Back to blog shakespeare-tube-map This is a real treat, TfL has marked the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death with this alternative Shakespeare Tube Map. This take on the London Underground map is a collaboration between Transport for London and Shakespeare’s Globe. All 367 stations on the London Underground network have been replaced with characters from Shakespeare’s plays, the names of the plays and lots more. Several lines represent different categories of characters. The Central line and its “valentine red” colour has been reserved for the lovers like Hortensio and Juliet. The Bakerloo line has been given to heroines and the Victoria line to heroes. The DLR has “Magical Beings & Comical Characters” like Bottom from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. (We wonder if the bear from Winter’s Tale is on there somewhere.)  Other lines on the Tube Map include the well-known plays like King Lear and modern adaptations, we’ve spotted the Lion King on there. There are Shakespeare’s locations and modern-day notable actors like Kenneth Branagh. There is also a key for different symbols. The familiar cross (normally given to stations that have temporary closures) now represents Cross-Dressing Characters. A skull presents tragedies and a smiling mask means comedies.

“What this wonderful keepsake reveals is that Shakespeare’s work, his characters and themes intersect with each other in fascinating ways.

“To think about navigating the plays in the same way we think about getting around the Underground reminds us that as complex as they are, the works of Shakespeare are entirely accessible to everyone.” Dr Farah Karim-Cooper, head of higher education and research at Shakespeare’s Globe.

The Shakespeare Tube Map will be available to buy as a poster or art print from the London Transport Museum shop on the 1st of May but you can pre-order online now.   Map copyright: Transport for London and Shakespeare’s Globe Quote source: Evening Standard Back to blog