Shakespeare's theatre

by Peter Thomson

Concentrating on performance, Thomson reviews the commercial and artistic priorities of Shakespeare and the brilliant and hardheaded group of actors who formed his company during the heyday of the Globe Playhouse, from 1599 to 1608.

Genres: Shakespeare, Nonfiction

199 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1984

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Peter Thomson is Emeritus Professor of Drama, University of Exeter.

Reviews

[David Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very readbale, if somewhat academic book about the practical aspects of performances in Shakespeare's theatre. There is a detailed analysis, for example, of the specific stage craft that was used in Macbeth, including analysis of props and sound and visual effects, etc... details on costuming and even performance styles (the formal, old-style theatrics vs. the newer and more natural form of acting that was becoming more prominent with the more realistic characters found in (then) modern works.

Overall I enjoyed reading this short (178 pages) work and found the focus on the actual performance aspects enlightening. In my opinion so much of the analysis of Shakespeare's plays ignores the basic realities of what it took to get shows on day after day. This book brings those details to life.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this, that was not due to it being a bad book but more to do with personal stuff preventing me from concentrating. I feel my enjoyment of reading this book was helped by the fact I have visited Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, as the book mainly focuses on the Globe and the title could be rephrased to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. It delves into the full history of the theatre of how it began, it's owners (The Lord Chamberlain's Men who became The King's Men and Shakespeare was one of them) and how the culture and social conditions of early modern England affected the theatres. For example, Peter Thomson writes, 'the years of crisis between 1597 and 1604 saw the beginning of the end of the 'popular' theatre. They also saw, despite the appearances of 1597, the end of civic influence over the progress and control of the theatre.' (p6) Theatre was dominated by the higher social classes but Shakespeare's Globe provided an alternative, a theatre for all. Many theatres had to frequently close due to the outbreak of bubonic plague and theatre owners lost a lot of money as a consequence, but the Globe stayed open during even the most severe conditions.

I particularly found the sections on space, stage doors and costumes of great interest and some of the information given and points raised I would never have thought of. For example, Thomson writes, 'focus on the Elizabethan open stage was determined as much by the voice of the actor as by his gesture or position. But the terms 'upstage' and 'downstage' remain useful in visualising Globe performances.' (p55) Using theatrical terminology such as 'upstage' and 'downstage' may complement my future essay on Shakespeare's theatre. I thought the chapters on 'Twelfth Night,' 'Hamlet' and 'Macbeth' were illuminating for the sheer detail they went into on matters such as costume (how costume is used to reveal hidden information and represent certain moods), the Quarto and Folio for each play and characterisation. The word 'seeming' has significance when Thomson writes, 'Hamlet's use of theatrical metaphor is significant. If he can learn to act, to combine sorrow and it's personation, he believes that he will be able to do the deed. But he has also to learn how to recognise seeming in others.' (p125).

At only 165 pages this is a helpful academic book for anyone wanting to learn more about Shakespeare's Globe and some of the plays performed there: Hamlet, Twelfth Night and Macbeth. Even if you simply wish to learn more about costume, the power it brings to performance, its significance, meaning and use. Start on page 96 to find out more about costume. Overall this book is an interesting and illuminating read, it draws out the importance of the Globe's legacy, elucidates the meaning of theatre and reveals how lucky we are today to have so many theatres in the UK. Thomson writes, 'the success of Burbage's enterprise encouraged the building of new theatres, each calling for new plays.' (p56) The Globe is Burbage's remaining enterprise which the success of was driven by Shakespeare's writing and wisdom and today Burbage and Shakespeare live on through Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Long live Shakespeare's Globe!

[Paulina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily readable (not a common aspect for academic books about Shakespeare), immensely enjoyable and undeniably valuable. Hooray for Thomson!