Shakespeare's Theatre

Inside Story

by Jacqueline Morley, John James (Illustrator)

Text and cutaway illustrations depict the interior of the Globe theater and the way of life of Elizabethan actors, on the road and on stage

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Shakespeare

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Jacqueline Morley studied English at Oxford University and has taught English and History. She is the author of numerous books, including award-winning historical nonfiction titles for children. Her books have won several TES Senior Information book awards.

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

An All great, beautiful book with interesting information about the Shakespeare theatre world

[lorenzodulac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a reread. Or maybe I just already knew this stuff which is more likely, but I do know that I started it once before because I remember the illustrations. And I missed them. So I decided to read it. (…Again?)
I found it informative and a good way of introducing people to the subject, there’s an index and a glossary and everything. Everything is explained in a straightforward way.
There are quotes at the top and bottom of every chapter which is cool, and each chapter lasts two pages. They used “A plague o’ both your houses!” as a quote for the chapter on the plague, and that made me smile.
Read it for the illustrations if nothing else.

[Diz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated children's book that introduces traditional English theatres, with a special focus on the theatres used by Shakespeare's company. There are many cutaway illustrations, so you can see inside the structures and you can see all of the backstage action. My kids really enjoyed seeing all of the people scurrying around the theatre and had a great time talking about what they were doing. I can recommend this as a good introduction to Shakespeare for kids.

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It has a brieft introduction of earliest plays all over the world, then it went into detail about the first theater in London. Despite the title Shakespearean, this book is more focused on the theater itself, on how it developed, about its technology, its patrons, the actors and the inner working of theater in those days. Overall, this is excellent introduction book with great visuals.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and detailed illustrations and the information presented is decent considering the intended audience - but, it could be even more insightful. Fun read with kids.

[Masteatro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro ilustrado precioso que explica paso a paso los orígenes del teatro así como la construcción de el Globe Theatre de Shakespeare. Con unas ilustraciones divinas a las que no les falta un detalle.

[Edna · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Eyewitness books, you'll love this visual history of the origins of the theater and the evolution of "the players." The illustrations have just enough detail to interest children and keep adults interested, too.

[Rafaela Lomba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide tells the story of theater in general as well as The Globe. It is filled with interesting details about the structure of the Shakespearean theater, Elizabethan London, and Londoners at the time.

[Sarah - All The Book Blog Names Are Taken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated introduction to the theatre, starting briefly with the first theaters, up to the time of the Globe and Shakespeare. Great introduction for children.