King's Men (playing company)

The King's Men was the playing company that William Shakespeare worked for throughout most of his career. Formerly known as The Lord Chamberlain's Men during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, it became The King's Men in 1603 when King James ascended the throne and became the company's patron.

The company was the most successful in London. It was based at the Globe Theatre and the indoor Blackfriars theatre. Its lead actor was Richard Burbage, who played Hamlet, King Lear, Othello and Macbeth, among many other roles. The company's "clown" was Robert Armin, who had replaced Will Kempe in 1599. Armin is thought to have originated roles such as Feste in Twelfth Night and The Fool in King Lear.