- James Burbage was a member of the Earl of Leicester's Men and in 1576 he built the very first theatre in England which he called 'The Theatre'
- The Earl of Leicester died in 1588 and the troupe merged with Lord Strange's Men. Lord Strange died in 1594 and many of his acting troupe later joined the Chamberlain's men
ACTING TROUPES - THE CHAMBERLAIN'S MEN & THE KING'S MEN - Their patron was Henry Carey, Lord Hunsdon, the Lord Chamberlain and with his death followed by George Carey, the 2nd Lord Hunsdon, who was made the Lord Chamberlain in 1597 - hence the name!
- Shakespeare joined the Chamberlain's men
- The Chamberlain's Men performed at the 'Theatre' in Shoreditch and became the most important company of players in England
- The accession of King James I in March 1603 led to a change of name for the acting troupe. By letters patent, it was taken under royal patronage and henceforth known as the King's Men
- The acting company also performed at the Middle Temple Hall, Gray's Inn Hall, the Globe Theatre and Blackfriars Theatre
- Shakespeare is often referred to as a member of the Chamberlain's men and a member of the King's men
- Their rivals were the Admiral's Men under the patronage of Lord Howard, England's Lord High Admiral who played at Philip Henslowe's Rose Theatre - their principal actor was Edward Alleyn
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