Historical Context- Question 3

WEEK 3 - SHAKESPEARE’S LONDON AND ELIZABETHAN AUDIENCES

QUESTION: What was London like in Elizabethan times and who were the people attending the theatre?

In the Elizabethan times, London was one of the biggest and richest cities in England. The majority of the city was situated on the north side of the river Thames. 

Many wealthy people lived in London, mostly business owners and their workers. As trade grew in London, so did the city. People began to move from Europe and the country side, so every available piece of land was built on. The city expanded hugely and the suburbs grew more and more into the surrounding countryside. It is estimated

that in the space of 50 years the population in London grew from 50,000 people to 200,000 people. The increased population meant that crime was a big issue. The dark, busy streets attracted thieves. The close proximity of living conditions in the city also meant that plague spread quickly and easily. In 1593 about 10,000 people were killed by the plague. In 1607, John Donne called it “London, plague London, full of danger and vice”.

Most of the theatres in London could house big audiences, some could take up to 3000 people, including the Globe. Most big theatres would put on a play every afternoon, suggesting that the demand was high. Between 10,000 and 20,000 people would go to the theatre every week! The theatre didn't just attract the wealthy, people of all different classes would go to the theatre. Servants and apprentices would go and watch plays in their spare time or days off. They could afford it, because the cheapest tickets, at the cost of a penny, would buy you a place standing in the yard around the stage. Then for two pennies, you could get a bench seat in the lower level, surrounding the yard. Theatres would charge three pennies if you wanted a cushion for your seat. One penny was only the cost of a loaf of bread, which compared to today's prices is incredibly cheap. The wealthy would also attend the theatre, but would not be seen standing in the yard! They would spend more money on getting a comfortable seat, high up in the stalls or if they were really wealthy they could afford to go to an indoor theatre. 

The audience at the theatre were generally quite rowdy and would make their feelings known about whether they liked the play or not.  The audience were very vocal and would boo the villains, cheer the heroes and applaud the special effects. The large crowds at the theatre attracted thieves, so fights would often break out. If an audience didn't like a play, they might walk out, throw things or damage the theatre.