During the reigns of Elizabeth and James, Court performances were frequently given, especially during the religious holidays. All the well-known London companies appeared at Court nearly every year, and were liberally remunerated for their services. Documentary evidence is in existence stating the exact fees paid to the actors, and the names in some instances of the plays performed.
Shakespeare is known to have taken part in several of the Court functions; many of his own dramas were presented before the Queen, and although nowhere expressly stated, he, no doubt, acted in them before the royal audience. These performances were given at the different palaces where the Court happened to be assembled. The Royal residences were numerous, and contemporary records prove that dramatic entertainments were represented at each of them on several occasions. The enthusiasm which Elizabeth displayed towards the drama must, in a great measure, account for its continued success and development. Without the Court patronage, the City and Local Authorities, in their blind prejudice against all kinds of entertainment, would certainly have taken drastic measures to drive the actors out of the Metropolis: and in their idiotic rage against the theatre, might have gone so far as to prohibit the actors from following the profession.
M. William Shak-speare:
HIS
True Chronicle Historie of the life and
death of King
LEAR
and his three
Daughters.
With the vnfortunate life of Edgar, sonne
and heire to the Earle of Gloster, and his
sullen and assumed humor of
TOM of Bedlam:
As it was played before the Kings Maiestie at Whitehall vpon
S. Stephans night in Christmas Hollidayes.
By his Maiesties seruants playing vsually at the Gloabe
on the Bancke-side.
LONDON,
Printed for Nathaniel Butter, and are to be sold at his shop in Pauls
Church-yard at the signe of the Pide Bull neere
St. Austins Gate. 1608
The following is a list of Court palaces in which plays were presented before the reigning monarchs. Both Elizabeth and James were enthusiastic playgoers. In the latter’s reign court performances were given every day in the week, Sundays included, and although at times the plays produced were far from entertaining, the royal pair remained until the play was ended, in spite of being tired, as the rest of the audience often were.