Podcast Summary: "Shakespeare's First Playhouse" - Not Just the Tudors Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
Guest: Dr. Daniel Swift, Associate Professor at Northeastern University in London

Introduction

In the episode titled "Shakespeare's First Playhouse" from the podcast Not Just the Tudors, Professor Susannah Lipscomb delves deep into the formative years of William Shakespeare's career. Joined by Dr. Daniel Swift, an esteemed historian and author, the discussion uncovers the intricate socio-economic and cultural landscapes of late 16th-century London that shaped the Bard's journey from an aspiring playwright to a literary giant.

Early Playhouses and the Theatre in Shakespeare's Time

The conversation begins by setting the stage—quite literally—with the theatre built in 1576, which existed until 1598. This establishment served as William Shakespeare's training ground before he emerged as the mastermind behind classics like Hamlet, King Lear, and Othello. Dr. Swift emphasizes that this playhouse was not just a physical space but a crucible for artistic apprenticeship.

Dr. Daniel Swift (04:48): "Returning to these early years of Shakespeare's career and the building of London's first playhouse, we are returned to something of Shakespeare's worldview that is otherwise lost to us."

Economic and Social Context: Apprenticeships and London’s Growth

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the apprenticeship system of the time. Dr. Swift explains how apprenticeships were long-term commitments, averaging seven and a half years, during which young men learned trades that promised stability and civic participation. This system was crucial in an era where the average lifespan in London hovered around 32 years, making apprenticeships a substantial portion of one's life.

Professor Susannah Lipscomb (10:32): "Men tend to be 24 at the end of an apprenticeship. Even today, the World Health Organization delineates that as the end of adolescence."

The booming population of London necessitated more housing and labor, fueling economic growth but also introducing volatility due to events like the dissolution of the monasteries. This period marked a shift from feudal land ownership to property as financial assets, creating opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures such as playhouses.

The Burbage Family and the Construction of the Theatre

Central to the narrative is the Burbage family, particularly James Burbage, who dreamt of establishing a dedicated playhouse. Dr. Swift narrates the partnership between James, a joiner by trade, and his brother-in-law John Bray, a prosperous grocer, to fund the construction of the theatre.

Dr. Daniel Swift (11:27): "James Burbage realizes that building a purpose-built playhouse—a place where crowds come to pay money to watch a play—could yield enormous rewards."

However, this venture was fraught with challenges. The playhouse often faced closures due to plague outbreaks, Lenten restrictions, and legal disputes, creating a precarious financial environment. The mismatch between potential profits and recurrent losses drove the Burbages to the brink, reflecting the volatile nature of the early entertainment industry.

Challenges in Playhouse Economics

Calculating the economic viability of the playhouse proves complex. Dr. Swift admits difficulty in translating Elizabethan pounds to modern equivalents but estimates that a successful performance could generate around £5, which was substantial compared to the annual wage of a schoolmaster in Stratford.

Dr. Daniel Swift (16:35): "If the playhouse is full, perhaps you could do six performances a week. That's a lot of money. A schoolmaster in Stratford makes something like £25 a year."

Yet, unpredictabilities like plagues and fluctuating audiences meant that earnings were inconsistent, often swinging between profit and debt. This instability necessitated a sustainable model, leading to the need for a regular company of players and, crucially, Shakespeare's involvement.

Shakespeare’s Integration into the Playhouse System

As the playhouse struggled financially, it became evident that a stable ensemble of players was essential. This is where Shakespeare enters the picture—not merely as a playwright but as a pragmatic craftsman seeking financial security and artistic growth.

Dr. Daniel Swift (19:39): "What Shakespeare does is securing that room of his own, securing that freedom to write."

Shakespeare's marriage at a young age with three children meant he couldn't pursue a traditional apprenticeship, pushing him towards the theatre as a viable means of earning a living.

Collaboration and Apprenticeship in Shakespeare’s Career

Dr. Swift challenges the romanticized notion of Shakespeare as a solitary genius. Instead, he portrays Shakespeare as an apprentice—a collaborator who learned from more established playwrights like Christopher Marlowe and George Peele.

