As a man, in early modern England, it may seem foolish to allow one's wife to visit the theatre unattended. However, as the owner of such an establishment, it would be absurd not to. It is utterly impossible to prevent women from these social events, for they are the source that brings in the money.
Women Bring Money To the Theatre By:
1. seeing their friends - bringing other women
Samuel Rowlands' idea of a perfect wife is one that does not partake in, "- gadding gossip up and down, to hear and carry tales amongst the rest" (History II Documents, 3). If the women found another location to socialize then the theatres would lose many of their audience.
2. seeking romance - bringing the men
When pertaining to the crudeness of allowing women to attend the theatre, Stephen Gosson writes, "- our theatres and playhouses in London are as full of secret adultery" (History II Documents, 4). It takes at least two people to commit adultery and if the women did not arrive at these social events, than neither would the men.
3. enjoying the play - then they will come back
While discribing her sisters' habits, Margaret Cavendish observed that, "- they did seldom make visits, nor never went abroad with strangers in their company" (History II Documents, 5). This clearly shows that some women truly only went to the theatre to enjoy the entertainment.
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