Cuthbert Burbage (1565 – 15 September 1636) was an English theatrical figure, son of James Burbage, builder of the Theatre in Shoreditch and elder brother of the actor Richard Burbage. From 1589 he was the owner of the ground lease of the Theatre. Best known for his central role in the construction of the Globe Theatre, he was for four decades a significant agent in the success and endurance of Shakespeare's company, the King's Men.
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Cuthbert Burbage in the context of Richard Burbage
Richard Burbage (6 January 1567 – 13 March 1619) was an English stage actor, widely considered to have been one of the most famous actors of the Globe Theatre and of his time. In addition to being a stage actor, he was also a theatre owner, entrepreneur, and painter. He was the younger brother of Cuthbert Burbage. They were both actors in drama. Burbage was a business associate and friend to William Shakespeare. He was the first actor to play the title role in Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet.
He was the son of James Burbage, a joiner who became a theatrical impresario and entrepreneur, founding a theatre. Burbage was a popular actor by his early 20s. He excelled in tragedies. His early acting career is poorly documented. Like many young actors of his time, he may have played the part of women in productions before taking any of the roles for which he is known. As James Burbage acted for the Earl of Leicester's company, it has been suggested that his son, Richard, likely got his start with the company as well.