What time did Shakespeare write his plays?

Answer 1

You understand, of course, that whatever we say about Shakespeare's plays also applies to the plays written by Marlowe and Kyd and Jonson and the dozens of other writers who were writing plays at the same time. The answer to when plays was performed is: It depends where they were performing them. In the summer time, when the weather was warm and the days long, performances took place in the big outdoor theatres like the Globe, Fortune, Rose and Red Bull. Performances at these theatres started at about 3 p.m. and ended between 5 and 6. But as fall rolled around, it got colder and the days got shorter and nobody was going to stand around for two to three hours outside in the snow and the dark, trying to see what was happening on stage. The outdoor theatres therefore closed in the winter time. But that does not mean that the players stopped putting plays on. In fact, many of our records of performances were winter performances performed indoors in public halls and at court. Since these were inside, and the stage was lit by candles, it didn't matter when they performed; performances could easily happen at night, along with a supper. Later in Shakespeare's career, the owners of the Globe (Shakespeare owned a small share) were able to open a permanent indoor theatre called the Blackfriars so the company could perform regularly all winter long. Performances may well have taken place in the evening.

Answer 2

He wrote them all between 1590 and 1613 more or less.

Answer 3

In the late afternoon when the light was best, about 3 pm.

Answer 4

In mid afternoon to late afternoon.