William Shakespeare - Playwright to The King

About this episode

This episode explores the relationship between William Shakespeare and King James VI and I, focusing on the impact of royal patronage on Jacobean theatre.

On the 1st of Janurary, 1604, Hampton Court Palace hosted a performance by William Shakespeare's acting troupe, The King's Men. They were booked to perform for the new King of England, James VI of Scotland, and one of the plays that they chose was 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. What did it mean to be part of 'The King's Men'? How did Shakespeare's relationship with James VI and I shape his life and his plays? In this episode, Curator Brett Dolman welcomes Dr Will Tosh to the Great Hall at Hampton Court, one of few surviving places where we can tread in Shakespeare's footsteps, to discuss the nature and impact of royal patronage on Jacobean theatre. Read more about Shakespeare at Hampton Court Palace on our website. Dive into the history of Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with blogs from The Globe. Buy Will Tosh's book 'Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare' here.

People in this episode

Host: Brett Dolman

Guest: Dr Will Tosh

Topics covered

• William Shakespeare
• Jacobean theatre
• royal patronage
• The King's Men
• Hampton Court Palace

Keywords

• Shakespeare
• Hampton Court Palace
• Jacobean theatre
• royal patronage
• The King's Men
• A Midsummer Night's Dream
• Macbeth

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The King's Men

Books & works: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth

Places: Hampton Court Palace

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