Elizabethan times and the theatre

Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

'The Elizabethan era was a time associated with Queen Elizabeth I's reign and is often considered to be the golden age in English History.' Well said. But what does it mean? Why was it considered to be the golden age?

Elizabethan Theatre

It was considered to be in the golden age as many great things were accomplished during her reign. This was the time during which 'Elizabethan theatre' flourished, and William Shakespeare and many others, composed plays that broke free of England's past style of plays and theatre.

Fashion those days 

Most theatres were circular, resembling the inn yards in which plays were first performed. Audiences were expected to use their imagination when watching a play, as there was very little scenery and the only special effects were those provided by musician. The lack of scenery was made up for by the actors' elaborate costumes and by colourful props such as thrones and furniture. 

Women were not allowed to act in Elizabethan times (surprise, surprise!), so female roles were taken by men and boys. The heroines in Shakespeare's plays often disguised themselves as boys or men, so an audience would see a man pretending to be a women who was pretending to be a man - very confusing!

The Theatre - Globe Theatre

The Theatre is considered the first theatre built in London for the sole purpose of theatrical productions. The Theatre's history includes a number of important acting troupes including the 'Lord Chamberlain's Men' which employed Shakespeare as an actor and playwright. After a dispute with the landlord, the theatre was dismantled and the timbers used in the construction of the Globe Theatre. 

Shakespeare's Globe Theatre - London, UK

To wrap things up - Elizabethan Times was considered to be the golden age where accomplishments such as the building of theatres emerged. You had to use your imagination when watching a play - limitations of technology and effects. Men and boys used to act the roles of women in plays during that time. The Globe theatre, built in 1599 by Shakespeare's company and other famous composers. Theatres, such as  the Globe theatre is currently one of the most famous tourist destinations in London!