Elizabeth The Theatre

Question 1

How was the theatre paid for and why?

Answer 1

• patrons would fund theatre troupes such as the Lord Chamberlains Men
• this impressed the Queen who was fond of the theatre

Question 2

How did theatre change during Elizabeth’s reign?

Answer 2

• The first permanent theatres were constructed
• rich people now attended - previously it was seen as something for ‘ordinary’ people

Question 3

Why did poor people enjoy the theatre?

Answer 3

It was a cheap way to spend the afternoon

Question 4

Why did rich people enjoy the theatre?

Answer 4

They could show how cultured they were?

Question 5

Why was theatre so popular?

Answer 5

• affordable
• new and exciting
• social event
• entertaining - humorous, tragic, historical
• relevant to the time - many plays carried political messages

Question 6

Why did some people oppose the theatre?

Answer 6

• puritans saw theatregoing as a distraction from prayer
• concerns that large gatherings might spread disease
• promoted drunkenness, crime and immoral behavior
• some saw it as sinful