Explain what was important about the growth of the English theatre in Elizabethan England (c.1558–1603).

Introduction
The Elizabethan era, spanning the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, was a period of significant transformation in England, marked by exploration, religious change, and a flourishing arts scene. At the heart of this cultural blossoming was the remarkable growth of English theatre. This essay will argue that the growth of English theatre during the Elizabethan era was important not only as a form of entertainment, but also as a reflection of the social, economic, and political changes happening during that time.

Body Paragraph 1: Social Change and the Rise of a New Audience
Elizabethan England witnessed the rise of a new wealthy merchant class, eager to display their newfound status and enjoy leisure activities. This burgeoning middle class, alongside the existing nobility, created a significant demand for entertainment, and the theatre catered directly to this desire. Playhouses like the Globe and the Rose became important social spaces where people from all walks of life could mingle, albeit with clear distinctions between the seating for different classes. Plays began to reflect the aspirations and anxieties of this new audience, exploring themes of social mobility, ambition, and the pursuit of wealth. Christopher Marlowe's "The Jew of Malta," for example, with its themes of wealth and revenge, resonated with the ambitions and uncertainties of the age.

Body Paragraph 2: Economic Impact and the Professionalization of Theatre
The growth of theatre in Elizabethan England wasn't merely a social phenomenon; it was also an economic force. The construction of permanent playhouses, like the aforementioned Globe, required significant investment and generated employment opportunities. Acting companies, once dependent on the patronage of nobles, became increasingly professionalized. They operated as commercial enterprises, competing for audiences and profits. This shift towards professionalization provided playwrights, actors, costume makers, and countless others involved in theatrical production with a means of livelihood, further contributing to the burgeoning economy of London, in particular.

Body Paragraph 3: Political and Religious Climate and its Reflection in Theatre
Navigating the political and religious climate of Elizabethan England was a delicate dance, and the theatre was no exception. Playwrights often used their craft to explore, albeit indirectly, the tumultuous political and religious landscape. While direct criticism of the Queen or the Church was forbidden, playwrights like Shakespeare cleverly employed allegory and historical narratives to address contemporary concerns. Shakespeare's "Richard II," for instance, while ostensibly about a deposed king, could be interpreted as a commentary on the precarious nature of power and the threat of rebellion, themes highly relevant to an audience acutely aware of the religious and political divisions that had plagued England in living memory. Similarly, Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus,” with its protagonist’s deal with the devil, touched upon anxieties surrounding sin, damnation, and the tension between the medieval Catholic past and the Protestant present.

Body Paragraph 4: The Role of Playwrights: Shakespeare and His Contemporaries
The Elizabethan era was a golden age for English playwriting, and at its forefront stood William Shakespeare. Shakespeare, along with his contemporaries like Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and Thomas Kyd, revolutionized English theatre. These playwrights introduced innovations in character development, language, and dramatic structure. Shakespeare's gift for creating complex and relatable characters, from the tragic Hamlet to the ambitious Macbeth, coupled with his mastery of language, elevated the English language and helped shape the future of playwriting. His influence, along with that of his contemporaries, continues to resonate through the world of theatre and literature today.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the growth of English theatre in Elizabethan England was a phenomenon of great importance. More than just entertainment, it was a reflection of, and a participant in, the social, economic, and political currents of the time. The emergence of a new audience hungry for entertainment, the professionalization of acting companies, and the daring exploration of complex themes by playwrights like Shakespeare all contributed to this cultural blossoming. The legacy of Elizabethan theatre is profound, leaving an indelible mark on English culture and shaping the trajectory of theatre for centuries to come.