EARL OF LEICESTER’S COMPANY
The Earl of Leicester is the earliest known nobleman under whose patronage the players first placed themselves, His name is found in a document as early as 1559, and until his death, in 1588, he remained a friend of the actors.
James Burbage, by trade a joiner, was a member of this company. In every important theatrical company of these times are found three well marked divisions of activity. First the actors performed in London, either at an inn-yard, hall, or properly built theatre. Secondly, provincial tours were arranged, especially when the plague was rampant in the Metropolis; in some instances the Continent was visited. Thirdly, a Court performance was commanded; naturally, only the better class companies were thus honoured.
The Earl of Leicester’s company performed all these duties. A visit to Denmark is especially enumerated, the names of the actors being written down in the town records of Elsinore, which name instinctively recalls to mind the magic name of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. During a lengthy provincial tour, the Earl of Leicester’s company visited Stratford-on-Avon in 1587. Unfortunately there is no proof to corroborate the theory that Shakespeare may have joined the troupe on this occasion of their visit to his birthplace. When in London this company acted several times at Court, in one instance the name of the play being recorded. In February, 1574, was acted at Court the play called “Philemon and Philecia,” for which they received £6 13s. 4d., and a further reward of £3 6s. 8d. It is nowhere stated where this company acted, but we are on sure ground in assuming that the locality was The Theatre, as James Burbage, one of the players, owned the property and, no doubt, acted as manager.
A Pleasant Commodie,
of faire Em th. Millers daughter
of Manchester: VVith the loue of
William the Conqueror:
As it was sundrietimes publiquely acted in the
honorable citie of London by the right honourable
the Lord Strange his seruaunts.
Imprinted at London for T.N. and I. VV.
and are to be solde in S. Dunstones Church-yarde
in Fleete-streete.
(Original Image)