1. The Globe Theatre: One of the most famous Elizabethan playhouses, the Globe Theatre, could accommodate around 3,000 spectators. This capacity was facilitated by the theatre's unique circular structure and the use of a central courtyard.
2. Audience Composition: The theatre in Elizabethan England attracted diverse audiences, including nobles, merchants, artisans, and commoners. Depending on the play and the social significance of the event, the attendance could vary.
3. Social Importance: Theatre served as a significant form of entertainment and social gathering during the Elizabethan era. People attended to experience dramas, comedies, historical plays, and performances that addressed political, social, and moral issues of their time.
4. Performances and Time of Day: Typically, theatrical performances were held during the afternoon and were relatively affordable, which also contributed to a wider attendance.
5. Touring Companies: Acting troupes often went on tours to perform in various towns and cities, reaching audiences beyond London.
While there are no precise records or statistics that document the exact number of attendees at theatres in 1600, the evidence suggests that theatre was widely popular and that thousands of people would have attended performances at different venues across England during that time.