Cuthbert Burbage sues Giles Allen in Requests court over the Theatre playhouse property. William Smythe deposes 15 May 1600. Smythe testifies that he has seen the original lease of the Theatre properties made by Giles Allen to James Burbage on 13 April 1576, and he give the specific details of that lease. He provides a narrative of James and Cuthbert Burbage's failed attempts to extend that lease. He says he has seen the account book showing James spent two hundred and odd pounds improving the properties, and that Cuthbert has continued improving the properties. Smythe says that Cuthbert had his mother's consent to pull down the Theatre building, as she was there at the time and approved the activity. He adds that Cuthbert has spent an additional £10 improving the properties following the removal of the Theatre. Smythe has heard of the dispute between James Burbage and Edmond Peckham but can provide no specific details.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Burbage, Ellen | administratrix | widow |
| Allen, Giles | defendant | lessor |
| Smythe, William | deponent | gentleman |
| Peckham, Edmond | disputant | |
| Burbage, Cuthbert | plaintiff | leaseholder |
| Burbage, James | playhouse owner | leaseholder |
| Allen, Sara | wife | lessor |