Short Biography of the life of Christopher Beeston - Elizabethan actor
The following biography information provides basic facts about the life Christopher Beeston: - Nationality - English
- Lifespan - Christopher Beeston (1570 - 1638)
- Family - father of the actor William Beeston and father-in-law of Theophilus Bird
- Acting Troupes: Member of the Chamberlains Men and the Queen Anne's Men
- Career - Actor and theatrical entrepreneur
- Famous for : Converting the Cockpit into a theatre
The reputation of the early Elizabethan Actors was not good and any were viewed as no better than rogues and vagabonds - actors were not trusted. The standing of actors improved when the purpose-built theatres were introduced and some Elizabethan actors became the equivalent of today's superstars. Facts & History about the life of Christopher Beeston - Elizabethan Actor
The following are additional facts about the life and history of Christopher Beeston: - Born in London in 1570
- He began his career as an actor with Strange's Men
- The 1616 Folio of Ben Jonson's Works contains cast lists for his plays. The cast list for Jonson's Every Man in His Humor, performed in 1598, includes "Will Shakespeare, Aug. Philips, Hen. Condel, Will. Slye, Will. Kempe, Ric. Burbadge, Ioh. Hemings, Tho. Pope, Chr. Beeston, and Ioh. Duke."
- In 1602 he worked with the Worcester's Men at the Rose Theatre and remained with them when they became Queen Anne's Men in 1603
- He was married to Elizabeth Beeston
- He converted the Cockpit into a playhouse theatre in 1616
- In 1617 there was some rioting in London and the newly converted theatre was burnt down by the mob
- The Cockpit theatre was rebuilt in 1618 and given the name the Phoenix, as it rose from the ashes
- He formed his own acting troupe called the Beeston Boys
- A favourite actor of Queen Anne and King James I
- He died in November 1638
- Sir William Davenant, who was rumoured to be the illegitimate son of William Shakespeare, became manager of the theater after the death of Christopher Beeston in 1638
The Chamberlain's Men Acting Troupe
The Chamberlain's Men, of which Christopher Beeston was a member, were the most important company of players in Elizabethan England and led by the Burbage family and William Shakespeare. Initially known as known as Hunsdon's Men, whose patron was Henry Carey the first Lord Hunsdon. Hunsdon then took office as the Lord Chamberlain. The Chamberlain's Men were taken under the royal patronage of James I in March 1603 and were then known as the King's Men. The main rivals of the Chamberlain's Men were the Admiral's Men Acting Troupe led by Edward Alleyn and Phillip Henslowe. Christopher Beeston
Interesting Facts and information about the History, Life & Times of the famous Elizabethan actor, Christopher Beeston. Additional details, facts and information about the Globe Theatre and other actors can be accessed via the Globe Theatre Sitemap. |
