* The Globe Theatre: The most famous venue for Shakespeare's plays offered two main types of seating: "groundlings" stood in the open courtyard for a penny (about 6p today). "Gentlemen" sat on the stage, paying a much higher price, likely around 6d (36p today).
* Rich patrons: Wealthy individuals and nobles would have been part of the "Gentlemen" audience, or even had their own private boxes with better views. While exact prices aren't documented, these tickets likely cost several shillings, potentially reaching up to 2-3 shillings (around £1.20 - £1.80 today).
* Patronage: Rich individuals could also sponsor the plays, essentially buying out entire performances, allowing them to distribute the tickets to their friends and guests. This was a way for the wealthy to show off their status and support the arts.
Important things to consider:
* The cost of living: Prices in Shakespeare's time were drastically different. A penny then could buy you a loaf of bread, while today it wouldn't even buy you a single slice.
* The value of entertainment: Theatre was considered a high-class form of entertainment in Shakespeare's time. Unlike today, where we have many options, theatre was a rare and expensive form of enjoyment.
Therefore, while we can't know the exact cost, it's safe to assume that rich people paid significantly more than the average person to enjoy Shakespeare's plays, likely several shillings for a single performance.