A Lolita Travel Guide to... London - The Globe Theatre

It has rather struck me as I wander around both my home county and capital city that there are so many wonderful places here that are perfect for lolitas to go to, whether they live in the UK or abroad. So this is the start of what I hope will become something of a travel guide for lolitas; of the cute photo op places, the historical sites (both off and on the beaten track) and the tucked away tearooms for that perfect respite.

☆SHAKESPEARE ☆&☆ LOLITA☆

We often accredit Lolita influences to reach back to rococo and to Victoriana, but every now and again there will appear a design that reaches further back in time. Earlier this year Baby the Stars Shine Bright released the Poison de L'amour print, a Shakespearian inspired print that echoes the tale of Romeo and Juliet in its design. It has details that elude to the Elizabethan style of dress, with the high ruffle-like lace of the Princess jumper skirt, or the velvet appearance of the headdress.

Where better then to wear such a gown than the Globe Theatre?

The Globe Theatre

 Looking exactly as it did back in the heyday of the 16^th Century, or indeed in the film, Shakespeare in Love, Shakespeare's Globe is at once an historic site and a place for a good evening out. Every day during between Spring and Autumn the Globe plays host to the plays that made it famous. 
 

The programme varies and will sell out for popular shows. The forthcoming version of Twelfth Night featuring Stephen Fry is one such example however usually for most plays there are standing tickets or returns available on the day.

Seats at the Globe are not the comfiest and if you do decide to sit then take a cushion. All except those in the boxes are hard and wooden and very often have restricted views due to the pillar-heavy design of the theatre. These are at least covered though and so the weather will be no hindrance. The Globe is open to the elements, which will include planes flying over head occasionally during your performance, an unfortunate tribulations of living in a modern world. For the most fun though, and if the weather looks good, get a £5 Yard ticket and stand. The pain of standing is no more than that you would endure at the average music concert or festival and the interaction between players and crowd is so much more when you're standing below them. The players will very often jump off the stage and run through the audience, making for a very up close and personal experience. It might be advisable to take a poncho or a cagoule to cover your lovely clothing from any rain that does deign to fall as umbrellas are not allowed. 

Prices at the Globe vary from £5 to £39 and book ahead if you can to ensure you can watch the play you want where you want to!

Directions:

The Globe is not in the most convenient location in London for tube stations.

The two easiest and prettiest routes are:

1. Take the Red Central Line to St Paul's station. Head out of any exit and walk around the cathedral heading through Paternoster Square in the direction of the river. If you walk along the side of St Paul's on the road St Paul's Church Yard and look south you will see the Millennium Bridge and the Tate Modern through the buildings. Walk directly south to head over the Millennium Bridge and you will see the Globe on the left.
2. Take National Rail or the Northern (Black), Bakerloo (Brown) or Jubilee (Grey) lines to Waterloo station. Head out of Waterloo following directions to the Royal Festival Hall and South Bank. Then head right from the Royal Festival Hall towards the National Theatre and continue walking along South Bank, past Blackfriars station, until you see the Globe.