Image: John Wildgoose

Shakespeare’s Globe have released their financial report for last year.

The theatre saw its highest box office takings for five years in 2014, as well as attracting record audience numbers.

The study also found that audiences at Shakespeare’s Globe made up ten percent of London play-going in 2014.

Liz Fosbury, chief finance and operations officer at Shakespeare’s Globe, said:  “It is fantastic news – we are delighted that we continue to deliver the high levels we do.

“I think we are doing well financially because we continue to make high quality performances with exceptional artistic value and we are very organised.

“We present Shakespeare as it was supposed to be seen – in a non-elitist and very engaging way.”

The theatre made £22 million in 2014, which is a 1.6% rise.

It is, however, £3.5 million less than 2013, something it attributes to “growth” and “charitable investments.”

The figures, released as part of an annual review, also found that the company performs Shakespeare works more than any other in the world, with almost 700 performances in 80 countries.

Neil Constable, Shakespeare’s Globe chief executive said: “In 2014 Shakespeare was named by 18-30-year-olds in Brazil, China, Germany, India and the US, as the person most associated with contemporary UK arts and culture.

“Shakespeare’s Globe is committed to leading original research, supporting study and celebrating Shakespeare’s plays in performance.”

This international aspect included a two year tour of Hamlet, which played to 54 countries across the world.

Shakespeare’s Globe is currently showing a number of exhibitions, tours and plays. For more information, and for tickets, click here.