In the age of Shakespeare, the theatres are often assumed to have been centred on London. However, during this period Coventry stood out as one of the most vibrant theatrical cities in England. Long before the emergence of the professional theatre of which Shakespeare, arguably the West Midlands’ most famous son, played a part, the city was renowned for its medieval mystery plays, which placed performance at the heart of civic and religious life. After their suppression, Coventry was a frequent destination for touring companies from London – including Shakespeare’s own company, the King’s Men, when their repertory included major works such as “Hamlet”, “Coriolanus”, and “The Winter’s Tale”. This long-standing culture of drama created an environment in which theatre was not an occasional novelty, but a regular and meaningful presence within the city.
In this talk, theatre historian Dr. Will Green – Fellow of the School of Advanced Study, University of London and Research Associate at Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, Stratford-upon-Avon – explores the remarkable theatrical history of Shakespearean Warwickshire, tracing a line from a young boy born in Stratford-upon-Avon to the medieval performance traditions of his nearest major city, Coventry, through to the arrival of professional travelling playing companies in the later sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Drawing on civic records, the talk highlights Stratford and Coventry’s extraordinary records of theatrical activity, with nearly 350 documented visits by playing companies occurring between 1560 and 1642. By situating Shakespeare’s career within this broader performance culture – from viewer of the mystery plays of his childhood, to a writer of professional drama taken on tour – this talk invites audiences to see Stratford and Coventry not as peripheral stops on a theatrical circuit, but as major centres of performance in their own right. It offers a fresh perspective on how places like Stratford and Coventry shaped the development, reach, and ambitions of English theatre in the early modern period.
This talk is part of a series of online research talks delivered this autumn, where Dr. Green shares in progress research findings from his ongoing public history project on regional theatre and civic buildings in early modern England, conducted in collaboration with Shakespeare’s Schoolroom & Guildhall, the museum of the Grade I listed guildhall of Stratford-upon-Avon. This entry in the series is also based on research undertaken with the support of St. Mary’s Guildhall, Coventry.
The talk will be recorded, and everyone who buys a ticket will be sent a link to the video within 10 days of the event date. This ensures ticket buyers can view the talk even if they are unable to attend at the time of the live stream.
The talk will last 45 minutes to 1 hour, after which there will be ample time available for Q&A.
For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/from-mystery-plays-to-travelling-players-tickets-2003844072563