Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre
I can understand and compare attitudes towards the theatre.
Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre
I can understand and compare attitudes towards the theatre.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shakespeare’s plays were performed at the Globe, which was and still is playing, at the South Bank in London
- The South Bank was full of improper activities, such as animal fighting, drinking and the theatre
- Some people, particularly Puritans, thought the theatre was immoral
- Going to the Globe in Shakespeare’s time would have been a noisy, riotous affair
- Going to the theatre now is different because the audience is much more polite and quiet
Keywords
Theatre - A theatre is a building where people can watch a performance or other kind of entertainment.
Improper - Improper means something unsuitable or socially unacceptable.
Riotous - Something riotous is something very loud and uncontrolled, and full of energy.
Puritan - A puritan is a person who is strict in moral or religious matters, often excessively so.
Immoral - Something immoral is something outside of society's standards of acceptable, honest, and moral behaviour.
Common misconception
That the modern experience of going to the theatre is the same as in Shakespearean times.
The experience was very different - the modern theatre experience is quiet and respectful while the Shakespearean experience was riotous.
To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 english lesson on: Comparing the Shakespearean theatre experience with modern theatre, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 english lessons from the 'The Tempest' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
