Henry Evans (theatre)
In 1583 William Hunnis and John Newman transferred their sub-lease of property in the Blackfriars to Henry Evans. This transaction occurred while Sir William More legally contested ownership of the building. The transfer was part of a complicated series of moves designed to keep the structure functioning as a theatre against More's wishes. Evans worked closely with playwright John Lyly during this period. They operated under the patronage of Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. By 1584, More regained control of the property and stopped all performances.
Evans partnered with musician Nathaniel Giles to obtain the lease again in 1599. James Burbage had acquired the property after his father purchased it in 1596. Wealthy local citizens had successfully petitioned to stop the building from being used as a theatre for several years prior. Evans intended to use the space to support a company of boys. He claimed the theatre was legally a school by installing child choristers and setting aside part of the building for education. Plays happened to be performed within this educational framework. Evans supplemented these choristers by taking talented children from local grammar schools. In 1600, the father of one child attempted to sue Evans for forcing his son to join the troupe.
Theatre historian David Grote describes Evans as an unsavoury character who was not above kidnapping young boys. Parents began filing lawsuits against him in the early 1600s over these actions. One specific case involved a father suing Evans in 1600 for forcing his son into the Blackfriars troupe. Evans utilized his business partner Nathaniel Giles to acquire performers. Giles held a warrant to provide performers for the queen's entertainment. This legal loophole allowed Evans to take children from local grammar schools. The accusations painted a picture of a man willing to break laws to staff his company.
By April 1602 the business appeared to be in financial difficulty. Evans accepted a deal he had backed out of months earlier. He ceded half ownership of the company to three new partners: William Rastell, Edward Kirkham and Thomas Kendall. This arrangement provided an injection of capital to keep operations running. When the plague struck the following year, Evans tried to give up the lease. The Burbages refused to release him from the contract. He later ceded the remaining half ownership to three more partners including John Marston, William Strachey and his own wife. Protracted lawsuits followed regarding breached agreements with former partners.
In 1608 the French ambassador Antoine Lefèvre de la Boderie complained to King James I about productions at Blackfriars. The ambassador claimed plays by George Chapman treated the French court with disrespect. Another play portrayed James himself as a drunk while discussing a Scottish mine. Incensed, James ordered that the Blackfriars children should never play again but beg their bread instead. Evans was forced to turn the lease back to the Burbages later in 1608. They took it up for their own company known as the King's Men. The deal involved Henry's relative Thomas Evans taking one share in the new partnership.
Income from the 1599 lease helped keep the Globe Theatre afloat during limited takings. The Burbages were making hefty repayments on loans taken out to build and maintain the venue. Historical records indicate Evans was devious or incompetent even by Elizabethan standards yet the Burbages trusted him. His company of boys often served as a rival to the King's Men. Shakespeare's plays underwent significant changes in structure and style after moving into Blackfriars. These adaptations responded to the new indoor theatre environment and more select audience. Evans may have also written the play Famous Victories of Henry V though authorship remains uncertain.
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Common questions
When did Henry Evans acquire the Blackfriars property lease in 1583?
Henry Evans acquired the sub-lease of the Blackfriars property on the transfer date in 1583. William Hunnis and John Newman transferred their rights to him while Sir William More contested ownership.
Why did Henry Evans claim the Blackfriars theatre was a school?
Henry Evans claimed the building was legally a school by installing child choristers and setting aside part of the structure for education. This strategy allowed plays to be performed within an educational framework despite wealthy citizens petitioning to stop theatrical use.
Who were the partners Henry Evans ceded half ownership to in April 1602?
In April 1602, Henry Evans ceded half ownership to three new partners named William Rastell, Edward Kirkham, and Thomas Kendall. This arrangement provided capital to keep operations running during financial difficulty.
What happened to Henry Evans company after King James I intervened in 1608?
King James I ordered that the Blackfriars children should never play again following complaints from French ambassador Antoine Lefèvre de la Boderie. Evans was forced to turn the lease back to the Burbages later in 1608 so they could form the King's Men.
Did Henry Evans write Famous Victories of Henry V according to historical records?
Historical records indicate Henry Evans may have written the play Famous Victories of Henry V though authorship remains uncertain. The text does not confirm his role as playwright beyond this possibility.