Dr. Daniel Swift (38:57): "Shakespeare is in a process of learning, a process of apprenticeship that he is gaining what he can from this."

Shakespeare's early plays often involved co-authorship, where he would typically write the middle sections of plays crafted by his more seasoned counterparts. This collaborative process was not just about sharing profits but also about honing his craft.

Dr. Daniel Swift (38:57): "He is allowed to write the middle scenes... because he is considered the kind of junior partner."

Such collaborations were financially less rewarding per play but essential for Shakespeare's development as a playwright. It wasn't until later that he emerged as a single author, having learned and refined his skills through these partnerships.

The Impact of the Plague and the Transformation of the Theatre Industry

The plague outbreaks of the early 1590s had a catastrophic impact on London’s theatre scene. These events not only halted performances for extended periods but also decimated the community of playwrights and actors.

Dr. Daniel Swift (54:08): "The plague... kills off all his contemporaries and it kills off all his rivals, really."

However, this devastation paradoxically paved the way for Shakespeare's rise. With many of his peers gone, Shakespeare was positioned to become a central figure in the restructured theatre industry, leading to the formation of the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, later known as the King’s Men.

The Chamberlain’s Men and Shakespeare’s Financial Stability

Post-plague, the reorganization of the theatre industry under royal patronage provided Shakespeare with greater financial stability. As a sharer in the company, he secured a stake in the profits, estimated to be around £50 a year, doubling the relevant annual wage benchmark.

Dr. Daniel Swift (54:08): "Shakespeare is now attached to a particular company of players located at a specific playhouse."

This period marks a turning point where Shakespeare transitioned from an apprentice to a master craftsman, capable of sustaining his creative endeavors through the financial backing and collaborative environment of the Chamberlain’s Men.

Shakespeare’s Transition to the Globe and His Legacy

The transformation continued with the Globe Theatre, established in 1598 after the original theatre was torn down due to legal disputes. Despite the upheaval, Shakespeare remained with the company, now known as the King’s Men, ensuring continuity and stability in his career.

Dr. Daniel Swift (58:39): "Shakespeare remains with that company, with those actors, with Cuthbert Burbage, with Richard Burbage, for the rest of his career."

This enduring partnership was instrumental in Shakespeare’s sustained output and legacy, highlighting the importance of collaborative networks in artistic success.

Conclusion

The episode "Shakespeare's First Playhouse" offers a compelling exploration of William Shakespeare's early career within the broader socio-economic and cultural milieu of Victorian London. By situating Shakespeare within the bustling, volatile environment of late 16th-century theatre, Professor Susannah Lipscomb and Dr. Daniel Swift provide a nuanced understanding of his rise to prominence.

Rather than a solitary genius, Shakespeare emerges as a pragmatic craftsman—learning from peers, navigating economic challenges, and forging essential collaborative relationships that ultimately cement his legacy in literary history. The episode underscores the significance of context, collaboration, and adaptability in the making of one of history’s most celebrated playwrights.

Dr. Daniel Swift (59:17): "Shakespeare ... is someone who was profoundly in company with others working alongside."

This perspective not only demystifies the Bard's genius but also offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of artistic and professional growth, both in the past and in contemporary creative industries.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Daniel Swift (04:48): "Returning to these early years of Shakespeare's career and the building of London's first playhouse, we are returned to something of Shakespeare's worldview that is otherwise lost to us."

• Professor Susannah Lipscomb (10:32): "Men tend to be 24 at the end of an apprenticeship. Even today, the World Health Organization delineates that as the end of adolescence."

• Dr. Daniel Swift (38:57): "Shakespeare is in a process of learning, a process of apprenticeship that he is gaining what he can from this."

• Dr. Daniel Swift (54:08): "Shakespeare is now attached to a particular company of players located at a specific playhouse."

• Dr. Daniel Swift (59:17): "Shakespeare ... is someone who was profoundly in company with others working alongside."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners—and those who haven't tuned in—with a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by Professor Lipscomb and Dr. Swift regarding Shakespeare's early years and the foundational role of the first playhouse in his development as a playwright.