When was Shakespeare popular?

Answer 1

Briefly, although Shakespeare was writing plays for the theatre and acting in them for some time prior to 1593, at the end of that year he came to the attention of the Earl of Southampton who became his patron, thus furthering his career. There is written evidence that in 1593/94, Shakespeare and his co-actors (known as the "Lord Chamberlain's Men") performed two plays before the Queen, Elizabeth I. The rest is history !

For a really informative website, go to www.shakespeare-online.com