Cross Keys Inn

Picture of London Inn similar to the Cross Keys

 

Cross Keys Inn

  • Interesting Facts and information about the Cross Keys Inn Elizabethan Theatre

  • People and events - Cross Keys Inn Theatre

  • Famous Elizabethan Inn-yard

  • The Cobbled Courtyard was the site of Elizabethan plays

Elizabethan Theatre

Elizabethan Era Index

Cross Keys Inn

The Cross Keys Inn - Elizabethan Theatre
The known facts about the Cross Keys Inn, which was used as one of the venues for early English Elizabethan Theatre, are as follows:

  • London Location of the Cross Keys Inn - Gracechurch Street, London

  • Elizabethan plays were performed in the courtyards of the Cross Keys Inn - 1576 - 1594

  • William Shakespeare's acting troupe, the Chamberlain's Men, used the Cross Keys Inn theatre on a regular basis due to the restrictions played on play acting within the City of London limits

  • The Elizabethan Acting Troupes would negotiate with the owner, or vintner, of the Cross Keys Inn in order to stage a performance at the Cross Keys Inn

  • The Cobbled Courtyard of the Cross Keys Inn was the site of Elizabethan plays - a temporary stage would be erected on trestles

  • People who wanted to watch the plays at the Cross Keys Inn were charged a small fee as they entered the courtyard - they had to pay extra if they wanted a view from the balcony!

In 1574 the City of London started regulating the Inn-yard activities which lead to the development of the covered Playhouses and the open Amphitheatres and the ultimate replacement of the Inn-yards for venues of Elizabethan plays and theatres.

Cross Keys Inn - Interesting Facts and Information about Inn- Yard Elizabethan Theatres
Interesting Facts and information about the Cross Keys Inn Elizabethan Theatre

  • Name of this type of Elizabethan Theatre taken directly from the yard of an Inn

  • Elizabethan plays were performed in the cobbled courtyard

  • Audience capacity of an Elizabethan Inn-Yard - up to 500

  • There was gambling and there was even bear baiting in some of the Inn-yards

Cross Keys Inn
The Cross Keys Inn one of the Famous London Inns which was used as a venue for Elizabethan plays and theatre prior to the opening of Playhouses and purpose built Elizabethan Amphitheatres in London such as the Globe Theatre.

Cross Keys Inn

 

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