Google dedicated its doodle on Saturday to mark the 400th death anniversary of the ‘ Bard of Avon’ William Shakespeare.
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“It certainly reminds you of your mortality”, he said, reading the curse inscribed on the tomb that warns against moving Shakespeare’s bones.
“He was a local boy who is a child of the town and now he’s a child of the world”.
The theatrical parade saw a funeral bier of flowers pulled through the picture-postcard streets, while performers marched along wearing pantaloons, ruffs and codpieces.
Visitors then donned thousands of Shakespeare face-masks which had been handed out.
In another session, students will relive Shakespeare’s world famous plays, learn English through his popular comedies and discover aspects of the Bard’s life and works through podcasts, blog contests and live streaming of videos.
The parade struck a positive note with the contribution from a 12-piece New Orleans-style jazz band, who had flown over from Louisiana for the occasion.
“Poetry and drama are especially important to us as a people”.
Spectator Jane Haigh, who had travelled from Coventry with friend Janice Bobby, said she wanted to be present to mark “a wonderful legacy”.
He added, “That’s the fascinating thing”.
“I took up my courage and said “how about being in it” and he jumped at it”.
At the Globe, the United States president watched intently before clapping loudly and joining the cast on stage at the part open-air theatre, the brainchild of American actor and director Sam Wanamaker.
Ms Collinge said: “He is so much part of what we do every day”. From The Royal Shakespeare Company show with the Duchess of Cornwall, was heard to speak from the wings, asking: “Might I have a word…”
A colourful parade will go through Stratford-upon-Avon, leading onto a celebratory fireworks display and line of light in the evening.
U.S. President Barack Obama made a morning visit to the playhouse in Southwark on Saturday to mark the anniversary of the famous poet. The Globe Theater, which collapsed in 1644, was rebuilt in 1997 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
The celebrations of the Bard’s life will culminate in the full performance of Hamlet at the Globe later on Saturday, played by actors who return to London after a two-year tour that has taken in 189 countries.
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Shakespeare penned nearly 40 plays, more than 150 sonnets, and coined well-known phrases still in widespread usage.
