Popular Entertainment Topic 3

Question 1

Why was theatre popular?

Answer 1

London had 7 theatres by 1600
Large audiences of all social classes
Plays had strong messages
Cheap
Opportunity to dress up

Question 2

Entertainment for the rich

Answer 2

Hunting
Hawking
Archery
Dancing
Ball games

Question 3

Entertainment for the poor

Answer 3

Travelling fairs
Football
Wandering bands of players

Question 4

Bands of strolling players

Answer 4

Wandering bands toured the country
Townsfolk, farmers, tradesmen watched performances
Set up stage in courtyard or market
Common themes included Robin Hood

Question 5

Theatre design

Answer 5

Copying design of bear baiting pits
Round or octagonal
Plays performed in daylight

Question 6

Cruel sports

Answer 6

Bear and bull baiting- chained to wooden stake and attacked by dogs, spectators bet on how long the dogs survive
Cockfighting- watch a pair of birds fight, betting on the winner
Bear baiting shows were added to Elizabeth’s royal progresses
Enjoyed by all classes, betting and cheap attendance fee

Question 7

Opposition to theatre

Answer 7

Threat to law and order, encouraging beggars and pickpockets
Religious groups such a puritans believed it was the work of the devil, encouraging people to sin

Question 8

Playwrights

Answer 8

Shakespeare
Christopher Marlowe