Lord Chamberlain's Men

The Lord Chamberlain's Men was the playing company that William Shakespeare worked for throughout most of his career. Founded during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it became the King's Men in 1603 when King James ascended the throne and became the company's patron.

Related Topics:
William Shakespeare - Queen Elizabeth - King's Men - 1603 - King James

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The company was the most successful in London. It was originally based at The Theatre northeast of the city, until a dispute over renewal of its ground lease prompted the players to remove the structure south of the Thames and reconstruct it as the Globe Theatre. Later it also acquired the indoor Blackfriars theatre, which became its winter playing venue.

Related Topics:
London - The Theatre - Thames - Globe Theatre - Blackfriars theatre

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The lead actor of the Chamberlain's Men was Richard Burbage, who played Hamlet, King Lear, Othello and Macbeth, among many other roles. The company's "clown" was Will Kempe until 1599, when he was replaced by Robert Armin. Kempe is credited with originating roles such as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing and Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream, while Armin is thought to have originated the roles of Feste in Twelfth Night and The Fool in King Lear.

Related Topics:
Richard Burbage - Hamlet - King Lear - Othello - Macbeth - Will Kempe - 1599 - Robert Armin - Much Ado About Nothing - A Midsummer Night's Dream - Twelfth Night

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~