WHITEFRIARS THEATRE
There is some slight evidence that a stage for acting existed in the vicinity of Whitefriars as early as 1574. Richard Rawlidge, in his tract already referred to, enumerates, among other playhouses in the year 1576, “one in Whitefriars.” Fleay mentions that this is the only reference to the old Whitefriars playhouse until 1610. Professor Lawrence is again at variance with the usual authorities: he would assign the opening of the new Whitefriars, circa 1608. According to a burial register of St. Dunstan’s Parish, Whitefriars, in September 29th, 1607, which records the following interment: “Gerry out of the playhouse in the Friars buried.” Another entry is: “We present one playhouse in the same precinct, not fitting these to be now tolerable.”
THE
INSATIATE
Countesse.
A
TRAGEDIE:
Acted at VVhite-Fryers.
Written
By IOHN MARSTON.
LONDON:
Printed by T. S. for Thomas Archer, and are to be sold
at his Shop in Popes-head-Pallace, neere the
Royall-Exchange. 1613.
(Original Image)
By the date 1607 both our professors have misdated the opening of the theatre. Another valid proof of how greatly we are in need of a veritable authentic history of the early theatres.
The place in which the stage was first set up stood in the Refectory of the demolished Monastery of the Carmelites, situated between the modern Bouverie and Whitefriars Streets, in Fleet Street. The early history of this theatre is a total blank, both as regards the stage and the company of actors, who gave performances there.
If conjecture is permissible, probably strolling players were allowed the use of the stage, or more likely a regular company for want of a better place, acted here. The performers were safe from molestation, on account of the ground being ecclesiastical property, therefore not being subject to the jurisdiction of the City Authorities.
In 1607, or earlier, this old hall was probably converted into a regular theatre, and from that date continued as such until 1616, when for an indefinite period the place was abandoned. On being re-opened, acting took place as usual, subsequently being finally abolished in 1621.
THE
Excellent Comedy, called
THE OLD LAW:
OR
A new way to please you.
| By | { | Phil. Maßinger. |
| Tho. Middleton. | ||
| William Rowley. |
Acted before the King and Queene at Salisbury House,
and at severall other places, with great Applause.
Together with an exact and perfect Catalogue of all
the Playes, with the Authors Names, and what are
Comedies, Tragedies, Histories, Pastoralls,
Masks, Interludes, more exactly Printed
then ever before.
LONDON,
Printed for Edward Archer, at the signe of the Adam
and Eve, in Little Britaine. 1656.
(Original Image)
The Children of the Queen’s Revels made their home here. Many of the ablest dramatists wrote plays for them. Ben Jonson’s “Epicene” was one of the first plays they produced. A list of actors’ names is prefixed to the printed edition of 1612. The celebrated actor, Richard Field, is the first actor named.