Elizabethan theatre

Question 1

Mobile theatres

Answer 1

Before Elizabeth, no theatres in country
People performed on temporary platforms in open places
Groups of actors tour country
Government thought actors were a threat to law and order

Question 2

Permanent theatres

Answer 2

1572-law that actors had to be licensed
-actor companies organise themselves
-4 years later 1st purpose-built theatre built in London
Out of city walls
End of Elizabeth’s reign, 7 theatres in London, 40 companies of actors
Allowed people to socialise

Question 3

Audience

Answer 3

Affordable to all
Social order held (cheapest at bottom)

Question 4

Propaganda

Answer 4

Plays censored
Elizabeth enjoyed plays
Political messages in plays to flatter Queen
Theatre made rebellion less likely

Question 5

Opposition

Answer 5

Thought sinful
Seen as places where drunkeness, crime and immoral behaviour occurred
Distraction from religion
Large gatherings may spread disease
People campaigned for it to be banned

Question 6

Richard Burbage

Answer 6

Celebrated actor
Owned theatre
Member of Lord Chamberlain’s men

Question 7

William Shakespeare

Answer 7

Most famous playwrite of time
Reflected Elizabethan interests

Question 8

Lord Chamberlain

Answer 8

Patron
Provide funding for actors