Hiya, families! Summer’s on the horizon, and Shakespeare’s Globe has just dropped its 2025 lineup—six cracking shows running from April to October, all outdoors under that famous thatched roof. Time Out’s shouting about “big surprises,” and they’re not kidding—think Wild West Romeos, a witchy Arthur Miller classic, and a rare Shakespeare oddity nobody’s seen in yonks. I’ve had a good nosey at the details (cheers, Time Out!), and I’m here to help you lot—little ‘uns, tweens, teens, and you parents herding them—decide what’s worth a punt. With dates, ticket prices, and the full lowdown, let’s crack on—should you watch these plays or not? Here’s the scoop!
1. Romeo and Juliet (26 April – 17 May)
What’s It About?
The star-crossed lovers get a cowboy twist—Sean Holmes (fresh off Cowbois) turns Verona into a Wild West showdown. Think gunslingers, desperadoes, and a fast-draw duel instead of swords. It’s still Shakespeare’s tale of love and woe, but with a rootin’-tootin’ spin.
The Vibe
The Globe’s open-air bustle—think standing in the yard or perched in the galleries, with a stage full of lassos and leather. It’s 2.5 hours with a break—lively and loud, with that summer breeze keeping it fresh.
Family Fit
Little kids (3-8)? Maybe—they’ll love the cowboy action, but the tragic bits might confuse ‘em—my imaginary 6-year-old niece’d be all about the shootouts. Tweens (9-12)? Yes—cowboys plus romance equals a win; my made-up 11-year-old nephew’d be hooked. Teens? They’ll dig the fresh take—proper Instagram-worthy. Parents? You’ll enjoy the twist—Shakespeare with spurs! Mild violence, no rude stuff—just classic heartbreak.
Practical Bits
- Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, 21 New Globe Walk, SE1 9DT—Bankside, near Blackfriars Tube.
- When: 26th April to 17th May—early summer kick-off.
- Tickets: £5 standing (yard), £13-£75 seated—decent for all budgets. Book via shakespearesglobe.com.
Should You Watch?
Yes—a family-friendly blast with a fun twist. Perfect for tweens up, maybe skip for tiny tots who’d miss the plot.
2. The Crucible (22 May – 14 June)
What’s It About?
Arthur Miller’s witch-hunt drama—think Salem, accusations, and proper tension—directed by Ola Ince. It’s the Globe’s first non-Shakespeare outdoor revival, a big surprise swapping iambic pentameter for 17th-century hysteria.
The Vibe
The Globe’s wooden O gets moody—think stark staging and a crowd baying for witch trials. It’s 2.5 hours with a break—intense but gripping, with that outdoor buzz.
Family Fit
Under-8s? Nope—too dark and talky; my fake 7-year-old’d be lost. Tweens? Maybe if they’re sharp—my imagined 12-year-old liked the drama but needed explaining. Teens? Yes—GCSE English gold, all about justice and fear. Parents? You’ll love the meaty stuff—proper grown-up theatre. No swearing, but it’s grim—hangings and all.
Practical Bits
- Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, same spot—SE1 9DT.
- When: 22nd May to 14th June—early summer vibes.
- Tickets: £5 yard, £13-£75 seated—same deal, book online.
Should You Watch?
Yes—for teens and adults who like a thinker. No for little ‘uns or light-hearted nights.
3. The Merry Wives of Windsor (20 June – 30 August)
What’s It About?
Falstaff’s back, getting outwitted by two clever wives—Robin Belfield directs this rare full-title run (The Merry Wives of Windsor, or Sir John Falstaff and the Merry Wives). It’s Shakespeare’s romp of tricks and laughs.
The Vibe
Peak summer Globe—think sunshine, slapstick, and a bumbling Ian McKellen-esque Falstaff (not him, sadly!). It’s 2.5 hours with a break—cheery and chaotic.
Family Fit
Little kids? Yes—silly antics’ll keep ‘em giggling; my fake 5-year-old’d love the pratfalls. Tweens? Ace—funny and fast; my made-up 10-year-old’d be in stitches. Teens? They’ll enjoy the daftness—proper summer vibes. Parents? You’ll laugh too—light Shakespeare at its best. Mild bawdiness, nothing wild.
Practical Bits
- Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT—always there!
- When: 20th June to 30th August—longest run of the lot.
- Tickets: £5 yard, £13-£75 seated—standard Globe rates.
Should You Watch?
Yes—a family winner for all ages. Book it for a sunny laugh!
4. Twelfth Night, or What You Will (27 June – 31 August)
What’s It About?
Shakespeare’s comedy of twins, disguises, and daft love—Elle While directs, using the full title for extra flair. Viola’s shipwrecked, dressed as a lad, and chaos ensues.
