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Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford has miraculously survived and been restored. It's in the middle of town and worthy of a visit to absorb the aura and time of his world. Guides here bring each restored room to life and young thespians in period attire dramatically voice the Bard's famous soliloquies. Likewise, a mile outside of town, the thatched cottage of Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare's wife, has also been carefully restored. ey married when he was 18 and she was 26. Six months after the marriage, she gave birth and they remained married until his death in 1616. He's buried nearby in Holy Trinity Church. Shakespeare in San Diego e Old Globe eatre in San Diego is a replica of Shakespeare's Globe in London and was originally built for the 1935 California Pacific Exposition. It was intended to host abridged versions of Shakespearean plays. Following the exposition, a nonprofit group leased the theater from the city. Craig Noel, who had a strong interest in Shakespeare, was involved from the beginning. He founded the San Diego National Shakespeare Festival in 1949, and he also expanded the Globe's repertoire to include works by modern playwrights. e original Old Globe eatre was destroyed by arson fire in 1978 and the first festival stage was built quickly to accommodate the upcoming summer season. A second arson fire in 1984 destroyed the festival stage, which was rebuilt and named the Lowell Davies Festival eatre. Despite the fires and other challenges, San Diego's Old Globe is renowned for the quality of productions that are presented. e Globe's 2025 season includes All 's Well at End 's Well and e Comedy of Errors. In addition, the Vanguard performing arts ministry performs Shakespeare's plays during the summer in the outdoor amphitheater at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Point Loma. We saw As You Like It there and felt transported to the historic Forest of Arden near Stratford. Farther Afield e Oregon Shakespeare Festival is presenting Julius Caesar through October. At the stunning Sydney Opera House, Bell Shakespeare's 2025 line-up includes Coriolanus, Henry V, and Romeo and Juliet. And in Italy, the Verona Shakespeare Fringe lineup includes e Winter's Tale. ese enticing options are sure to attract enthusiasts from around the world who share my appreciation for the inimitable Shakespeare. @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE AUGUST 2025 73 OPPOSITE LEFT Visitors to Shakespeare's Globe in London can browse through copious costumes OPPOSITE TOP RIGHT Anne Hathaway's cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust OPPOSITE BOTTOM RIGHT William Shakespeare's birthplace was rescued from decay when it was acquired by the Shakespeare Trust in 1847 LEFT Thanks to Sam Wanamaker, Shakespeare's Globe reopened in 1997 BOTTOM LEFT Young thespians reenacting scenes from Much Ado About Nothing on the patio of William Shakespeare's birthplace BELOW The Bard's father was a master glover and had a workshop in their home