Department 56 Heritage Village Collection Dickens' Village The Old Globe Theatre

There is perhaps no theatre more famous throughout the world than London's Globe Theatre. Originally built in 1598-99 and opened in 1599, the Globe burned to the ground in 1613 during a performance of Henry VIII, A prop canon was set off to announce the king's entrance and a spark landed on the roof; the subsequent fire demolished the theatre. Rebuilding began immediately, and it remained in existence until 1642 when the Puritans had it closed. It was demolished in 1644 to build tenements, but its legend and history remained fixed in the public focus until it was reconstructed and reopened nearly four centuries later in 1997. The thatched roof of the new Globe Theatre is the first allowed in the city since the Great Fire of London in 1666.

The Globe was well named, it had multiple sides and was, as close to a circle as architecturally possible for a timber and lathe and plaster building in the early 17 century. It is said the round design echoed the town centers where plays were usually given before the advent of enclosed theatres. The stage lighting was provided naturally through the open roof. The seats and galleries were for the gentry, and common folk stood packed together on the ground around the stage, which jutted out into the middle of the yard. This arrangement allowed for great interaction between theatergoers and players. If the spectators didn't like what was unfolding before them, they jeered and made rude remarks, but if they thought the play was good, they were excellent audiences. Although the concept of theatres as dedicated buildings for plays was fairly new at this time, one cannot overestimate their popularity. In the 17th century there was a high rate of illiteracy, and books were incredibly rare, but public performance was inexpensive and entertaining. The Globe held 3,000 spectators and from all accounts was regularly filled to capacity.

Theatre was extraordinarily popular in William Shakespeare's Elizabethan London and continued to be in Dickens Victorian era. Both great writers loved acting; and although there was no Globe in London during Dickens' time there were many theatres as well as clubhouses and auditoriums used as venues for performances. His love of theatre has been well documented. Throughout Dickens' life he drew on his delight in the stage, putting on and acting in plays to raise money for various causes, one of which was the Shakespeare House Museum in 1848. Like Shakespeare he enjoyed all theatre from high farce to serious drama. In 1841 he attended almost every London performance of King Lear and Richard II given by his friend the famous actor William Charles Macready. Dickens continued to enjoy reading and seeing the works of Shakespeare until his death in 1870.

Department 56, Inc. is pleased to introduce our rendition of The Globe Theatre as the second grouping for our Historical Landmark Series. Limited to the year of production, our set of four includes the main building of the Globe Theatre decorated for the season, complete with galleries, stage, tiny lanterns and open yard. Two trumpeting heralds announce the newest production being performed. The flag flying over-head is another indication to the public of the current play, just as it was at the original Globe. As with The Tower of London, a distinctive characteristic landscaped sign with the name of this Historical Landmark Series piece completes this intricately detailed set. Anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship will enjoy displaying this second splendid historical English landmark.

Introduced December 1997 - Retired December 1998 - Lighted Buildings - Heritage Village Collection, Dickens Village Series - Hand painted porcelain

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