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Ancient Roman theatre: everything you wanted to know

Ancient Roman theatre: everything you wanted to know

From Plautus and Terence to the bawdy world of mime, Jessica Clarke introduces the theatrical world of the ancient superpower – and considers how its legacy continues to shape drama and performance today

Emily Briffett

Published: September 21, 2025 at 8:00 AM

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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.

Authors

Emily BriffettSenior content producer (podcasts)

Emily Briffett is senior content producer (podcasts) at HistoryExtra