This brings the production into more direct competition than usual with its neighbor on the South Bank, the National Theatre. However, since the NT’s production of the play is directed by Complicite’s Simon McBurney and has been noted for radical imagery (such as an image of George Bush on a video screen), the Globe’s offering is likely to be a more traditional alternative rather than anything close to a carbon copy. The Globe Measure employs actors of both sexes (not something that goes without saying at this address) and is an original practices production, using clothing, music, dance and setting that would have been possible in the Globe of 1599. John Dove is the director, or as the Globe terms it, "master of play."

The cast stars Globe artistic director Mark Rylance as Vincentio, with Sophie Thompson as Isabella and Liam Brennan as Angelo. Also in the company are Michael Bertenshaw, Alex Hassell, Colin Hurley, Patrick Brennan, Roger Watkins, Christopher John Hall, Peter Shorey, Roger McKern, John Dougall, Liana Weafer and Hilary Tones.

The show runs until Sept. 24. For more information, call 020 7401 9919.