* "The History of Doctor Faustus" (c. 1588-1592) by Christopher Marlowe: While this play is considered a classic for adults, it did feature a character named "Robin" who was a child. It's possible that this character was intended to appeal to younger audiences.
* "The Spanish Tragedy" (c. 1587) by Thomas Kyd: This play has scenes that could be considered suitable for children, featuring young children as characters and themes of revenge and violence.
* "The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Fifth" (c. 1598-1599) by William Shakespeare: This play features a young princess, Katherine, who could be considered a children's character.
However, these plays were not written specifically for children and may have included content that was not appropriate for younger audiences.
The earliest plays written specifically for children emerged in the 17th century. These were often small-scale performances with simple sets and costumes, and they often featured moral lessons or religious themes. Here are some examples:
* "The Adventures of Harlequin and Scaramouche" (1682) by John Crowne: This play was written for the Duke of York's Theatre and included elements of pantomime and slapstick humor.
* "The Little Mock-Mourning" (1681) by John Crowne: This play was written for the Duke of York's Theatre and included elements of pantomime and slapstick humor.
Ultimately, it's impossible to definitively say which play was the *first* English play written for children. However, the plays mentioned above provide valuable insight into the early development of children's theater in England.