The Old Globe Theatre

What you need to know about the Old Globe Theatre

Built in 1935, The Old Globe Theater in San Diego was modeled after the famous namesake in London. The theater was originally created as part of the Pacific International Exhibition in California.

The Old Globe is located in Balboa Park, which is home to many museums and galleries that contribute to understanding the city's history and culture.

Throughout the year, the theater shows a variety of performances, including Henrik Ibsen's puppet shows, the breathtaking Gentleman's Guide to Love and Killing, and the country's most popular play, The Good People. Each performance lasts about a month.

The Old Globe also hosts classic performances during the annual Shakespeare Summer Festival. You will be enchanted by the traditional atmosphere and professional performances. The Old Globe Theatre hosts a variety of events of a different kind: gala concerts, fashion shows and special nights.

Following the original design, the building includes three stages, some under a roof and others under the open sky, as well as a theater arena.

We advise against bringing food and drinks with you. You can have a picnic on the square near the theater.

History

The theater was built in 1935. The original goal was to show abridged versions of Shakespeare's plays at the Pacific International Exhibition. After its completion, the theater with the adjacent buildings was rented and renovated for further use.

The reopening took place in December 1937 with the staging of the play "Distaffside". The cast included the young actor Craig Noel, whose continued presence as director and artistic director will guide the development of theater for half a century.

On March 8, 1978, as a result of arson, the Old Globe Theatre was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, the rehearsal room, sets and costumes were saved from the flames.

More than 20 plays staged at The Old Globe Theatre were later played on Broadway. The theater-goers' awards and numerous nominations draw global attention to San Diego's rich cultural landscape.

Annually "Old Globe" releases 15 works of all periods and styles, from classics to novelties. And in winter you can enjoy the signature family musical How to Steal Christmas from Dr. Seuss.

The Old Globe Theatre is one of San Diego's largest art institutions, a leading arts employer and one of the brightest theaters in the United States. More than 250,000 people attend the theater's performances every year.

Popular theater performances

As you like it

Shakespeare Festival 2019 began with a charming romantic comedy about heartfelt romance, charming failure and human weakness. Arden's Enchanted Forest is where a gallery of eccentric characters gathers to find love, luck, redemption and themselves. According to the plot, expelled from the yard by her uncle, the main character disguises herself as a boy. But she doesn't know yet that the man she loves is also on the run.

Ken Ludwig's The Gods of Comedy

Daphne and Ralph are young professors who have just made a discovery that will turn them into academic superstars. But something goes wrong, and Daphne screams in panic: "Save me, the gods of Ancient Greece!" and ... the gods do appear!

What you are

Don makes a living and fights to support his family with hard work. But everyone around, from colleagues to his daughter, rejects his efforts. When a simple misunderstanding at work escalates into a real confrontation, Don hatches a plan to fix whatever went wrong.

The tale of despereaux

Despereaux is a brave mouse who dreams of becoming a knight. The hero embarks on a noble journey to save the princess. Full of great music, stunning stage effects and witty dialogue, The Tale of Despereaux is an inspiring story for all ages.