Shakespeare and the Blackfriars TheatreTHE PLAYHOUSES BLACKFRIARS HISTORY The building, with its large hall, was located in the City of London on the site of the dissolved 13th-century Dominican monastery where the Dominican monks wore black robes - hence the name Black Friars In 1538 the monastery was closed due to the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII and the building was subsequently used by the Privy Council Blackfriars was the location of many historic events, such as the divorce hearing of Catherine of Aragon (1485-1536) and King Henry VIII (1491-1547) in 1529 A troupe of boy actors called the 'Chapel Children' first used Blackfriars as a Playhouse Blackfriars was purchased by Burbage for £600 in 1596 but was not able to use it as a theatre due to objections from local residents and City of London officials until 1608 see Public plays banned in City of London The picture at the top of the page of the Blackfriars Playhouse theatre illustrates what the Playhouse looked like
THE BLACKFRIARS PLAYHOUSE THEATRE Burbage made alterations and improvements to the Playhouse and was able to present various special effects due to its trap doors and wires and belts used to hang props and lower actors. The troupe performed at Blackfriars during the winter months while continuing to spend the summers at the Globe The cheapest tickets were 2d, double the cost at the Globe The Blackfriars Playhouse was a great success! the acting troupe had a permanent base for their winter productions. The profits increased! The actors and owners became richer!
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The King’s Men acting company used Blackfriars until 1642 when it was closed during the English Civil War The Blackfriars playhouse fell into disrepair and was eventually demolished on the 6th of August, 1655
Shakespeare and the Blackfriars Theatre |
