Shakespeare Shines: Madeira Stage Turned Into Iconic Globe Theatre

January 5th 2026

“But how will it end…I don’t know. It’s a mystery.”

If you have ever seen the movie or stage adaptation of Shakespeare in Love by Tom Stoppard and Marc Norman, then you probably recognize this iconic line of dialogue. It is spoken multiple times throughout the plot in moments where our Shakespearean era characters are at a loss for how the seemingly insurmountable task of producing Romeo and Juliet will come to fruition. This line deeply resonates with actors, stagehands, and theatrical producers alike, for the task of mounting a show can feel complicated and mysterious. This fall, Madeira Theater navigated the ups and downs of learning Shakespearean language, mastering sword play, building a ball gown for Queen Elizabeth I, and even replicating the iconic Globe Theater on stage for the production of Shakespeare in Love.

The Plot

Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor. Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family. Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing—Romeo and Juliet. With opening night—and the wedding day—fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

Tro Shaw Allen, Theater Director, shared, “When we began searching for a comedy style fall play, Shakespeare in Love quickly rose to the top of our list because of the challenge it posed in having the students play witty humor mixed with physical humor, all set in Elizabethan-era England. The students really leaned in and worked together to craft some very powerful scenes as well as highly comical moments of storytelling in this production. It was a labor of love for us all."

Student Set-Building and Costume Design Challenges

Behind the scenes, the Stagecraft class set the visual aesthetic for the production, diving deep into creating classical Elizabethan silhouettes and a mini replica of the timber- framed Globe Theater on stage. “I have always felt this show to be Stoppard and Norman’s love letter not just to William Shakespeare but to the whole era of great theater set in these iconic playhouses. In designing this set I thought: What better background to set it against than the Globe itself,” says Artistic Director and Set Designer Sasha Newman, who worked with the Stagecraft students to recreate the rough-hewn timber beams from foam and capture the right look.

“This show was a big challenge because of the cast size and complexity of the costume needs. Period costuming requires more detailing and time to complete the authentic look of each character,” added Newman.

Mounting a challenging production like Shakespeare in Love on the Madeira stage was a work of dedication, passion, and exploration for students and teachers alike. Each actor came excited and ready to learn. They were also willing to embark on a somewhat unknown journey into developing their skills, building ensemble friendships, and trusting in the process of producing a show. It is with this sense of mystery and joy that we see Madeira Theater continue to grow and thrive each year.