152 episodes

A podcast tracing the development of theatre from ancient Greece to the present day through the places and people who made theatre happen. More than just dates and lists of plays we'll learn about the social. political and historical context that fostered the creation of dramatic art.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

The History Of European Theatre Philip Rowe

    • History
    • 4.9 • 31 Ratings

A podcast tracing the development of theatre from ancient Greece to the present day through the places and people who made theatre happen. More than just dates and lists of plays we'll learn about the social. political and historical context that fostered the creation of dramatic art.

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    From the English Renaissance to Shakespeare and Jonson

    From the English Renaissance to Shakespeare and Jonson

    Episode 114:
    As an introduction to season six of the podcast in the first part of this episode I lay out the aims for the next season and the approach I will be taking to the monoliths of early English theatre tha tare Shakespeare and Jonson.
    In the second part of the Episode I give a quick recap of Season Five to get you and I back in the zone for all the detail that will follow on Shakespeare and Jonson.
    Support the podcast at:
    www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com
    www.ko-fi.com/thoetp
    www.patreon.com/thoetp


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 33 min
    Dionysus and Xanthias: The First Double Act

    Dionysus and Xanthias: The First Double Act

    Episode 115:
    A dive back into Ancient Greek theatre with a look at 'The Frogs' by Aristophanes.
    A recap on the life and plays of Aristophanes.
    A summary of the plot of the play.
    Analysis of the main points raised by the play.
    A short word on a recent production of the play by 'Spymonkey' played at the Kiln Theatre, London in February and March 2024.

    Support the podcast at:
    www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com
    www.ko-fi.com/thoetp
    www.patreon.com/thoetp



    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 29 min
    Shakespeare In His Time

    Shakespeare In His Time

    Episode 116:
    As an introduction to the season on Shakespeare this episode gives a timeline of events in Shakespeare's life. The focus is on the best estimates for the dates of all his plays and the reasons for those estimates, but also includes the milestones of his life and other significant events of the time that occurred in England.

    Support to podcast at:
    www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com
    www.patreon.com/thoetp
    www.ko-fi.com/thoetp


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 35 min
    The Renaissance from Europe to England

    The Renaissance from Europe to England

    Episode 88:
    An introduction to season 5 of the podcast.
    The theatrical links between England and Continental Europe in the 16th Century.  Some differences and similarities.
    Why English theatre stands apart from that of continental Europe.
    Sir Philip Sidney’s ‘Defence of Poetry’, his dislike of the stage and ideas on the power of poetic language.
    The development of English as a language to be used poetically.
    The slow rise of England out of the Medieval period.
    Theatre and king Henry 8th.
    The rise of secular plays during the reformation period through the reign of Elizabeth 1st.
    English scepticism about Continental culture.
    The Playhouses, plays, playwrights and acting troupes.

    Support the podcast at:
    www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com
    www.ko-fi.com/thoetp
    www.patreon.com/thoetp


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 31 min
    Building Theatre: The Earliest Playhouses in London

    Building Theatre: The Earliest Playhouses in London

    Episode 89:
    As England emerged from the Medieval period theatre became established in London in purpose built theatres and in buildings adapted for the purpose. In this episode we look at those earliest theatres and their builders:
    The Red Lion, a probably short lived theatre built by John Brayne
    Four Inns that operated as theatres The Bel Savage, The Bull, The Bell, and the Cross Keys
    The Theatre at Newington Butts
    The Theatre - probably the first truly purpose built theatre since Roman times. The Story of how James Burbage and John Brayne acquired land, built The Theatre and kept it running is a story told through legal documents and The Theatre became the subject of various legal disputes.
    Support the podcast at:
    www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com
    www.ko-fi.com/thoetp
    www.patreon.com/thoetp


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 32 min
    Creating a Profession: The Development of the Stage-Player

    Creating a Profession: The Development of the Stage-Player

    Episode 90: 
    The development of the profession of acting, of ‘stage-playing’ through the Tudor period.
    How the professional stage player developed out of the medieval entertainer.
    How travelling players became household players and then settled in the London playhouses.
    The beginnings of an acting profession.
    The Earl of Leicester’s Men.
    The English Sumptuary laws.
    The boy troupes.
    The objections to players and playhouses.
    The reputation of players.
    Some examples of contemporary views of players.
    The stars of the day – Burbage and Allen.  
    Support the podcast at:
    www.thehistoryofeuropeantheatre.com
    www.ko-fi.com/thoetp
    www.patreon.com/thoetp


    This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

    Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
31 Ratings

31 Ratings

Jrh67 ,

Great resource

This podcast is great! As a theatre practitioner it’s great learning more about European theatre. Highly recommended.

Potato Lady Bex ,

Podcast Ex Machina

A lot of people talk about how Shakespeare influenced today’s society and modern entertainment. But who or what inspired Shakespeare? This podcast can answer that question and so many more. Host Philip takes you back in time to analyze theatre right at the roots, analyzing Ancient Greek and Roman performances, plays, emperors, and playwrights. You will learn things about pantomime and Greek gods that you never thought you wanted to know, but it’s all quite fascinating.

erinkellytweets ,

Well done

I arrived at this podcast through The History of England. It’s beautifully narrated and very interesting. I’m more of a history buff than a theatre buff, but it is sure to satisfy both.

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