Princess Essex
Discover the world of Edwardian seaside beauty pageants at the Globe this summer, as Princess Essex, a new play by Anne Odeke, bursts into our iconic open-air theatre.
It’s Southend-on-Sea, Essex, in 1908. Princess Dinubolu of Senegal enters a beauty contest at the iconic Kursaal, Europe’s biggest entertainment complex. Meet: Princess Essex.
A fast-paced, music-filled, empowering comedy based on the incredible true story of the first woman of colour to enter a beauty pageant in the UK. Writer and performer Anne Odeke (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Globe) makes her Globe playwriting debut, celebrating unapologetic authenticity, audacity, and challenging the stereotypes that we still cling to.
Robin Belfield (Twelfth Night, RSC) makes his debut at The Globe directing this inspiring story of bravery, beauty and belonging.
‘Shall I tell you a secret? Anyone can be a Queen, but a real Queen wears the crown, she doesn’t let the crown wear her’
Content guidance: This play contains racist and ableist language. Please contact the Ticketing team on 020 7401 9919 or [email protected] if you would like further details on the play’s content.
The Essex Princess, a monologue, was commissioned for Misfits by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch and first performed on 12 November 2020. This evolved into a first version of Princess Essex, a one-person play that toured with the support of Arts Council England, Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, Matthew Schmolle, The Mercury Theatre Colchester, Creative Estuary and the South Essex African & Caribbean Association (SEACA) from February 2022.
DETAILS
TICKETS
Previews (Seated) £49 – 15
All other performances (Seated) £75 – £25
Standing £10, £5
Hundreds of £5 tickets for every performance, hundreds more at £10. Book early for the best prices.
This event is on-site in the Globe Theatre
Running time TBC
Join the conversation #PrincessEssexGlobe
Terms and conditions
A £2.50 transaction fee per order applies online and over the telephone.
Part of Summer 2024
Photography: The Other Richard
Art Direction: Kim Garrity
Find out how to get here, where to stay and read our FAQs.
Find assisted performances for this event and explore our provisions for Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent people below.
![£5 Rush A graphic of text saying](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2023/04/5-Pound-Rush-1.jpg?resize=16%2C10&gravity)
£5 RUSH
Looking for that last-minute way to experience London’s iconic wooden ‘O’ this summer?
Every Friday at 11.00am, our £5 Rush gives you the chance to access our legendary £5 Groundling tickets for performances in the following week, even for sold-out shows!
Discover More![](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2023/02/Email-Banner_Audience-Reactions_2023.jpg?resize=1990%2C796&gravity)
Trailer
THE COMPANY
Casting Director
Becky Paris CDG
Composer
Simon Slater
Designer
Hayley Grindle
Director
Robin Belfield
Dramaturg
Sarah Dickenson
Movement & Intimacy Director
Ingrid Mackinnon
Writer
Anne Odeke
MORE EVENTS
![Lively photo of three people and a dog gathered around a magical cauldron. White text says "Rough Magic"](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2024/01/RoughMagic_SocialWebsite_1600-x-1000_1.png?resize=960%2C600&gravity)
![](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2024/07/Shrew_1600-x-1000_1.jpg?resize=960%2C600&gravity)
![](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2022/05/Globe_Tours_Pride_guided-Tours_SocialWebsite-v8-1600x1000-1.jpg?resize=960%2C600&gravity)
![Photo of two actors onstage in Shakespearian costume. White text says "The Comedy of Errors"](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2024/01/Comedy-of-Errors_Social-Website_AW_1600-x-1000_1.png?resize=960%2C600&gravity)
![Ekow Quartey and Amalia Vitale as Benedick and Beatrice stand back-to-back, wearing Shakespearean costumes.](https://images.shakespearesglobe.com/uploads/2024/01/MuchAdoAboutNothing_Prod_SocialWebsite_V1_AWK__1600-x-1000_01.jpg?resize=960%2C600&gravity)
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
ACCESS
Our Access Scheme offers additional information on suitable seating, and adjusted ticket pricing for audience members with access needs.
Explore the assisted performances for this event below. We also provide Access Resources for Audio Described and Relaxed performances. These will be added in time for the first of each of those access performances and will be available for all performances after that date.
Assisted Performances for Princess Essex
Join our free Access Scheme to book tickets that suit your needs.
Already on our Access Scheme? Then buy tickets below.
Audio Described Performances
Show dates & times
Saturday 28th September
2:00 PM