A Night at Shakespeare’s Globe: Henry VIII, Historic Vibes, and the Joy of Open-Air Theatre
It wasn’t just a play—it was an experience. Here’s what it’s like to watch Shakespeare where Shakespeare actually meant it to be watched.
by Emily Spaulding
So… Who Actually Goes to See Henry VIII?
Confession: I didn’t go to Shakespeare’s Globe for Henry VIII specifically. I mean… I like Shakespeare as much as the next person who vaguely remembers Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet from school. But let’s be honest—Henry VIII isn’t exactly the show people are lining up for. It’s more “royal divorce court” than “edge-of-your-seat thriller.”
But I didn’t go for the plot. I went for the Globe. Because where else can you watch 400-year-old lines delivered live, in the open air, while a pigeon casually strolls across the stage and someone in the audience eats crisps out of a tote bag?
Shakespeare’s Globe: Where History Feels Kinda Cozy
You show up to the Globe and it feels like walking into a Shakespeare-themed amusement park—if that amusement park had no rides, but excellent vibes. The white plaster and timber walls are straight out of a textbook. Inside, it’s all exposed beams and carved wood.
It’s a recreation of the original 1599 theatre, and it somehow feels both ancient and alive. People are chatting in a dozen languages, and students are whispering over playbills. The air hums with excitement—people are snapping pics, flipping through programs, whispering plot summaries to confused friends.
And once the play starts? The place transforms. You’re suddenly in Henry’s court, dodging political intrigue and high-stakes marriage drama.
Wait, It’s Outside?! (Yes—and That’s the Fun Part)
The Globe is open-air, which sounds charming until a grey cloud rolls in halfway through Act III. But honestly? That’s part of the fun. It’s a little chaotic, a little unpredictable, and very “London.” The show goes on rain or shine, and there’s something delightfully defiant about a cast delivering royal decrees while half the audience is tucking ponchos over their knees.
And don’t worry—there are covered seating options (balcony), but even if you’re out in the open, people come prepared. Umbrellas aren’t allowed, so instead, you’ll see people fashioning DIY hats out of programs and jackets.
Yes, There Was a Play (And It Was Good!)
Oh, right—the play! Henry VIII isn’t one of Shakespeare’s greatest hits, but the Globe cast gave it their all. The actors played it with humor, heart, and just enough side-eyes to the audience to keep things spicy.
Queen Katherine absolutely stole the show (you’ll know the scene when it happens). Henry was charming in that “please don’t marry me” kind of way, and the whole thing had enough drama to keep you hooked, even if you forgot who Cardinal Wolsey was halfway through.
That said, the play was kind of the side dish. The main course was being in this beautiful space, watching actors do what they do best, while birds fly overhead and the city buzzes around you.
Things That Happen at the Globe and Nowhere Else
The actors might talk to you. Seriously, the fourth wall is optional here. It's theatre with a splash of crowd work. The crowd is a character. You’ve got theatre students furiously scribbling notes. And at least one kid dramatically whispering, “What’s happening?” every five minutes. You are never alone here, in the best way. The energy is unmatched. The Globe feels alive in a way most theatres don’t. The cheers are louder, the silences heavier, and every laugh echoes a little longer under that open sky. The actors feel it. You feel it.
Planning a Visit to Shakespeare's Globe? Here’s What to Know
Book ahead. The cheap standing tickets go fast, and seated ones sell out too, especially for evening shows.
Bring layers. Seriously, bring them. I saw three seasons’ worth of weather in one act.
Snacks are low-key essential. Just unwrap them quietly unless you want a scolding glare from a nearby literature major.
Don’t worry if you don’t know the play. You’ll figure it out. Shakespeare’s plays laid the groundwork for all the over-the-top dramas we see today.
The Verdict: 10/10 Would Globe Again
Watching Henry VIII at Shakespeare’s Globe wasn’t just a theatre night—it was a full-on event. The combination of historic setting, modern performances, unpredictable weather, and a super game audience made it unforgettable.
Would I go back to see Henry VIII again? Maybe. Would I go back to the Globe again? Absolutely. Every performance at this theater feels like a small miracle, a vibrant echo of the past you get to experience firsthand.
So, if you’re in London and want a night out that’s dramatic, delightful, and a little different, skip the West End glitter for a night and go to the Globe.
About the Author
Emily Spaulding is a writer, editor, and current intern at OTL Seat Fillers. She studied Communications and Media Studies at the University at Buffalo and London Metropolitan University, and she’s passionate about publishing, storytelling, and exploring the ways media shapes the way we see the world.