Shakespeare's theatre

 Painting and sculpture were not the only arts to be revolutionized by the Renaissance. Theatre also changed, not least with the arrival of the period's most famous playwright, William Shakespeare. 

In Europe, medieval theatre was mostly morality plays and stories from the Bible, which followed a fixed formula. Around the middle of the 16th century, new plays began to present stories of romance, tragedy, and adventure based on Classical myths, history, and even current events. The new plays were extremely popular. Everyone from poor labourers to rich merchants and nobles flocked to the new theatres, and the most famous actors were even invited to court to perform for royalty. 

Stories on stage

For thousands of years, human beings have used theatre to share stories and ideas. The Ancient Greeks built some of the earliest theatres. They divided plays into two types. 

Tragedy

Serious stories in which the heroes and heroines suffer and often die at the end are called tragedies. They often explore the way honour, justice, or fate can force us to go against our personal feelings. 

Comedy

These plays use humour to tell a story, although not always a happy one. Some versions, known as satire, use comedy to point out weakness or bad behaviour, especially in those in power. 

Theatre design

Plays can be performed almost anywhere, from open streets to tiny studios. Most take place in buildings to see and hear the actors, and to make the scene seem as realistic as possible. 

Ancient Greek theatre

This design uses a curve of seats to reflect sound. Even a whisper from the stage can be heard by the whole audience. 

In the round

Travelling actors in medieval Europe often set up a stage surrounded by the audience on three or even four sides. 

Proscenium arch

Modern theatres often have an arch to frame the action on stage and keep the audience separate. 

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

The late 16th and early 17th centuries saw many great playwrights emerge. By far the most famous is English writer William Shakespeare. His plays were so successful that, in 1599, his theatre company was able to build a permanent playhouse in London: the Globe Theatre. A copy of his theatre stands near the original site today. 

The stage

Three doors led from the tiring house on to the stage. Actors could also arrive through the audience, or through trapdoors in the stage floor. The roof was painted with stars, to represent the heavens. 

The hut

A hidden space above the stage was used for special effects such as heavenly music. 

Lords' boxes

Noble visitors to the theatre sat here, away from the crowds. 

Roof

Roof thatched with straw

Tiring house

These rooms were used for storage, and for the actors to change their clothes (or "attire"). 

Back stage

Actors could wait here without being seen by the audience. Each actor might play several roles in a single play. 

Stage door

Actors could enter through three doors in the back wall. 

Stage

Stage was hollow, so actors could emerge from underneath. 

Floor

Floor of mud covered in straw

Groundlings

It cost only a penny to watch a performance if you didn't mind standing in the yard. 

Staircase

Staircase access to upper levels

Outer walls

Outer walls plastered with a mixture of lime, sand, and goat hair   

Seated spectators

Those who could afford it bought seats in the galleries, so they could watch in comfort. 

Entranceway

Three entrances led under the galleries to the street outside. 

---

"All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players". As you like it by

William Shakespeare