The theatre

• Elizabethan people enjoyed visiting the theatre.
• The first actors would be traveling groups who would act on a small stage (often a wagon) at an inn.
• Before 1572 all actors were not thought of very highly. A law was passed so that all actors had to have special licences.
• New acting companies were formed, they were usually sponsored by someone rich and famous.
• William Shakespeare was one of the most famous actors and writers of all times.
• In 1576 an actor called Richard Burbage built England's first public theatre in North London.
• In 1599, the Globe Theatre was opened. This is where Shakespeare performed.
• The Globe was on the south side of the River Thames in Southwark.
• Southwark was full of theatres, bear-baiting rings, taverns and inns.
• Another famous poet and playwright was Christopher Marlowe.