Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the Friends?

The Friends were originally a small group of people who knew Sam Wanamaker and shared his dream of recreating Shakespeare's Globe. Today, there are nearly 6000 Friends, including nearly 500 who live outside the UK. Friends support the Globe in many ways and enjoy a range of membership benefits.

What are the benefits of membership?

Membership of the Friends of Shakespeare's Globe offers a range of benefits providing valuable insights into the Globe's internationally acclaimed work:

  • Priority booking for the annual Globe Theatre Season and ticket exchange up to four weeks before performance booked
  • Free admission to Shakespeare's Globe Exhibition and reduced admission for a guest
  • Concessionary admission rates to many Globe Education events including workshops, lectures and staged readings
  • Free copies of Around the Globe, the Globe's acclaimed magazine
  • Free copies of the Friend's newsletter, Cuesheet
  • Invitations to special Friends events and cultural visits
  • Opportunities to support the Globe by becoming a Friends volunteer

In addition to this Best Friends receive:

  • Access to ‘best category’ tickets up to one month before performance
  • Invitation to Special Theatre Season Preview event
  • Acknowledgement in the programme for a play of your choice
  • Synopsis of each play booked sent in advance
  • Free admission to the Sam Wanamaker Festival

How many members do you have?

Nearly 6000 all over the world.

Who runs the organisation?

The Friends are part of the Shakespeare Globe Trust. The Friend’s office is managed and run by Jo Matthews and her staff: Minna Sharpe and Sarah Sullivan.

What sort of Events do you run?

From a visit to Stratford to a dinner in the vast UnderGlobe beneath the theatre, the Friends run events throughout the year. Our most popular regular event is called 'Heaven to Hell' - theatre department practitioners give an in-depth guided tour of the Globe, from the attic to the understage.

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