Playwright. He was called "The Last of the Elizabethans" because he was the last important dramatist active when Parliament closed England's theatres in 1642. Best known for his comedies of manners, he wrote for the Cockpit Theatre in London before replacing Philip Massinger as dramatist for The King's Men, William Shakespeare's old company, in 1640. Shirley's plays include "The Witty Fair One" (1628), "Hyde Park" (1632), "The Gamester" (133), and "The Lady of Pleasure" (1635). After his theatrical career was cut short by the Puritans, Shirley worked as a schoolteacher and published his collected plays in three volumes. He died in the aftermath of the Great London Fire of 1666.
Playwright. He was called "The Last of the Elizabethans" because he was the last important dramatist active when Parliament closed England's theatres in 1642. Best known for his comedies of manners, he wrote for the Cockpit Theatre in London before replacing Philip Massinger as dramatist for The King's Men, William Shakespeare's old company, in 1640. Shirley's plays include "The Witty Fair One" (1628), "Hyde Park" (1632), "The Gamester" (133), and "The Lady of Pleasure" (1635). After his theatrical career was cut short by the Puritans, Shirley worked as a schoolteacher and published his collected plays in three volumes. He died in the aftermath of the Great London Fire of 1666.
Bio by: Bobb Edwards
Advertisement
