Understanding Shakespeare's Audiences

Going to the theatre in Shakespearean London was a common, everyday activity. The entertainment districts outside of the controlled city were thriving with theatres, bear-baiting arenas, taverns, and brothels. London’s theatres performed plays most afternoons and they had the combined capacity for around 3,000 people. But who were these people? This guide will look at the different sections of theatre audiences and the role they played throughout a production.

Key Dates & Events

• 1591 - London theatres were banned from performing on Thursdays as it was drawing audiences away from the popular entertainment of bear-baiting.
• 1593 - London’s theatres were closed during a severe wave of plague which killed around 10,000 of London’s residents.
• 1599 - The first Globe Theatre opened and was a huge success.
• 1599 - The first of Shakespeare’s plays to be performed at the Globe Theatre was believed to have been Julius Caesar.
• 1602 - The Swan Theatre was damaged by audience members unhappy with the standard of the play that day.
• 1613 - The first Globe Theatre burned down on June 29th during a performance of Henry VIII.