Did shakespeare's plays get watched by monarchs?

Answer 1

Only one Tudor monarch had ever heard of Shakespeare, since the others all died before his birth. The one Tudor that knew about Shakespeare was Queen Elizabeth I, who must have enjoyed his work as his plays were performed before her "sundrie times".

Answer 2

She didn't say. She wasn't all that interested in playwrights--she was much too much devoted to her political career. The only time she sat up and took notice of a Shakespeare play was when Essex paid for a production of Shakespeare's Richard II, in which King Richard is deposed. The Queen was upset, saying "I am Richard II, know ye not that?" Shakespeare and his fellow thespians were taken in for questioning but it was eventually concluded that they had had nothing to do with Essex's treason. They were commanded to perform a comedy at the palace on the eve of Essex's execution.

Answer 3

Queen Elizabeth was a supporter of the theatre and sponsored a theatrical company, Queen Elizabeth's Men, who specialized in acrobatics and physical knockabout comedy. She ensured that the playing companies were protected by exempting them from the legislation against vagabonds by allowing them to be sponsored by royalty or members of the nobility. We have no reason to think that she appreciated the kind of plays Shakespeare wrote.

James I on the other hand was a huge supporter of theatre as were all members of his family. Not only did he sponsor the King's Men (Shakespeare's company), but his wife and children also sponsored companies. Plays and masques were a frequent feature of his court, and Shakespeare's plays were played in great numbers at a number of court occasions, especially at Christmas time. A large number of Shakespearean plays featured in the celebrations of the marriage of the King's daughter Elizabeth in 1612.

Answer 4

Yes. The acting companies were frequently asked to perform at court during the Christmas season. This was ok with them because it was too cold to play outside anyway. Queen Elizabeth saw Love's Labour's Lost at Christmas 1597. King James saw it in 1605 along with a whole host of other Shakespeare plays. He was so fond of The Merchant of Venice that he requested a second performance!

Answer 5

She must have liked them because his plays were performed for her on multiple occasions.

Answer 6

They thought it was great mate.