The original Globe Theatre was an open air theatre constructed in 1599 by the playing company “Lord Chamberlain's Men” to which Shakespeare belonged, and was subsequently destroyed by fire in 1611. A historically accurate recreation of the original was constructed in the 1990’s, and has staged live plays every summer since opening in 1997.

The adjacent Sam Wanamaker Theatre was constructed at the same time, and presented a historically accurate indoor space where plays could be staged year-round. Authenticity of seventeenth century architecture was a key aspect in the recreation of the theatre, including the necessity for all performances to be lit completely by candles.

The Fire Surgery was tasked with mitigating the risks associated with the unique candle-lit building. Design challenges of the project included:

The extensive use of timber construction
The proposed candle lit productions
The relatively small volume/occupant density
Occupant characteristics
The unusual seating/stair arrangements
The other authentic features
The history of fires in theatres

An innovative fire strategy was developed using fire engineering principles . A full QDR process was undertaken with the key stakeholders including London Fire Brigade and modelling techniques such as CFD modelling and evacuation modelling were used to maintain the authentic seventeenth century atmosphere while ensuring a suitable level of life safety.

Client: Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Architect: Allies and Morrison

Project Value: £10M