- Religious Objections: The Globe Theatre was primarily used for plays, many of which were written by playwrights like William Shakespeare. These plays often contained themes and topics that challenged traditional religious beliefs, criticized the clergy, or satirized religious practices. Members of the clergy, particularly Puritans, found these depictions objectionable and believed that the theatre was a source of moral corruption. They saw the theatre as a place where people indulged in sinful activities, such as gambling, prostitution, and drinking, and they worried that the theatre distracted citizens from their religious duties.
- Social Concerns: Some politicians and members of the upper class were concerned about the social impact of the theatre. They believed that the lower classes, who made up a significant portion of the theatre's audience, were being influenced by the plays in ways that could disrupt social order and hierarchy. The plays often depicted critical or subversive themes that challenged authority, promoted social mobility, and criticized the upper echelons of society. The fear was that these ideas could incite social unrest and encourage rebellious behavior among the lower classes.
- Political Satire: The Globe Theatre frequently staged political satires and commentaries that criticized the government, the monarchy, or prominent political figures. The authorities and the ruling class saw these satires as a threat to their power and a way of spreading seditious ideas. They worried that the theatre could be used as a platform for dissent, which could undermine their authority and stability.
- Competition: Some members of the upper class and the aristocracy had their own private theatres or entertainment venues, and they saw the Globe Theatre as a source of competition. They believed that the popularity of the public theatre was detracting people's attention from more refined forms of entertainment patronized by the higher social classes.
- Licensing Controversies: The theatre was subject to licensing regulations and censorship laws, and there were often disputes over the content and approval of plays. The city authorities and the Master of Revels, who was in charge of theatrical licenses, had the power to censor plays and could shut down theatres if they deemed performances inappropriate or offensive.
In summary, the opposition to the Globe Theatre by politicians and clergy stemmed from religious concerns about the content of the plays, social anxieties about the influence of the theatre on the lower classes, fears about political satire, competition from other entertainment venues, and conflicts related to licensing and censorship.