The Admiral's Men were a prominent theatrical company in Elizabethan England, formed in 1583 and associated with the patronage of Lord Howard of Effingham, the Lord Admiral. They were known for their exceptional performances and for being one of the leading companies during the late 16th century, rivaling the more famous Lord Chamberlain's Men, of which Shakespeare was a member.
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The Admiral's Men were established in 1583 and became a major force in English theatre until the early 17th century.
Their first major success was with the play 'Tamburlaine,' written by Christopher Marlowe, which helped solidify their reputation.
The company performed at various venues but had a strong association with the Theatre Royal, a key location for early modern plays.
After Marlowe's death in 1593, many of his works continued to be performed by the Admiral's Men, helping to keep his legacy alive.
The Admiral's Men eventually faced competition from Shakespeare's own company, leading to changes in the dynamics of theatrical performance during this period.
Review Questions
How did the establishment of the Admiral's Men influence the landscape of theatre during Elizabethan England?
The establishment of the Admiral's Men had a significant impact on Elizabethan theatre by introducing innovative plays and performance styles that set new standards for theatrical excellence. Their association with influential playwrights like Christopher Marlowe attracted audiences and enhanced their reputation. This rivalry with other companies, particularly the Lord Chamberlain's Men, pushed both groups to elevate their productions, ultimately enriching the theatrical culture of the time.
Discuss the role that Christopher Marlowe played in shaping the repertoire of the Admiral's Men and its significance in relation to Shakespeare.
Christopher Marlowe was instrumental in shaping the repertoire of the Admiral's Men through his groundbreaking works like 'Tamburlaine' and 'Doctor Faustus.' His innovative use of blank verse and exploration of complex characters set a precedent that influenced Shakespeare’s own writing style. The success of Marlowe’s plays performed by the Admiral's Men established a theatrical benchmark that Shakespeare later built upon when he joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, showcasing how these contemporaneous playwrights influenced each other.
Evaluate how the competition between the Admiral's Men and Lord Chamberlain's Men contributed to the evolution of English theatre during this era.
The competition between the Admiral's Men and Lord Chamberlain's Men fostered a dynamic environment that led to significant developments in English theatre. Each company strived to outdo the other by attracting top playwrights, securing better venues, and innovating performance techniques. This rivalry not only encouraged a higher quality of storytelling but also expanded audiences' tastes, ultimately paving the way for greater diversity in theatrical productions and influencing future generations of playwrights and actors.
A theatrical company that was one of the most popular and successful acting troupes in Elizabethan England, known for performing many of Shakespeare's plays.
A contemporary playwright and poet whose works significantly influenced Shakespeare and were often performed by the Admiral's Men before his untimely death.
Theatre Royal: A prominent playhouse in London where the Admiral's Men often performed, contributing to the development of early modern English theatre.