Category:Queen's (Elizabeth)

Origin

The Queen's players whose business influenced the theatrical marketplace significantly in the 1580s were formed in March 1583 in conjunction with the authorization of Edmond Tilney, Master of Revels, to "chose out a companie of players for her maiestie" (qtd. in Chambers II.104). The definitive history of the company has recently been written by Scott McMillin and Sally-Beth MacLean, and their account in The Queen's Men and their Plays is the source here unless otherwise noted. Sir Francis Walsingham, Queen Elizabeth's official who authorized Tilney, had no personal interest in the business of playing but "was aware of the cultural influence drama could have" (McMillin and MacLean 25). Probably with the cooperation of Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, Walsingham perceived the company as constantly touring representatives of the queen "dressed in their vivid livery coats" and telling stories with her political and religious bias through their drama (28).