IN GOOD COMPANY.

The article focuses on the evolution of regional theatre in England during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, highlighting the tensions between touring theatre companies and civic authorities. It recounts a violent incident involving John Towne of the Queen's Men acting company, which exemplified the precarious reputation of actors at the time. Despite initial acceptance of theatre in civic spaces like guildhalls, growing moral concerns and legal restrictions led to a decline in performances in these venues. By the 1620s and 1630s, many towns began to refuse access to players, reflecting a shift towards a more conservative civic identity, while some companies adapted by performing in inns and private homes. The article illustrates the complex relationship between performance, public morality, and local governance in early modern England. [Extracted from the article]