Theatrical Citings and Bitings

Abstract

The most-often-cited London Consistory Court record in relation to early modern London theatre history is the record of the playgoing of Marion Frith, or Moll Cutpurse. The London Consistory Court depositions from 1586-1611 contain still more rich information about players and playgoers - information, as far as the author has been able to determine, that has not yet appeared in print. These records in particular further confirm our understanding of contemporary attitudes toward women's playgoing, contribute to our knowledge of the Duke of York's (Prince Charles's) company, and provide extremely illuminating information concerning John Newton, both as a player and sharer in the Duke of York's company and as the plaintiff in a matrimonial enforcement suit full of suspicious circumstances, which suggest that the marriage contract was a confidence game.