Cuthbert Burbage sues Giles Allen in Requests court over the Theatre playhouse property. John Goburne deposes 26 April 1600. Goburne agrees with Allen's characterization of James Burbage as a bad tenant behind in his rent and property improvements. He affirms that £30 rent is still owed by the Burbages, and that James never made the full £200 improvements he promised, only a part thereof. He says that James kept the property in good repair for the first ten years of the lease, but thereafter and especially after his death the property has decayed greatly. Goburne says he was present when Cuthbert and Allen agreed to extend the lease provided the rent in arrears was paid, rent was increased, and the Theatre would cease being used as a playhouse in five years. The negotiations broke down when Richard Burbage was offered as a surety, and the Theatre pulled down the following Christmas. Goburne heard that the Theatre building was being pulled down and, having a letter of attorney from Allen forbidding this, went to the site to prevent it. He noted that the people in charge were Thomas Smythe, Cuthbert Burbage, and Peter Street. The remaining involved were paid labourers, whose names he does not recall. Goburne affirms that James Burbage was a good landlord, since he was one of his tenants.
| Name | Event Role(s) | Document Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Burbage, Ellen | administratrix | widow |
| Burbage, Richard | brother | |
| Street, Peter | carpenter, chief | |
| Allen, Giles | defendant | |
| Goburne, John | deponent | merchant tailor |
| Burbage, Cuthbert | plaintiff | |
| Brayne, John | playhouse financier | |
| Burbage, James | playhouse owner |