William Shakespeare is the greatest English playwright. He was born on 23rd of April 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon. When he was 18 he married Anne Hathaway, who was then 26. In 1588 Shakespeare joined a theatre company. Soon, his plays became very popular. He bought New Place, and in 1599 was built the Globe theatre. In 1603 Queen Elizabeth I died, and new king, James I, chose Shakespeare's company to be his official entertainers. In his later years, Shakespear wrote only 4 plays. He died on 23rd April 1616.

Stratford-upon-avon
The place where William Shakespeare was born, Grew up, died and is buried. Many visitors come to Startford-upon-Avon every year. There are many buildings associated with Shakespeare life:
- the church, where he is buried
-his birthplace in Henley Street
- Anne Hathaway's cottage, in Shottery
- there is also Stratford Grammar School, where Shakespeare used to go to school
- and part of New Place, which was property of Shakespeare
Theatre in Shakespeare's time

The Globe was built in 1599, burned down in 1613, and rebuilt year after. It stood on the bank of the River Thames. In those days all people, rich and poor used to go to the theatre. The poorest people stood near the stage, where wasn't cover against of the sun or rain. Richer people sat in rows of seats around the inside wall. Plays were performed in the daytime, because there wasn't artifical lighting. In those times, women weren't allowed to play, so the women's parts were played by men dressed up like women.

the new globe theatre
The original Globe theatre was closed in 1642. In 1987, they began to rebuild a new theatre as much like the original as possible. The theatre opened in 1997. The plays are performed from May to September and only in the daytime. Except Shakespeare's plays, there are also performed plays of other playwrights of his time.

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