Shakespeare’s Globe theatre on the brink of insolvency

Englands Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is on the brink of insolvency due to the economic impact caused by COVID-19. The pandemic has already caused the closure of theatres across the globe including the West End and Broadway. Coronavirus has already caused the early termination of notable productions in New York including Disney’s Frozen which will not be returning once government enforced lockdowns are lifted.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is an Elizabethan playhouse on the south bank of the River Thames in the London Borough of Southwark. Home to the notable English playwright Mr William Shakespeare, the original theatre was built in 1599 and was ravaged by fire in 1613. The modern Globe Theatre has been built, based on available evidence, to replicate the original design and is widely considered to be a realistic replica. Over its 22 year operation it has hosted the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen, Jude Law, David Tennant and Ralph Fiennes.

As reported by the BBC, the institution is pleading with British legislators to act quickly with government funding in the realm of £5M ($6M) or it may not be able to weather the storm. The venue has been closed since 20 March and has been ineligible for Arts Council England’s funding relief.

“In an unprecedented time for theatre, as a charity that receives no regular government subsidy, we need your help more than ever before,” reads a statement on their website.

For such an iconic institution to close would be a national tragedy.  Those interested in donating to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre can do so here.