Introduction
The Globe Theatre is one of the most iconic theatres in the world, and its history is steeped in legend and lore. In this article, we’ll explore the history of ownership of the original Globe Theatre, looking at who were its owners and how they affected the theatre’s legacy.
Definition of the Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre was a theatre built in 1599 by a company of actors known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, led by actor and playwright William Shakespeare. It was located in Bankside, Southwark, London, and was the primary venue for performances of Shakespeare’s plays until 1613, when it was destroyed by fire. The modern Globe Theatre was built in 1997 on the same site as the original, and serves as a tribute to the original.
Overview of Ownership History
The Globe Theatre has had a long and varied history of ownership. Initially, the theatre was owned by Philip Henslowe, a theatre entrepreneur, who leased it to James Burbage in 1598. Burbage then sublet it to his son, Richard Burbage, and his two brothers, Cuthbert and Jacob Burbage, who formed the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 1599. In 1603, King James granted the troupe a royal patent, allowing them to operate without fear of competition or interference from other companies. William Shakespeare then joined the troupe in 1594, and became a shareholder in the theatre in 1599. He was eventually joined by other prominent figures in the theatre, including John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope.
Exploring the Different Proprietors of the Original Globe Theatre
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key figures who owned the original Globe Theatre:
Philip Henslowe
Philip Henslowe was an Elizabethan theatre entrepreneur and impresario who owned several theatres in London, including the Rose, the Swan, and the Hope. He initially owned the Globe Theatre, leasing it to James Burbage in 1598. He was also a producer of plays, and is credited with helping to shape the landscape of English theatre during the Elizabethan era.
Richard Burbage
Richard Burbage was an actor and theatre manager who was part of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. He was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre and is best known for his performances of leading roles in plays by William Shakespeare, including Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. Burbage was also a co-owner of the Globe Theatre and is credited with helping to make it a success.
Cuthbert and Jacob Burbage
Cuthbert and Jacob Burbage were brothers of Richard Burbage, and together they formed the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 1599. They were shareholders in the Globe Theatre, and were instrumental in its success. Cuthbert was responsible for the financial side of the theatre, while Jacob was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the theatre.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was an actor, playwright, poet, and shareholder in the Globe Theatre. He joined the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 1594 and became a shareholder in the Globe Theatre in 1599. He wrote many of his plays for performance at the Globe, including Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and The Tempest. His plays are still performed today, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language.
Others
Other significant figures in the ownership of the Globe Theatre include John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope. Heminges was an actor and shareholder in the Globe Theatre, and is credited with helping to establish the original Globe Theatre. Phillips and Pope were both actors and shareholders in the Globe Theatre, and are best known for their performances of leading roles in Shakespeare’s plays.
A Look at Who Owned the Original Globe Theatre
Now that we’ve explored some of the key figures who owned the original Globe Theatre, let’s take a look at who actually owned it:
Philip Henslowe
Philip Henslowe was the initial owner of the Globe Theatre, leasing it to James Burbage in 1598. He was a theatre entrepreneur and impresario who owned several theatres in London, and is credited with helping to shape the landscape of English theatre during the Elizabethan era.
Richard Burbage
Richard Burbage was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, and is best known for his performances of leading roles in plays by William Shakespeare. He was a co-owner of the Globe Theatre, and is credited with helping to make it a success.
Cuthbert and Jacob Burbage
Cuthbert and Jacob Burbage were brothers of Richard Burbage, and together they formed the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 1599. They were shareholders in the Globe Theatre, and were instrumental in its success.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, joining the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 1594 and becoming a shareholder in 1599. He wrote many of his plays for performance at the Globe, and his plays are still performed today.
Others
John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope were all shareholders in the Globe Theatre, and are best known for their performances of leading roles in Shakespeare’s plays.
The Changing Faces of the Globe Theatre: Who Were Its Owners?
The ownership of the Globe Theatre has changed over time, and the list of proprietors includes some of the most famous names in theatre history. From Philip Henslowe to William Shakespeare, these figures have left an indelible mark on the theatre and its legacy.
Tracing the Owners Through Time
The original Globe Theatre was first owned by Philip Henslowe, who leased it to James Burbage in 1598. Burbage then sublet it to his son, Richard Burbage, and his two brothers, Cuthbert and Jacob Burbage, who formed the Lord Chamberlain’s Men in 1599. William Shakespeare then joined the troupe in 1594, and became a shareholder in the theatre in 1599. He was eventually joined by other prominent figures in the theatre, including John Heminges, Augustine Phillips, and Thomas Pope.
Other Significant Figures in Globe Theatre History
In addition to the aforementioned figures, there are other significant figures in Globe Theatre history. These include Edward Alleyn, the founder of Dulwich College and the Admiral’s Men; and Sir Henry Irving, the first actor to be knighted for his services to the theatre. Other notable figures include the playwrights Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson, and the actor David Garrick.
Conclusion
The Globe Theatre has had a long and varied history of ownership, and its proprietors have included some of the most influential figures in theatre history. From Philip Henslowe to William Shakespeare, these figures have helped to shape the theatre and its legacy. The changing faces of the Globe Theatre demonstrate the importance of theatre throughout history, and the impact it continues to have on the world today.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)