The Vibe
Globe in high summer—think cross-dressing capers and a rowdy yard crowd. It’s 2.5 hours with a break—playful and packed with gags.
Family Fit
Little ‘uns? Yes—disguises and silliness are a hit; my imagined 6-year-old’d love the mix-ups. Tweens? Spot on—funny and fast; my fake 11-year-old’d be all over it. Teens? They’ll enjoy the chaos—great for a laugh. Parents? You’ll adore the wit—Shakespeare’s cheekiest. Mild romance, no rude bits.
Practical Bits
- Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT—Bankside beauty.
- When: 27th June to 31st August—runs alongside Merry Wives.
- Tickets: £5 yard, £13-£75 seated—get in quick!
Should You Watch?
Yes—a family gem for all. Perfect summer treat!
5. Troilus and Cressida (5 September – 18 October)
What’s It About?
A mega-rare Shakespeare—think Trojan War, love gone sour, and a bit of a muddle. Blanche McIntyre directs this oddball play nobody knows, making it a Globe surprise pick.
The Vibe
Late summer Globe—think battles, brooding, and a quieter crowd. It’s 2.5 hours with a break—intriguing but tricky.
Family Fit
Under-8s? No—too complex; my fake 7-year-old’d be bored stiff. Tweens? Maybe if they’re brainy—my imagined 12-year-old liked the war bits but zoned out. Teens? Yes—English buffs’ll dig the rarity. Parents? You’ll love the obscurity—proper theatre nerd stuff. Mild violence, no shockers.
Practical Bits
- Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT—same old spot.
- When: 5th September to 18th October—autumnal shift.
- Tickets: £5 yard, £13-£75 seated—standard pricing.
Should You Watch?
Yes—for teens and adults who like a challenge. No for little kids or easy laughs.
6. Rough Magic (20 September – 25 October)
What’s It About?
A new play by Robin Belfield—think The Tempest vibes with a modern twist. Details are hush-hush, but expect magic, mischief, and a Globe-style shake-up.
The Vibe
End-of-season Globe—think enchantment under crisp skies, maybe a storm or two (weather permitting!). Likely 2 hours with a break—fresh and fun.
Family Fit
Little ‘uns? Maybe—magic’ll hook ‘em, but depends on the twist; my fake 6-year-old’d be into spells. Tweens? Yes—new stuff’s exciting; my made-up 11-year-old’d be curious. Teens? They’ll love the modern edge—proper cool factor. Parents? You’ll enjoy the surprise—Globe going bold! Assume it’s family-friendly ‘til we know more.
Practical Bits
- Where: Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT—Bankside finale.
- When: 20th September to 25th October—last hurrah!
- Tickets: £5 yard, £13-£75 seated—book early for the unknown!
Should You Watch?
Yes—a family punt worth taking. Could be a sleeper hit for all ages!
The Globe Experience: What’s It Like?
For the uninitiated, the Globe’s a beaut—open-air, wooden, and right by the Thames. You can stand in the yard for a fiver (bring comfy shoes and a brolly if it’s iffy weather) or nab a seat in the galleries. It’s 500 seats and 700 standing spots—cosy but buzzing. Shows are daytime or evening—check times online—and it’s all about that raw, rowdy Shakespeare vibe. Kids’ll love the bustle; parents’ll love the history. Food’s nearby—grab fish and chips post-show!
Family Tips
- Little ‘Uns: Bring cushions for hard seats, snacks for long bits.
- Tweens/Teens: Prep ‘em with a quick plot rundown—keeps ‘em hooked.
- Parents: Yard’s cheapest but tiring—seats are comfier for longer shows.
Should You Watch These Plays or Not?
Here’s the family verdict:
- Romeo and Juliet: Yes—cowboy fun for tweens up, maybe not tiny tots.
- The Crucible: Yes—teens and adults who like grit, no for little ‘uns.
- The Merry Wives of Windsor: Yes—all-ages laugh-fest, book it!
- Twelfth Night, or What You Will: Yes—family comedy gold, don’t miss!
- Troilus and Cressida: Yes—teens/adults into rare stuff, no for kids.
- Rough Magic: Yes—a wild card for all, fingers crossed it’s ace!
Summer 2025 at the Globe’s a mixed bag—Merry Wives and Twelfth Night are your surefire family hits, Totoro’s got that all-ages magic (oops, wrong list—that’s my brain!), and Romeo and Rough Magic bring fun twists. Crucible and Troilus lean older, but the £5 yard tickets mean you can take a punt without breaking the bank. Book via shakespearesglobe.com—early birds get the best spots. Get out there, soak up the sun (or rain!), and let the Globe work its magic on your crew!
