Pop-up Globe Theatre

The Globe theatre in London is one of my favourite places in the world, and when I got back to New Zealand; I use to joke about how my life in Auckland could only be made more perfect by having it, right here in my backyard!
Well, my wish came through — and just in time for my B’day– a full-​scale temporary working replica of the second Globe Theatre popped up on Greys Avenue! It really is a work of pure genius and an extraordinary example of Kiwi ingenuity at its best. I mean where else in the world would they dream of bringing a 400-​year old Jacobean theatre design to life by using modern cutting-​edge scaffolding technology?! It is indeed «…such stuff as dreams are made of…» so be sure to experience it before it disappears!
As in Shakespeare’s time, the Pop-​up Globe is open to the elements. Last night’s performance of Twelfth Night was marred to some extent by the heavy down pour of rain — being in prime seating made little difference to the audibility of some of the actor’s delivery of lines. The rain did eventually cease, improving the overall clarity of the production but in someways also highlighted the weakness in some of the actor’s performances as a result of Shakespeare’s use of Elizabethan language (plus the cast only had two days to practice on the stage). Don’t be put off by that though as only a few actors around the world posses the ability to really own the language of Shakespeare. Stephen Butterworth who plays maid Maria was brilliant! I also loved the fact that the director chose to use an all male cast as it offered yet another window into how plays were performed during Shakespeare’s day.
Natasha has provided some excellent advice in her review to help enhance your visit to the Pop-​up Globe. Here are a few more suggestions:
1. Read at least the synopsis of the play you want to attend so you gain a better understanding of the plot. I recommend you read the whole text beforehand. I’m familiar with almost all of Shakespeare’s works and I have attended a lot of performances but I still read the whole text beforehand! It will help you appreciate the play and also draw your attention to some of Shakespeare’s most well known soliloquies and monologues etc.
2. If it’s raining, grab a poncho even if you have allocated seating as some parts of the gallery can get a bit wet too.
3. Arrive early to avoid the long queue at the gate and of course the parking fiasco!
4. A certain number of $ 10 tickets are available at the door for each performance.
5. If you’re not familiar with the works of Shakespeare, then I suggest you opt for seeing one of his tragedies or historic plays as I think they outdo his comedies.
I’m looking forward to attending all the remaining plays of the Antony Harper 2016 Pop-​up Globe season. In the meantime, a BIG THANK YOU to Tobias Grant and everyone else involved in making my dreams come true! Hope you consider bringing the Pop-​up Globe to Auckland on a more regular basis!

A fantastic opportunity to see Shakespeare as it was originally performed, only available for a limited time in Auckland City. Builders have carefully constructed a temporary scale replica of the Globe Theatre to provide a unique chance to see Shakespearean theatre performed in the round.
The Pop-​Up Globe company are performing both Romeo & Juliet and Twelfth Night throughout the February-​April season with feature performances of other plays by local companies. I was lucky enough to get along to the matinée performance of Much Adoe about Nothing by the Auckland Young Shakespeare Company. It was amazing! Benedick was the best I’ve seen since Kenneth Branagh and Leonato raging actually gave me goosebumps.
If you’re in the lower gallery for any performance you may want to bring a cushion for your tush. Groundlings, good sneakers (and a sunhat for matinees) is a must. If you have the pleasure, as I did, of sitting in the upper galleries, just bring yourself and be prepared for the climb. I’m really looking forward to returning later in the week to catch R + J!