Originally, it was called The Theatre!. Built on land owned by Giles Allen, by James Burbage, (father of Richard), the Theatre was the mainstay, along with its neighbour the Curtain, for most of Shakespeare's early work. In 1598, the company entered into dispute with Allen, who wanted to pull down the Theatre and develop the land. Waiting until Allen was away on a Christmas Holiday, the company tore down the Theatre lock, stock and barrel and moved it down to Bankside, where, 12-15 months later, the Globe theatre opened up with Julius Caesar, a new play by the playwright William Shakespeare
