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Globe Education releases a first-of-its-kind interactive film for children: Exploring
Shakespeare
Monday 2 June 2014
Globe Education at Shakespeare’s Globe is releasing a pioneering interactive film: Exploring
th
Shakespeare, created to commemorate Shakespeare’s 450 birthday this year. It is
available internationally, free on the Globe Playground, an online area designed specifically for five to
11 year-olds where Shakespeare’s world and works are brought to entertaining life through games,
videos and activities.
Using cutting-edge technology, live action film and animation are combined with layers of ‘touchable’
interactive content, including facts, games and quizzes, allowing viewers to click away from the
narrative to explore points of interest further without ever leaving the platform – and discover
Shakespeare for themselves.
Patrick Spottiswoode, Director Globe Education, says: ‘Exploring Shakespeare showcases Globe
Education’s commitment to developing exciting new platforms to inspire the enjoyment of
Shakespeare at every age. While aimed at a younger fan, the sophistication of the platform allows
viewers of any age to discover Shakespeare for themselves, and the narrative challenges the
assumption that children find Shakespeare’s works boring or difficult.’
Globe Education recognises the potential in digital resources to encourage young people’s
independent discovery and exploration of Shakespeare. By commissioning the use of global marketleading technology coupled with educational expertise, Globe Education is leading the way in
providing cutting-edge, relevant output to engage its target audience.
The pioneering interactivity is made possible through ‘video-taggable’ technology from UK digital
company wireWAX. Previously used for fashion and commercial purposes, this is the first time the
platform has been used as an educational tool. Steve Callanan, CEO and co-founder at wireWAX
says, “It's an ingenious concept and for an area we've not explored before. Working with Globe
Education is exciting for us but also encouraging for our platform and the wider audience.”
The film features two boys, Todd and Gary, on a tour of the Globe theatre. Gary is bored, Todd excited
and they sneak off to explore backstage on their own. Sparked by what they find, Todd describes
moments in four plays, which are acted out in 30-second animations by the animal characters of Globe
Playground. Though reluctant to be proved wrong, Gary is eventually won over and performs his own
version of a monologue on the world’s most iconic stage.
The film features live action film directed by Harper Ray, Digital Manager, Globe Education, specially
commissioned animations from Persistent Peril, brand new games from Believe Creative and an
original score from BAFTA winning composer Jim Fowler.
Exploring Shakespeare will be released on 29 May hosted online on the Globe
Playground (www.shakespearesglobe.com/playground) for full free access, and will be compatible with
all tablet devices and computers.
ENDS
For further information contact Phoebe Gardiner, Press & PR Officer, Globe Education, at
Shakespeare’s Globe on +44 (0)207 902 1468 or [email protected]
Notes to Editors:

Globe Education is one of the largest arts education departments in the UK. Each year, more
than 100,000 people of all ages and nationalities participate in Globe Education's programme
of public events, workshops and courses. Globe Education also runs an extensive programme
in the Southwark community, creates national and international outreach projects and delivers
pioneering digital learning resources and cutting-edge research. For more information, visit
www.shakespearesglobe.com/education
 The Globe Playground (www.shakespearesglobe.com/playground) is an interactive web area
designed specifically for five to 11 year olds. The colourful, image-led space is populated by
animal characters: Hemmings the Bear, Slye the Fox, Perkins the Shrew, Condell the Stag, Kit
the Cat and Dekker the Dog, collectively known as the Beasts of Shakespeare’s Globe.
Playground’s five sections, Make, Play, Read, Watch and Share engage children through
creative and active learning. Launched on 15 July 2013, the site has reached four times its
annual target of visits after just 11 months.
 WIREWAX is a world-leading interactive video technology. The global market leaders and the
world’s first taggable and shoppable video being used by thousands of users and hundreds of
top brands, agencies and broadcasters, including Nike, Adidas and the BBC.
www.wirewax.com
 Persitent Peril create high end 2D digital character animation, formed in 2011 and based in
Brighton by directing duo Garth and Ginny Jones along with producer Sam Bourner. We
handle projects from conception though to delivery. We always design for purpose, believing
that the end goal is what’s important, and aim to create the most effective artwork for each
project. www.persistentperil.com
 Believe Creative is design and development agency based in east London. Our expertise lies
in designing games, apps and online content, and we combine technological innovation and
user-focused design to produce digital products of the highest standard. We believe that
creative technology plays a valuable role in our everyday lives, inspiring wonder, experiences
and most importantly, fun. www.believecreative.com

The Shakespeare Globe Trust is a registered charity No. 266916. Shakespeare’s Globe
receives no regular public subsidy.