Yesterday I watched my first-ever Shakespeare play in the famous Globe Theatre. I couldn't not go, as my son James acted as Ophelia, who, everyone knows, is an integral character in "Hamlet." I must say, he did a splendid job, as did the rest of the actors. Before I get to the actual performance, however, there is much to say about my first experience in the Globe Theatre. Following a wise friend's advice, I camped out overnight next to a large sign with a picture of Hercules bearing the would on his shoulders to acertain that I get myself and my wife good seats the following day. Even so, I did not get a front-row seat as I expected, but a decent seat in the gallery. I could not get over the numbers of people rushing through the doors. Shakespeare's plays are always big hits, apparently. (Having just moved to London this past year, it's taking me quite some time to adapt to the crowded, ever-busy cosmopoliton.) As I sat in my seat, I absorbed my surroundings. The colossal stage was set with props of all sorts, including a real cannon bolted to the wooden floor. I counted three galleries (including mine), each capable of seating a thousand, I guessed. The building reeked of ham and tomatoes, the first was everyone's lunch, the latter in case it was a poor production, I've been told. The theatre was very noisy as more and more people walked in, yet the moment the bell struck to get everyone's attention, the room fell silent. I felt the excitement in the air and, I must confess, nervousness on my part for my son.

The production was utterly amazing, from the superb acting to the colorful costumes. Everything was swell, that is, until the cannon was shot. It was all downhill from there. The wooden platform was set ablaze, and the fire spread quickly. There was chaos all around as men, women, and children alike scrambled for the tiny exit down the dangerously rickety stairwell. My wife and I frantically searched for our James, who, thank the Lord, was found unhurt. Though he did look rather silly dressed partly as a woman and partly a boy. After escaping from the burning polygon, the family celebrated James' splendid acting with extra scones and jam at teatime. It is unfortunate that my first experience at the Globe Theatre was cut short by an unfortunate accident, but if it is still standing in the future, I would love to go see "The Taming of the Shrew." It is a comedy, I'm told, which is just as well; I've seen enough tragedies to last me until the next Ides of March!