What types of plays were Popularly preformed in England shortly prior to Shakespeare time?

Prior to Shakespeare's time, popular forms of theater in England included morality plays, which depicted the struggle between good and evil, and mystery plays, based on biblical stories. Additionally, interludes—short, comedic performances often featuring everyday characters—gained popularity. The rise of the public playhouse in the late 16th century also led to the emergence of more secular plays, paving the way for the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.