Master of the Revels meaning

Master of the Revels is a title given to the person in charge of entertainment and festivities at a court or noble household.


Master of the Revels definitions

Word backwards retsaM fo eht sleveR
Part of speech The term "Master of the Revels" is a noun phrase, with "Master" being a noun and "of the Revels" functioning as a prepositional phrase modifying "Master."
Syllabic division Mas-ter of the Rev-els
Plural Masters of the Revels
Total letters 17
Vogais (3) a,e,o
Consonants (9) m,s,t,r,f,h,v,l

In the world of theater and literature, the role of the Master of the Revels holds a significant position in history. This official title was used in England from the 16th to the 18th centuries, during the reigns of monarchs such as Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. The Master of the Revels was responsible for overseeing public entertainments, including plays, masques, and other forms of performance art.

Responsibilities of the Master of the Revels

The Master of the Revels was appointed by the Crown and held a position of authority in the royal court. One of their primary duties was to censor and license plays before they could be performed publicly. This involved reviewing the content of the plays to ensure they did not contain any material deemed inappropriate or critical of the monarchy or the government. Additionally, the Master of the Revels was responsible for organizing court masques and other official entertainments.

Historical Significance

During the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, the Master of the Revels played a crucial role in shaping the theater scene in England. By controlling the content of plays and performances, they were able to influence the cultural and political narratives of the time. The Master of the Revels was a gatekeeper of sorts, regulating what could be presented to the public and ensuring that it aligned with the interests of the ruling powers.

Legacy and Influence

Although the position of Master of the Revels no longer exists in modern times, its legacy can still be seen in the way that censorship and regulation continue to shape the arts. The role of the Master of the Revels serves as a reminder of the power dynamics at play in the world of entertainment, where authorities have often sought to control and manipulate the narratives that are presented to the public.

In conclusion, the Master of the Revels was a key figure in the history of theater and literature, with their actions influencing the course of cultural development in England. Through their regulatory powers and oversight of public entertainments, they left a lasting impact on the way that art and performance were created and consumed during their time.


Master of the Revels Examples

  1. As the Master of the Revels, he was in charge of organizing all the entertainment for the royal court.
  2. The Master of the Revels approved all plays before they could be performed publicly.
  3. In his role as Master of the Revels, he had to ensure that all festivities were held according to the king's wishes.
  4. The Master of the Revels was responsible for overseeing the costumes and props used in the theatrical productions.
  5. As Master of the Revels, he had the authority to censor any content deemed inappropriate for the audience.
  6. During the masquerade ball, the Master of the Revels made sure that all guests followed the proper etiquette.
  7. The Master of the Revels was known for his impeccable taste in selecting the best performers for the royal festivities.
  8. She sought the approval of the Master of the Revels before showcasing her new play at the theater.
  9. The Master of the Revels was revered for his ability to create magical and memorable experiences for the royal court.
  10. In his position as Master of the Revels, he was considered the ultimate authority on all matters related to entertainment and celebrations.


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  • Updated 20/04/2024 - 12:48:35