Shakespears Globe Theatre and Costumes

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a storied place. The original Globe was built circa 1598 in London. It was one of four major theatres in the area--the other three being the Swan, the Rose, and the Hope. It was an open-air octagonal amphitheatre that could seat up to 3,000 viewers. The theatre was three stories high, with a diameter of roughly 100 feet. The rectangular stage platform on which the plays were performed was nearly 43 feet wide and 28 feet …

…trimmed with lace or artificial flowers. <Tab/>Men's clothing, like a woman's, was gorgeous with colors and embellishment. Men's costume also included hats, even indoors. Feathers and jewels were normally on the hats worn. The hairstyles of men varied greatly. Sometimes the hair was cut closely at the sides, but could be brushes up and held with a gel they called "gum", or it could be curled all over the head.