The Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe

Directly beneath the Globe Theatre’s stage, The Underglobe is a purpose-built events space with its own private riverside entrance, a mezzanine level for arrival drinks, and a sweeping staircase that delivers guests from reception into a dramatic main floor with built-in stage and 270-degree projection mapping. It’s Shakespeare’s Globe’s dedicated event engine — handling everything from awards dinners for 350 seated to standing Christmas parties for 450, with theatrical production capability baked into the infrastructure.

The Underglobe’s Production and Design Capability

The built-in stage, sound system, and lighting rig give The Underglobe genuine theatrical production infrastructure — not conference AV adapted for atmosphere, but systems designed for immersive experiences. The 270-degree projection mapping is a recent installation that transforms the walls into a dynamic visual environment, and the space houses a full-sized model oak tree that serves as both a design feature and a staging element. Wild, the in-house creative production and AV partner, works with event teams to design and deliver tailored experiences, handling everything from set design and floral installations to entertainment and DJ coordination.

Events at The Underglobe

Awards dinners, gala dinners, networking receptions, conferences, away days, large presentations, product launches, and Christmas parties all feature in The Underglobe’s regular programming — over 300 bespoke events annually across the Shakespeare’s Globe complex. The mezzanine level provides a natural arrival sequence: guests enter through the private riverside entrance, take drinks on the mezzanine overlooking the main space below, then descend the staircase into the event proper. That choreographed reveal is built into the architecture, which means every event gets it without needing to design it. Evening events are the primary format; daytime bookings are available in December for Christmas parties. The space is air conditioned and has step-free access throughout. Direct access from Bankside Pier means guests can arrive by boat — a logistical detail that doubles as an experience for river-based arrivals.

Catering and Hire at The Underglobe

Executive Chef Cedric Tourainne and the Swan at the Globe team handle all catering with seasonal British menus — locally sourced, sustainable produce served at restaurant quality rather than volume catering standard. The Underglobe operates as part of the Swan bar, restaurant, and private dining rooms, which means the kitchen, service team, and wine programme are shared with a working restaurant rather than existing solely for events. That distinction shows in the food. Private Globe Theatre tours can be arranged alongside Underglobe events, subject to availability, and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, education studios, and Swan’s private dining rooms (including the Balcony Room overlooking the Thames) are all available for combined hire. Southwark and Blackfriars stations are nearby, and the South Bank riverside setting provides the arrival context — Tate Modern, the Millennium Bridge, and views across to St Paul’s are all part of the approach.