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Edmund Tilney or Tylney (1536-1610) was a courtier best known now as Master of the Revels to Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He was responsible for the censorship of drama in England, including many of the works of William Shakespeare. He was also instrumental in the development of English drama of the Elizabethan period, making the office of Master of the Revels into an institution. Despite his prominent office, little is actually known about Tilney's life.
Edmund Tilney in "We Haven't Got There Yet"[]
In 1606, a new play performed at the Rose featured discussions of topics usually not considered suitable for theatrical performance, and had women as actors. William Shakespeare was in the audience, and wondered how these elements had escaped the notice of the Master of the Revels.
Literary comment[]
Tilney isn't named, but there is no reason to think that someone else held the office.
Edmund Tilney in Ruled Britannia[]
Despite the fact that he attained the office of Master of Revels under Queen Elizabeth, Edmund Tilney retained the office even after the Spanish Armada succeeded in conquering England.[1] When William Shakespeare began writing Boudicca, he had to keep Tilney in the dark,[2] by continuing to write the play King Philip.
Tilney was never the wiser, personally meeting with Shakespeare to compliment him on King Philip, which he found to be excellent.[3]
When Boudicca was performed, steps were taken by Lord Westmorland's Men to insure that none of Tilney's spies were able to leave the Theatre until the performance was over.[4]
Literary Comment[]
The post-restoration fate of Tilney, unlike other collaborators, is not addressed.
References[]
- ↑ Ruled Britannia, pg. 80.
- ↑ Ibid., pg. 127.
- ↑ Ibid., pgs. 339-341.
- ↑ Ibid., pg. 365.
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| Preceded by Sir Thomas Blagrave |
Master of the Revels for England 1579-1610 |
Succeeded by Sir George Buck |
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