Ancient Roman theatre: everything you wanted to know

History Extra podcast

Immediate Media

History

4.3 • 4.5K Ratings

🗓️ 20 September 2025

⏱️ 42 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Who went to the theatre in ancient Rome – and what kind of spectacle would they have expected to see? And did the drama performed on stage reflect the politics, society and culture of the day? Emily Briffett and historian Jessica Clarke peer behind the metaphorical curtain of ancient Rome’s theatres, to explore the plays, playwrights, and performances that entertained the empire. The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Before we start this History Extra podcast, we want to tell you a bit about this week's sponsor, Warner Hotels.
0:08.0	BBC History Magazine is running two history weekends at Warner Hotels in October and November this year.
0:13.9	So if you were looking for a relaxing and historical UK escape this autumn, let me mark your card about these weekends.
0:21.9	Ideal for history lovers. Each free night stay includes breakfast, dinner and live entertainment,
0:27.7	plus fascinating talks and Q&As with top historians such as Fernredale, Ruth Goodman,
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0:58.4	We had a few people who were used to PCs, and this was their first foray into Macs.
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	...

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