A Midsummer's Night's Shakespeare

Continuing our weekend of culture, we took advantage of the short night (it was the day after the longest), and took in the midnight matinee of Othello at the Globe Theatre.

It started at midnight and finished at 3.30am, at which time you could have breakfast in the Swan and watch the sunrise over Bankside.


The joys of London life, indeed!

One of the remarkable things about the production is that it's the first time ever that a black actor has taken on the role of Othello at the Globe (including the original Globe theatre-it's the first Othello at the modern Globe).

That's Eamonn Walker (best known for the US prison series Oz). Whilst undoubtedly charismatic, he struggles with his diction-and is not suited to the Globe's open air accoustic.

Tim McInnery should know better! He gobbles many of his words, but managing to project. Still, he works the audience so very well! A creditable Iago.

Desdemona is not only pure in character, but pure in dialogue.



I'd certainly not rush back to the Globe. I know it tries to give as authentic an experience as possible, but I found the wondering around of the stalls-standing only audience, coming and going, just too distracting. It is hard enough to follow Shakespeare at the best of times.

Perhaps it can be put down to 3am fatigue, but there were just too many plastic beer cups crunching underfoot as they were kicked about by the milling crowd. Then, someone fainted and had a seizure (no wonder-if you choose to rest your 3.5 hour weary feet and sit, the over-efficient stewards take such joy in shooing you back on your feet).

Fortunately, we had seats...

Still, the detail of the theatre is remarkable.


Did anyone see Dr Who filmed there?

So my verdict? If you want to see the "jobsworth" retiree wives that make up the Globe's stewards, dealing with the bored tourist hoards, worth a visit!