Admiral's Men

Definition

The Admiral's Men were a prominent English theatrical company during the late 16th century, known for their performances of popular plays and their connection to the burgeoning professional theatre scene. Established under the patronage of Lord Admiral Charles Howard, this company showcased a variety of works, often featuring the writings of famous playwrights like Christopher Marlowe. The Admiral's Men played a crucial role in the rise of professional theatre companies in England, helping to set standards for performance quality and production values.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Admiral's Men were founded in 1583 and were one of the first professional theatre companies to perform at the newly constructed theatres such as The Rose.
2. They gained a reputation for their performances of Christopher Marlowe's works, particularly 'Tamburlaine' and 'Doctor Faustus', which showcased their talent and helped popularize Elizabethan drama.
3. The company performed not only in London but also toured various towns and cities, spreading the popularity of theatre across England.
4. After Lord Admiral Howard's death in 1620, the company struggled to maintain its prominence and eventually merged with other companies, marking a decline in its influence.
5. The Admiral's Men played a key role in shaping the theatrical landscape by helping to establish professional acting as a viable career and influencing future playwrights and performers.

Review Questions

• How did the Admiral's Men contribute to the development of professional theatre in England?
  • The Admiral's Men were pivotal in establishing professional theatre as a respected form of entertainment in England. They set high standards for performance quality through their productions, particularly those written by Christopher Marlowe. Their ability to attract audiences and gain patronage helped legitimize theatre as a profession, encouraging other companies to emerge and compete, which ultimately enriched the cultural landscape of the time.
• Compare the Admiral's Men with the Lord Chamberlain's Men in terms of their impact on Elizabethan theatre.
  • Both the Admiral's Men and the Lord Chamberlain's Men were influential in shaping Elizabethan theatre but had different strengths. The Admiral's Men excelled in presenting works by Christopher Marlowe and focused on dramatic storytelling. In contrast, the Lord Chamberlain's Men featured William Shakespeare, whose writing style and innovative approaches to character development transformed theatre. While both companies competed for audiences, they contributed uniquely to the evolution of drama during this period.
• Evaluate the significance of the Admiral's Men's repertoire on later theatrical traditions.
  • The repertoire of the Admiral's Men had a lasting impact on theatrical traditions by setting a benchmark for storytelling and performance. Their adaptation of complex narratives from Marlowe influenced subsequent playwrights, including Shakespeare, who built upon these themes while developing new styles. The emphasis on engaging performances laid groundwork for future theatrical practices, where blending drama with entertainment became a hallmark. This legacy continues to resonate in modern theatre, showcasing the enduring influence of early professional companies like the Admiral's Men.

Related terms

Lord Chamberlain's Men:

Another leading theatrical company of the time, which included William Shakespeare among its members and rivaled the Admiral's Men for popularity and patronage.

Public Theatre: The type of theatre that emerged in England during this period, where performances were held in open-air venues accessible to all social classes, marking a shift from private court performances.

Playwright: A writer who creates plays, often collaborating with theatre companies like the Admiral's Men to produce works that cater to public taste and current events.