatre Interior
The New Globe Theatre Interior is as authentic as possible. Features of the new Globe Theatre are the two huge ' Herculean ' pillars. The ' Herculean ' pillars of the original Globe Theatre were made of huge, single tree trunks which were drilled through the centre to eliminate warping of the wood. They were then painted to give a marble appearance emulating the Roman and Greek classic styles. The pillars in the New Globe theatre interior have been emulated to create the same effect. The pillars support a stage roof called the 'Heavens '. The Heavens are painted with pictures of the sun, moon and the zodiac. Behind the pillars is the stage wall called the ' Frons Scenae ' (taken from the name given by Imperial Rome to the stage walls of their amphitheatres). A doorway to the left and right and a curtained central doorway from which the actors make their entrances. Above the door area is a highly decorative screen. The statues on the right and left of the stage represent the themes of Comedy and Tragedy.

The New Globe Theatre Interior
Details of the New Globe Theatre Interior are as follows:

Overall design and structure of the New Theatre - The open air arena, is called the ' pit ' or the ' yard ', has a raised stage at one end and is surrounded by three tiers of roofed galleries with balconies overlooking the back of the stage. The stage projects halfway into the ' pit '

Audience Capacity - Design and Structure - The New Globe Theatre interior can house up to 1600 people. 700 standing ' groundlings ' in the ' yard ' or the ' pit ' and 900 seated in the galleries

Structure - The Entrance to the theater - Design - Two External staircases in the structure to access the upper galleries of the new Globe theatre interior. Four main entrances for the ' Yard ' and the Lower Gallery

Structure - Access to the Balconies & Galleries - Design - Two sets of external stairs in the structure , either side if the theatre

The interior design of the Theatre - Interior Design based on the structure of the Old Globe Theatre (see picture of the new Globe stage below clearly showing the ' Herculean ' pillars, the ' Heavens ' & the stage wall called the ' Frons Scenae '

Theatre Lighting - Natural lighting only artificial lighting mirrors the effects of sunlight

Heating / Air Conditioning - There is no heating or air conditioning

Stage dimensions - Stage dimensions in the New Globe Theatre interior are 44 foot wide 25 foot deep

The height of the stage - A raised stage in the interior - 5 feet and supported by large pillars

The floor of the Stage - Made of wood and like the old Globe have trap doors enabling special effects

The rear of the Stage - A roofed house-like structure supported with the help of two large columns (pillars)

The ' Herculean ' columns or pillars - The ' Herculean ' oak pillars are painted to look like marble with golden leaves

The ' Heavens ' - a roof area - The pillars supported a roof called the 'Heavens'. The Heavens are painted with the sun, moon and the zodiac

The ' Heavens ' - The ' Heavens ' serve to create an area hidden from the audience. A selection of ropes & rigging allow for special effects

The stage wall called the ' Frons Scenae ' taken from Latin - Behind the pillars is the stage wall called the ' Frons Scenae '. A doorway to the left and right in the structure and a curtained central doorway from which the actors make their entrances. Above the door area is a highly decorative screen

Statues, or relief's above the stage - Represent Comedy and Tragedy

The ' Tiring House ' - The stage wall contains two side doors and a central door which leads to a small structure, back stage, called the ' Tiring House '. The actors use this area to change their attire

The ' yard ' - Dimensions - Dimensions - The stage projects halfway into the ' yard ' which is 80 feet in diameter.

Seats in the galleries - Three levels - Design and Structure - The seats in each of the three levels of galleries are tiered with three rows of seats in the structure , increasing in size towards the back, following the shape of the building. The galleries are covered affording shelter from the elements.

For details of the Globe reconstruction please click the following link:

Globe Theatre Reconstruction

New Globe Theatre Interior
Interesting Facts and information about the New Globe Theatre Interior. Additional details, facts and information about the Globe Theatre can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap.