Shakespeare’s Globe today announces special events, collaborations, and inspiration for visitors old and young to make the Globe their festive destination for 2023.
Virtuoso classical guitarist Xuefei Yang will play a concert specially curated for the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on Monday 11 December.
Comedian Tim Key brings his popular Chrimbo Bimbo show to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on Monday 18 December.
Hansel and Gretel runs in the Globe Theatre from 8 December – 7 January, with accompanying workshops for young people beginning on 9 December.
Specially designed biscuits created by the Globe and Biscuiteers celebrating Shakespeare now available in-store and online.
On Monday 11 December, following performances at the Southbank Centre, Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, New York, Xuefei Yang will perform a one-off, intimate concert in the candlelit Playhouse to celebrate the winter season, reflect on the past and look to the future.
Xuefei has created a programme drawn from Ancient China, through Europe to Latin American and modern day composers. Hailed as a musical pioneer, Xuefei’s international success has led her to be invited to play in more than 50 countries at numerous prestigious venues, and major music festivals such as BBC Proms, Edinburgh International Festival, Shanghai MISA Festival and the Beijing international Music Festival.
On Monday 18 December, acclaimed poet, actor and comedian Tim Key brings his festive extravaganza Chrimbo Bimbo in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Audiences are invited into Key’s irreverent world of poetry, mulled wine and Chrimbo cheer, with Christmas jumpers strongly encouraged.
Adapted from Poet Laureate Simon Armitage’s epic version of the fairy tale, the new stage production of Hansel and Gretel runs from in the Globe Theatre 8 December 2023 until 7 January 2024.
Directed by Nick Bagnall and filled with music, magic, songs and a sprinkling of hope, Hansel and Gretel is aimed at everyone aged 5+. Shakespeare’s Globe has collaborated with Great British Bake Off finalist Steven Carter-Bailey to create the Globe Theatre out of cake, evocative of the infamous gingerbread house in The Brothers Grimm’s Hansel and Gretel. Steven was a front runner from the beginning of the 2017 series of Bake Off, the first series on Channel 4. Since then, he’s had commissions all over the world, baking for the likes of Sir Ian McKellen, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jonathan Van Ness. He returned to the tent in 2021 to win the Great New Year’s Bake Off.
Two interactive workshops for young people and their grown-ups will be the perfect accompaniment to a festive day at the Globe. The Hansel and Gretel Drama and Music Workshop for 5–8-year-olds will explore the story, characters and music of The Brothers Grimm fairy tale through fun activities led by a Globe practitioner. Children aged 9-12 can enjoy the Hansel and Gretel Spoken Word and Drama Workshop, using creative writing and performance to similarly dive into the magical woodland world. Both workshops run from 9 December 2023 to 7 January 2024.
Shakespeare’s Globe have collaborated with Biscuiteers to create intricate iced biscuit icons from Shakespeare’s plays, including Yorick’s skull and Henry V’s crown, to Macbeth’s dagger and the poison bottle that sealed Romeo and Juliet’s fate. A biscuit tin of Shakespearean treats in available from the Globe shop and online, as well as a gingerbread Globe Theatre. For the first time, Shakespeare’s Globe have also designed a Christmas jumper, available now alongside many other festive gifts for lovers of the Bard.
From 18 – 30 December, families can explore the Globe and hear how Christmas was celebrated in Shakespeare’s time. The Festive Family Tour is a magical way to learn about the folk traditions that people practiced when welcoming in winter, from wassailing to the winter solstice, ‘kissing boughs’ to proper mince pyes.
Share the gift of Membership with a friend or loved one. Shakespeare’s Globe members get backstage access to our wooden ‘O’ including priority booking, generous discounts, and members-only events, including the Heaven to Hell Guided Tour. On this tour, Members and Patrons can explore the theatre’s secrets from the attic to the under-Globe and discover the behind-the-scenes magic with a visit to the backstage, props and costume stores.
Visitors to Shakespeare’s Globe can also enjoy a cosy roast, Christmas cocktail or festive afternoon tea at Swan at the Globe, with stunning views across the Thames. The Swan’s delicious new Christmas menu will launch on 23 November, and a new Hansel and Gretel themed afternoon tea will launch on 27 November, just in time for the show’s run in the Globe Theatre. The Swan also offers vouchers which make a perfect gift for use all year round.
