The Shakespearean Stage, 1574–1642

The Shakespearean Stage is the only authoritative book that describes all the main features of the original staging of Shakespearean drama in one volume: the acting companies and their acting styles, the playhouses, the staging and the audiences. For twenty years it has been hailed as not only the most reliable but the liveliest and most entertaining overview of Shakespearean theatre available to students. For this third edition Professor Gurr has substantially revised the book, bringing it right up to date and incorporating many new discoveries, including those of the archaeologists at the sites of the Rose and Globe theatres. The invaluable appendix, which lists all the plays performed at a particular playhouse, the playing company and date of performance, has also been revised and rearranged.

• This new edition is a rewrite, incorporating many new discoveries such as the remains of the Rose and Globe theatres. Additional pictures and updated appendices • Provides undergraduates with all they need to know about staging conditions in Shakespeare’s day • Acknowledged by the academic profession as the definitive guide. GURR also edits NCS Richard III (Open University Set text), and Henry V

Acknowledgements; List of illustrations; Preface; 1. Introduction 2. The companies 3. The players 4. The playhouses 5. The staging 6. The audiences Appendix: a select list of plays and their playhouses; Notes; Select bibliography; Index.

From reviews of previous editions: ‘Here is a concise, compact, well-organised guide to the premises, practices and finances of the actors; I cannot imagine a handier labour-saving device for the student who has been recommended to read far more than he has time for.’ Drama ‘Gurr’s book is admirable in the way it condenses a great deal of technical information into a readable and judicious account. Gurr writes graciously, has a gift for piquant illustration, and provides us with generous quotations from essential documents ...’. David Bevington, Shakespeare Quarterly