Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

My husband and I saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at the Globe when we were in London the month of September. We were the chief "groundlings" and were happy to be at the front of the pack right by the stage. It was my task to make sure the area was clear when actors exited the stage via a small step between the stage and the floor of where the groundlings stood.

We stood nearly four hours and when it was all over, I couldn't feel my feet but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It was as though we were a part of the acting troupe and so close we could see EVERYTHING. My husband died unexpectedly three days after Christmas so all of my UK memories are quite precious. Don't put off doing something fun and unusual because of a little discomfort. You might never get another chance!

Bought our 'peasant class' groundling tickets to 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' based on so many of the reviews on TripAdvisor, and we were not disappointed. My daughter had her doubts, after having slogged through so much Shakespeare in school, that this play would be funny and entertaining, but she was a convert after the first scene.

We didn't get in early enough to stand against the front stage, but were able to lean back against the middle walkway, and at one point were literally rubbing elbows with the performers. This was one of the best things we did in London, and a bargain at 5pounds per.

After the show, hungry and seeking a place to sit, we stumbled into TAS Pide across the street, and were pleasantly surprised by our first brush with Turkish food.

All in all, a very good day.

Not being familiar with The Merry Wives of Windsor and wary of the complexioties of the synopsis, the superb acting and production brought it all to life. A great experience; hugely enjoyable.

However a whisky at the bar afterwards soured the experience being charged L6.50. They don't make it obvious that they serve only large measures. I could imagine many tourists feeling they were being ripped off!