The Historic Old Globe Theatre in San Diego

The Old Globe Theatre was built in 1935 as a replica of its famous namesake in London. Originally constructed for the California Pacific International Exposition, the Old Globe has since become a central hub for theatrical arts in San Diego.

Countless memorable performances take place here, some of which we’ll explore below.

What to Know About the Theatre

The Old Globe Theatre is one of San Diego’s largest artistic institutions, a major employer in the arts, and one of the most prominent theaters in the United States. Each year, over 250,000 people attend its performances.

Located in Balboa Park, a cultural hotspot filled with museums and galleries, the theatre enriches the city’s history and culture. Year-round, it offers a variety of shows, from Henrik Ibsen’s puppet performances and the acclaimed A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder to the popular play Good People. Each production runs for about a month.

The Old Globe also hosts classic performances during the annual Shakespeare Summer Festival. You’ll be enchanted by the traditional ambiance and high-quality productions. The theater accommodates various events, including gala nights, fashion shows, and special events. Following the original design, the building comprises three stages — some indoor, others open-air — as well as a theater-in-the-round setup.

Tip: Food and drinks aren’t allowed inside the theater, but you can enjoy a picnic in the plaza outside.

History of the Old Globe

Constructed in 1935 as a temporary replica of London’s Shakespearean Globe Theatre, the Old Globe initially showcased abridged versions of Shakespeare’s plays as part of the Pacific International Exposition. After the event, the theater and its nearby buildings were leased, renovated, and reopened in December 1937 with a performance of Distaff Side. A young actor, Craig Noel, was part of the cast, eventually becoming a guiding figure for the theater as a director and artistic leader for over 50 years.

Today, the Old Globe complex includes several performance spaces, such as the Shiley Stage, the White Theatre, and the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Each year, it stages around 15 productions, covering all genres and periods, from classics to modern works. In the winter, you can enjoy the family favorite, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!.

Over 20 productions from the Old Globe Theatre have moved to Broadway. The accolades and numerous nominations have drawn worldwide attention to San Diego’s rich cultural scene.

What to See at the Old Globe Theatre

As You Like It

The 2019 Shakespeare Festival opened with this charming romantic comedy that explores love, luck, and human vulnerabilities. In the enchanting Forest of Arden, a cast of unique characters searches for love and self-discovery. Exiled by her uncle, the heroine disguises herself as a boy, unaware that her beloved is also hiding there.

Ken Ludwig’s The Gods of Comedy

Daphne and Ralph, young professors, make a groundbreaking discovery set to launch their careers. But when things go wrong, Daphne panics and cries out, “Help me, gods of Ancient Greece!” — and, incredibly, the gods appear!

What You Are

Don struggles to support his family, only to face rejection from colleagues and his daughter. When a minor workplace incident escalates into a conflict, Don hatches a plan to resolve what went wrong.

The Tale of Despereaux

Despereaux, a brave little mouse, dreams of becoming a knight. Embarking on a noble quest to rescue a princess, he learns valuable lessons in this story filled with uplifting music, stunning stage effects, and witty dialogues — a delight for all ages.

Tips for Visitors

To make the most of your visit, keep the following in mind:

• Book tickets early
  Popular shows often sell out, especially during peak tourist season, so plan ahead.
• Take a tour
  The theater offers guided tours of its historic building, where you can learn about its architecture and cultural heritage.
• Special performances
  The theater supports inclusivity by providing sessions for families with special needs, as well as shows with subtitles and sign language translation.
• Parking
  Consider using public transport or parking in the park’s general lots to avoid parking hassles during peak hours.

The Old Globe Theatre is more than a cultural center; it’s a place where classics blend with innovation, and the theater’s rich history comes alive in every performance. For anyone looking to experience San Diego’s cultural heritage and immerse themselves in the magic of theater, the Old Globe is a must-visit.