Richard III at the Pop-Up Globe Theatre

I start most of my posts enthusiastically. I think many times that I might annoy some of my readers because I seem too enthusiastic. But it's hard not to be when things turn out so well. 

This is one of those times when my expectations of enjoyment for an afternoon's outing were met and far exceeded. 

Allie got us tickets to see Richard III. The Pop-Up Globe Theatre is built using what looks like to me are scaffolding units but is billed as being faithful to the dimensions of the Second Globe Theatre in London. It is currently installed at the Ellerslie Racecourse. 

I expected it to be enjoyable and I hoped that the boys would enjoy it as much as possible. Jeanne and I had box seats. We were right up on the level of the stage and we could have touched actors as they sometimes passed by us. I loved the location. Allie and the boys were 'groundlings.' This term, used in Shakespear's time, meant those spectators who stood right in front of the stage. Those folks paid the lowest price to see the performance, were probably commoners and were not provided with seats. One benefit of being a groundling was that actors often used the groundling area as part of the stage. The action was very up close and personal. 

Allie had not decided to buy groundling tickets as a matter of saving money. Ours was a matinee performance and the tickets were true bargains anyway. She wanted instead to immerse the boys in as much of the flavor of a real Shakespearean event as she could. As it turned out, being a groundling at Richard III had some rather unusual benefits that impressed the boys. 

This was an excellent day, I can't say enough. Come and take a look.

We arriveth. 

We walk through a tent...I hear music in the distance.

There is a gate covered in greenery leading down an incline. 

We are delighted, and glad that we're early. Look at this place. A trumpet and two trombones play period music, people sit or mill about with glasses of wine or some ice cream. 

The place is so friendly in a literary way.

I buy a package of Shakespeare insult buttons and outfit our crew. 

(Insults written by Shakespeare, not insulting to the Bard.)

The sons of King Edward, who came to a bad end.

Looking over my shoulder toward the hallway in our box. 

Jeanne and I were alone in our box that seated six. We enjoyed some wine. 

Looking over to the groundlings...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpIpX01IiGw&feature=youtu.be

Some scenes from the production

Thoroughly engrossed

The head of Hastings 

Intermission has been announced. 

During the intermission, Jeanne and I get a look at the groundling area.

A detail of the ceiling

What doth thee maketh of that?  Maybe we will findeth out. 

It continues...

Taking their bows.

They spareth not the pseudo, non-toxic blood in the battle scene. The boys thought it was very well done. The slashing and stabbing was realistic they thought.

A selfie of splatter
All three of our groundings needed cleanup. Jeanne had wet-wipes in her purse and blood was removed from faces and arms.

 Amiri's shirt shows evidence that went home with him. 

Driving home, we all shared comments on what we especially liked about the performance. The boys stated that they'd be ready to go again, anytime. There are other plays coming up. 

I suggested that I would be happy to fund another outing, and if the others would like, I'd get box seats for all of us the next time. Well, Arram stated that he would consider no other position in the theatre than that of groundling. Wow, he must have been impressed. 

We plan to do it again but this time, we'll arrive significantly early and buy lunch and a bottle of wine to enjoy beneath the tree.