Popular entertainment (theatre, stage and screen)

Medieval (c500-1500)

Morality plays and mystery plays were the most common form of theatre, often portraying biblical stories or teaching moral lessons.
Entertainment was often centred around religious festivals and holidays.
Performance spaces were typically outdoor settings like marketplaces, open fields or the courtyards of inns.

The Renaissance period brought a revival of classical Greek and Roman plays.
The construction of playhouses began, including the famous Globe Theatre in London.
William Shakespeare emerged as one of the most prominent playwrights and actors.
Murder plays became popular amongst the general public.

With urbanisation and industrial growth, demand for entertainment options grew. Music halls and variety shows flourished in cities.
The novelty of cinema started to emerge with early projectors and techniques.
The late 19th century saw the creation of the world’s first movie, the Roundhay Garden Scene by French inventor Louis Le Prince.

The first commercial movie theatre, called a nickelodeon, was opened in Pittsburgh, USA.
The golden age of cinema grew between the 1920s to 1950s with Hollywood becoming the film capital of the world.
Radio and television became prevalent, changing the way entertainment was consumed.
The invention of colour television, VCRs and DVDs revolutionised home viewing.
The introduction of multiplex cinemas allowed a variety of films to be screened simultaneously.

The advent of digital technology has transformed film production and distribution.
The emergence of online streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ has led to a shift in viewing habits.
The popularity of film festivals, like the Cannes Film Festival and the Sundance Film Festival, contribute to global film culture and industry.
The rise of independent cinema and the ability to produce and distribute films outside traditional channels has increased the variety and diversity of films available.