Sam Wanamaker Playhouse

Sam Wanamaker Playhouse Visiting Guide: London Tickets, Hours, and Essential Tips

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and Its Significance

Tucked within the Shakespeare’s Globe complex on London’s Bankside, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse invites visitors into a world where Jacobean theatre comes alive. This candlelit indoor playhouse, meticulously designed to evoke early 17th-century venues like the Blackfriars Theatre, offers an authentic, intimate experience that’s rare in today’s theatre landscape. Opened in 2014 as part of Sam Wanamaker’s vision to restore Shakespearean performance to London, the Playhouse stands as a testament to historical artistry, innovation, and accessibility—making it a must-visit for theatre lovers, history enthusiasts, and cultural explorers alike (Shakespeare’s Globe; Londonist).

Quick Facts

Location: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
Seating: 340 seats in a horseshoe-shaped auditorium
Lighting: Over 100 beeswax candles
Access: Step-free, accessible seating, hearing assistance, guide dog friendly
Nearby: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral

Historical and Architectural Highlights

Sam Wanamaker’s Vision

It was Sam Wanamaker’s dream to see Shakespeare performed in conditions true to his era. After decades of research and advocacy, his dream materialized with the Globe’s reconstruction and, in 2014, the Playhouse—a venue inspired by Jacobean indoor theatres, where Shakespeare’s company once performed during winter (Shakespeare’s Globe).

A Jacobean Inspiration

Rather than a strict replica, the Playhouse synthesizes Jacobean architectural features—oak galleries, hand-carved columns, lime plaster, and a painted ceiling depicting the moon goddess Luna. The setting, illuminated solely by candlelight, conjures the atmosphere and sensory richness of early modern performances (London Theatre).

Visiting the Playhouse: Hours, Tickets & Directions

Performance and Tour Hours

Performances: Evenings, Tuesday–Sunday, with matinees on select days. Exact times vary by production—always check the official schedule.
Box Office: Generally open 10am–6pm daily.
Guided Tours: Daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm, subject to performance and rehearsal schedules (Secret London).

Tickets

Prices: £10 (restricted view/standing) to £65 (premium). Discounts for students, seniors, group bookings; accessible pricing via the Access Scheme (Headout).
How to Book: Online via the Shakespeare’s Globe website, by phone, or in person at the Box Office.
Booking Tips: Due to the small capacity, early booking is highly recommended, especially for popular shows and special events.

Getting There

Underground: London Bridge, Blackfriars, Southwark stations
Bus: Several routes serve Bankside
Walking: 10 minutes from central landmarks like Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge
Accessibility: Lifts, step-free routes, accessible toilets, and hearing assistance are available (Shakespeare’s Globe).

What Makes the Playhouse Unique?

Candlelit Performances: Over 100 beeswax candles illuminate every show, transforming the space and deepening audience immersion (WhatsOnStage).
Intimacy: The horseshoe design and bench seating bring audiences within arm’s reach of the action, encouraging a sense of communal experience rarely found in larger venues.
Acoustics: The oak and period construction deliver crisp, natural sound—ideal for unamplified voices and live music.
Diverse Programming: From Shakespearean classics and Jacobean drama to contemporary retellings and family shows, the Playhouse is a hub of artistic innovation (London Theatre; Wonderland Magazine).

2025 Programming Highlights

”Rough Magic” – Family-Friendly Summer Production

Dates: 19 July – 23 August 2025
About: An interactive, family-friendly adaptation inspired by “Macbeth,” designed to introduce children to Shakespearean themes with humor and creativity.
Accessibility: Includes audio-described, relaxed, captioned, and signed performances (Shakespeare’s Globe; What’s On Stage).
Press Night: 24 July, 11am & 3pm

Special Events

Open Iftar: 9 March 2025 (Ramadan community event)
WHO Collaboration: 4 June 2025 (special partnership event)

Year-Round Offerings

Workshops and Tours: Acting, text interpretation, and stage combat workshops run regularly.
Concerts: Classical and modern recitals by candlelight.
Talks and Lectures: Insights from actors, directors, and scholars (Shakespeare’s Globe).

Visitor Amenities

Swan Restaurant & Bar: Modern British cuisine with Thames views, open noon to late (Headout; LondonMyMind).
Gift Shop: Shakespeare-themed gifts, books, and exclusive merchandise.
Cushions: Benches can be hard; cushions are available for rent for added comfort.

Practical Tips

Dress Code: Smart-casual; the indoor venue is heated.
Arrival: Arrive 30 minutes before your show for ticket collection and to explore exhibitions.
Children: Many events are family-friendly, but check for age recommendations.
Photography: Allowed only before and after performances, not during shows.
Latecomers: Admitted at suitable breaks only.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Performances typically run Tuesday–Sunday evenings, with matinees on select days. Guided tours are usually 9:30am–5:00pm.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online via the official website, by phone, or at the box office.

Q: Is the Playhouse accessible?
A: Yes—step-free access, lifts, accessible toilets, and hearing assistance are available. Book accessible seating in advance.

Event/Production	Dates	Notes/Access Performances
Rough Magic	19 Jul – 23 Aug	Audio Described: 6 Aug; Relaxed: 8 & 20 Aug; Captioned: 9 Aug; Signed: 14 Aug
Open Iftar	9 Mar	Community event
WHO Collaboration	4 Jun	Special event
Public Booking Opens	25 Feb	For all summer 2025 events