Globe Young Company 2026: Pineapple

The Globe Young Company returns for 2026 with brand-new play Pineapple by writer and Globe Associate Artist Anne Odeke (Princess Essex; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe).

Dreamers with Shakespeare in their hearts. Continents and centuries apart.

1824, New York City. Ira can quote Shakespeare backwards and forwards, but his father would prefer he quote a Bible verse. Determined and enthused, Ira travels to England. But when he gets there, everyone seems confused why a young Black American man is so excited about theatre. Even Joyce, who takes him under her wing, can’t fathom his interest.

Present day, a UK state school with funding troubles. Four students are protesting the cancellation of their school play, turning to TikTok in a desperate bid to get Shakespeare trending again. Can the collective power of chronically online teenagers reach all the way to Westminster?

The Globe Young Company is a collective of young artists who train at the Globe on an intensive three-month programme.

Anne Odeke returns after her writing debut in the Globe Theatre Princess Essex, which won Best New Play (WhatsOnStage Awards 2025) and Best Playwright (Black British Theatre Awards 2025). Director and facilitator Mumba Dodwell joins the Globe team following her work at the National Theatre and Noël Coward Theatre.

Don’t miss The Globe Talks: Pineapple post-show panel discussion and Q&A.

This event is part of the Shakespeare and Race Festival 2026.