Timon of Athens as a groundling (Shakespeare' s Globe Theatre in general)

Member Name: broomstick27

Product:	Shakespeare' s Globe Theatre in general
Date:	17/09/08 (94 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun and cheap night out

Disadvantages: 3 hours of standing

I had never even heard of Timon of Athens before deciding to see it at the Globe. Not being a fan of Shakespeare's comedies and being offered a chance to go to the Globe I opted for this as the only other option currently available. I was worried that I wouldn't understand anything that was going on but found that I need not have worried.

Admittedly I did read the synopsis on Wikipedia before I went but I think even without this I would have been fine. There were of course some sections of speeches that I didn't follow completely but it is a credit to the actors and the director (Lucy Bailey) that the majority of the story comes across clearly despite the words.


<B> The Story (very briefly)</B>

Timon (pronounced tea-mon) is a rich man at the beginning of the play and generous with it. As a result of his generosity he is surrounded by many people who he considers his friends. Later Timon falls on hard times (echos of the current credit crunch here) and looks to his "friends" to come to his aid. None do. Timon leaves Athens to live alone in the wilderness where he becomes slightly mad. He stumbles across a hidden stash of gold and becomes rich again but he is now disillusioned with money and sets out to show his old friends the error of their ways.

<B> The Production </B>

The stage scenery is very simple leaving plenty of time to examine the beauty of the globe theatre and the stage itself. The most interesting feature of this production is net which is cast across the top of the theatre upon which actors dressed as vultures move throughout the performance on bungee ropes. This is not as distracting as it might sound!

The play itself includes lots of light humour, including some toilet humour, chocolate coins and a very little bit of male nudity, all of which help to break up the speeches and keep the interest up in this little known play.

<B> Being a Groundling </B>

If you are going to the Globe and are reasonably fit I would recommend being a groundling. Not only is this the cheapest option (£5) leaving you spare money for coffee, beer or burger in the interval, but it is a lot of fun. The benches in the Globe are not particularly comfortable anyway and being a groundling you are free to move around as you like. It is also easy to get out during the interval and get to the toilets before the queue.

The disadvantages are that you cannot see the lower part of the stage very well especially if you are short (although there are plenty of seating areas with a worse view) and you are more vunerable to the Great British weather! I also ached a lot the next day from 3 hours of standing!

In conclusion I would say that an evening or afternoon at the Globe is great and cheap entertainment. Timon of Athens would not be my first choice of play to see but it was very enjoyable and I do not regret seeing it at all.

Summary: Would definitely go again