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Chapter 4 · A modern, thriving society

Life in the UK test questions on theatre and comedy

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, and his plays are still performed at the rebuilt Globe theatre in London. The West End is the centre of British theatre, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe each August is the largest arts festival in the world. Pantomime at Christmas is a British tradition of its own.

Below are 7 free questions on theatre and comedy, taken from handbook section 4.7. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

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Questions and answers on theatre and comedy

The same 7 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. In which town was William Shakespeare born?

    • Stratford-upon-Avon — correct answer
    • Canterbury
    • Edinburgh
    • Oxford

    William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, where his plays are still performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. Handbook section 4.7.

  2. 2. At which London theatre did Shakespeare work?

    • The Globe — correct answer
    • The Royal Albert Hall
    • The Old Vic
    • The Lyceum

    Shakespeare worked at the Globe theatre in London, where many of his plays were first performed. Handbook section 4.7.

  3. 3. Which of these plays was written by Shakespeare?

    • Macbeth — correct answer
    • The Importance of Being Earnest
    • Peter Grimes
    • Under Milk Wood

    Macbeth is one of Shakespeare's plays, along with Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Handbook section 4.7.

  4. 4. Which part of London is known as 'Theatreland'?

    • The West End — correct answer
    • The South Bank
    • The City
    • Stratford

    The West End of London has so many theatres that the area is often called Theatreland. Handbook section 4.7.

  5. 5. Who wrote the musicals Cats and The Phantom of the Opera?

    • Andrew Lloyd Webber — correct answer
    • Sir Arthur Sullivan
    • Benjamin Britten
    • Sir Laurence Olivier

    Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote musicals such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera, which have been performed around the world. Handbook section 4.7.

  6. 6. When does the Edinburgh Festival take place?

    • Every summer — correct answer
    • Every Christmas
    • Every spring
    • Once every four years

    The Edinburgh Festival takes place every summer and is made up of several festivals running at the same time. Handbook section 4.7.

  7. 7. At which time of year are pantomimes performed in the UK?

    • Around Christmas — correct answer
    • At Easter
    • In midsummer
    • On Bonfire Night

    Pantomimes are performed around Christmas and are usually based on well-known fairy tales. Handbook section 4.7.

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