ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The King’s Men is the acting company to which William Shakespeare (1564–1616) belonged for most of his career. Formerly known as the Lord Chamberlain’s Men during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, they became the King’s Men in 1603 when King James I ascended the throne and became the company’s patron.

Detailed explanation-2: -By 1600 they had emerged as the leading theatrical company in London, and in 1603 became the King’s Men under a royal patent from James I. The company continued successfully until the closing of the theatres in 1642. On 19 May, 1603, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men became the King’s Men, and Letters Patent were issued.

Detailed explanation-3: -Lord Chamberlain’s Men [King’s Men, Shakespeare Company] (act. 1594–1642), were the patrons, players, and associated writers who for forty-eight years constituted the best theatre company, with the best repertory, in England.

Detailed explanation-4: -When George Carey in turn became Lord Chamberlain on 17 March 1597, it reverted to its previous name. The company became the King’s Men in 1603 when King James ascended the throne and became the company’s patron. The company held exclusive rights to perform Shakespeare’s plays.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Lord Chamberlain’s Men – and later The King’s Men – was the name of the company of players (actors) with which Shakespeare worked for almost all of his theatrical career, as actor, dramatist and theatre manager. It was founded sometime in the 1560s by the players’ first sponsor, Henry Carey, the 1st Lord Hunsdon.