Sam Stars at Shakespeare's Globe

It is love at first sight as far as young Samuel Gilburne is concerned when he sees Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre from his new home on London Bridge: he just has to visit the place. Once inside, Sam is captivated by the colour and magic of the building and everything that goes on therein. He tries his hand at acting and, unbelievably, is invited to join the players by none other than the great Master Shakespeare himself. The plot thickens as Sam sails through his apprenticeship and lands his dream role of Juliet.

This unlikely tale of Shakespeare stretched my credulity almost to breaking point. Nevertheless Francis effectively imparts an Elizabethan history lesson and the glowing interiors and costumes as portrayed by Jane Tattersfield bring to life the magic of the theatre.