Strange News Out of Poland
William Haughton, 'Mr Pett' (1600)
Historical Records
Henslowe's Diary
F. 69 (Greg I.121)
- Receaued of Mr Henshlowe the 17th of may 1600
- [to] in behalfe of the Company to pay Will: Haulton
- & mr Pett [fo] in full payment of a play
- Called straunge newes out of poland ... vjli
F. 69v (Greg I.122)
- dd vnto the littell tayller at the
- apoyntment of Robart shaw the 25 of
- maye 1600 for to macke sewtes for the
- playe called strange newes owt of powland ... iijli
Theatrical Provenance
The Fortune playhouse was under construction in May 1600 when the Admiral's Men paid William Haughton and Mr. Pett £6 in full for Strange News out of Poland. The expenditure of £3 in the same month for suits suggests that the play went immediately into production.
Probable Genre(s)
Foreign History (Harbage); Strange Wonders play (?)
Possible Narrative and Dramatic Sources or Analogues
No specific tract or news broadside has been connected to this play, but often printed items with the wording "strange news" tell of wondrous, incredible, or monstrous events.
References to the Play
None known.
Critical Commentary
Greg notes F. G. Fleay's suggestion that "Mr Pett" might be a designation of Chettle, a suggestion prompted by the absence of Mr Pett elsewhere in the diary; but Greg appears to consider that reading unlikely because, while Henslowe does use "Cett" for "Chettle," he does not use "Mr" (II. 213, Item #205). Greg does not conjecture on the subject matter of the play.
For What It's Worth
Works Cited
Site created and maintained by Roslyn L. Knutson, Professor Emerita, University of Arkansas at Little Rock; updated 14 November 2009.