The Elizabethan theatre Flashcards
How many theatres were there in England when Elizabeth became Queen in 1558?
Zero
What were the most common plays at the start of Elizabeth’s reign?
Mystery plays (miracle plays) - stories from the Bible and saints’ lives
Why were Protestants opposed to mystery plays?
They felt they were another way for Catholics to control people’s beliefs
What replaced miracle plays in 1569?
Secular (non-religious) plays
Why were secular plays more exciting than mystery plays?
Unlike Bible stories, the endings were not already known.
Who gave groups of actors financial and legal support?
Powerful nobles (e.g. Robert Dudley)
What was the name of Robert Dudley’s theatre company?
Leicester’s Men
What was the name of the theatre group established by Elizabeth in 1583?
The Queen’s Men
When was the first Elizabethan theatre opened? What was its name?
1576
It was called The Theatre
True or false: men and women could act in Elizabethan plays
False: women’s parts were taken by boys
How much was the cheapest ticket to the theatre?
One penny (1d)
What nickname was given to the people who paid one penny to go to the theatre, and why?
Groundlings
They stood on the ground in front of the stage
How much did it cost to sit on a stool directly above or on the stage?
Sixpence (6d)
Why did the upper classes pay to sit on a stool above or on the stage?
They could be seen sitting there by the rest of the audience
What was the behaviour of the audience like at the Elizabethan theatre?
They would wander around, eat and drink, clap, boo and throw things at the actors
