Theatre

What was Elizabethan theatre like?

During Elizabeth I's reign, both rich and poor enjoyed visits to the theatre. Audiences loved the theatre and many playwrights became very successful, including William Shakespeare.

How did Elizabethan theatre change over time?

During Elizabeth's reign, theatre changed:

• ❖ At the beginning of her reign a trip to the theatre usually meant visiting an inn or watching a performance in a yard.
• ❖ In 1576, James Burbage built the first playhouse in London, called The Theatre. It included works by young playwrights from Oxford and Cambridge universities.
• ❖ Theatre became more popular as it became affordable for everyone.
• ❖ Christopher Marlowe rose to fame by writing many popular plays, such as 'Dr Faustus'.
• ❖ In 1592, Shakespeare wrote his first play, 'Henry VI, Part 1'. Altogether, he wrote 38 plays and is one of the world's most celebrated playwrights.
• ❖ By the end of Elizabeth's reign a number of purpose-built theatres, like The Globe, existed.

How was Elizabethan theatre funded?

Actors and companies were usually funded by patrons. Patrons would have companies named after themselves.

What was the role of theatre companies in Elizabethan theatre?

Companies of actors usually performed the plays. Some famous companies were The Lord Chamberlain's Men and The Admiral's Men.

Who were the actors in Elizabethan theatre?

Acting was a male-only profession. Actors such as William Kempe and Richard Burbage were particularly famous and performed many roles.

Who was the main playwright in Elizabethan theatre?

Shakespeare began writing his plays during Elizabethan times. His plays always voiced support for the queen and the Tudor monarchy.

What are some examples of Elizabethan plays?

There were many famous plays performed during this time, but here are some of the most notable:

• ❖ The Spanish Tragedy, by Thomas Kyd.
• ❖ The Jew of Malta, by Christopher Marlowe.
• ❖ Richard III, by William Shakespeare.

Why was Elizabethan theatre popular?

The theatre was popular because it was affordable and accessible to everyone, exciting to watch, and also served as a social occasion.

Why was there opposition to Elizabethan theatre?

There were three main reasons why some people opposed the theatre.

• ❖ Puritans believed the theatre was sinful and distracted people from prayer.
• ❖ Some people believed that large crowds could lead to the spread of disease.
• ❖ Some people saw the theatre as dangerous, as many of the audience were drunk and crimes were committed.

How was Elizabethan theatre used as propaganda?

There are a few examples of how Elizabeth used the theatre as propaganda:

• ❖ Plays would often be used for propaganda. For example, A Larum for London showed Spanish soldiers killing civilians. This was performed during the time that England and Spain were at war.
• ❖ Elizabeth approved plays she agreed with and banned those with which she did not.

How was Elizabethan theatre used to stop social mobility?

There are two ways in which social mobility was prevented:

• ❖ Social mobility was prevented as people had an affordable leisure activity that made them content with their lives.
• ❖ Plays about the Great Chain of Being told people that if you changed the order of the universe then there would be chaos.