A World Elsewhere at Shakespeare’s Globe Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Mel Randle

Yesterday we went to Shakespeare’s Globe on the South Bank to check out their summer offering for families this year – A World Elsewhere. We were fortunate enough to see last year’s summer play, Rough Magic, which we absolutely loved, so we were excited to discover that this year’s summer play was brought to us by the same creative team. The play is performed in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse – the indoor Jacobean theatre at The Globe, which itself presents lots of reasons to go. Firstly, it’s a very intimate space so the play can be enjoyed from wherever you are in the theatre. Secondly, it’s indoors so can be enjoyed whatever the weather, but more importantly at the moment, it has air-conditioning!!!

A World Elsewhere is a play about storytelling and imagination, co-written and starring Kerry Frampton. As soon as she came out onstage, I remembered her from last year’s production and how brilliantly funny she was. She did not disappoint! If Blackadder was to ever return, I want to see Kerry Frampton in a starring role! She was joined onstage by three other actors – Zachary Willis, Tanvi Virmani and Kyle Ndukuba , all who had wonderful stage presence, made us laugh, but more importantly, were so engaging with the children in the audience.

This was no ordinary play but more of an experience. The actors were already on stage and engaging with the audience as we were taking our seats (no we were not late!) almost like a pre-show warm-up. The story centred around Sarah, Cobweb and Big Guy who were characters in the imagination of Cass and the stories he created in his head. Throughout the play they were constantly asking the audience for ideas, involvement and using us as part of the action. They were wonderful with overenthusiastic children who would shout out at inopportune moments and turned everything into part of the scene. Because of how the theatre is set out, the actors were able to climb amongst us and bring the play out of the stage. All of these elements kept the children engaged and interacting throughout.

The set and props were simple and effective – akin to children’s role playing, whether it be throwing a sheet over their heads to be a sheep or using a roll of paper as a telescope. Everything seems to have been written and performed with children in mind whilst making the adults laugh too. The roots of the theatre weren’t forgotten either, as the play was laced with Shakespearian quotes and characters, introducing the audience to the great Bard is a subtle and effective way.

Everything about this play was joyous from start to finish and I think I can speak for everyone saying that. The reaction in the room, whether they were 5 years old or 95 years old said it all. The play was 2 hours long (including a 20 min interval) which is quite long for a children’s play as their attention can wane, but I honestly think everybody could have sat there for another 2 hours. In my humble opinion, if you only do one thing with your children this summer, it should be this!

Rating: 5/5

A World Elsewhere is at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe until 30 August 2026

Tickets from £18

For more information and to book, visit https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/a-world-elsewhere/?