We don’t know when Shakespeare arrived in London and there are many theories and myths regarding how his life in theatre began. The theatres were new, controversial and hugely popular but were attacked by churchmen as immoral and dangerous. Banned from the City of London, they were built outside the city in areas called liberties. However, the theatres’ financial success combined with Elizabeth I’s enjoyment of plays enabled the leading companies to achieve wealth and respectability. The Chamberlain’s Men gained royal patronage under King James I. By that time, indoor theatres were also fashionable – the King’s Men performed at the Blackfriars Theatre from 1609 – these theatres targeted a more affluent audience, mirroring the social rise of the playing companies from vagabond status to (relatively) respectable businessmen.