29 Nov 2012

New wooden theatre being built at the Globe

6:03 am on 29 November 2012

Construction has begun in London of a new indoor wooden theatre on the site of the Globe Theatre where Shakespeare's plays were first performed 400 years ago.

Along with an existing open-air theatre, the project will allow the Globe to stage performances to be staged all year round.

With room for 340 people, the Sam Wanamaker Theatre is based on 17th-century drawings believed to be the earliest surviving plans of an English theatre.

It's due to open in 2014. Prices will start at £10 for standing tickets. Plays will be predominantly lit by candles.

Wanamaker, the Globe's founder, died in 1993 at the age of 74. The Globe complex opened in 1997.