13. He Didn't Just Work In The Globe
After the Globe theatre burned down, Shakespeares acting troupe The Kings Men were forced to put on plays in the nearby Blackfriars Theatre. Whilst the Globe was grand, impressive, and open-air, Blackfriars was small, dark, and altogether unsuited to Shakespeares ambition. We only know of one play which was definitely put on in Blackfriars, and thats the epic, island-set, Forbidden Planet rip-off, The Tempest. It seems inappropriate, but academic Andrew Gurr thinks that Shakespeare made perfect use of the space. The opening storm scene would have been accompanied by giant cymbals and lightning effects on a stage no bigger than the average student bar. The stage directions make it sound hugely impressive. This may not have been the only time Shakespeare moved to Blackfriars he may also have frequented it when the large playhouses closed in the winter months. This gives a great opportunity for hipsters to say Yeah, the Globes alright, but I prefer Shakespeares smaller, less famous theatre.