The Devil's Apprentice, by Edward Marston

This title is about Westfield's Men trying to survive a bitter winter where they are unable to perform outdoors at their regular theatre. They are invited to Essex to perform at the home of a wealthy gentleman, and asked to take on a new apprentice and a perform a new play while there.

The apprentice seems to love his new life, but makes himself very unwelcome and continually runs away. The play seems to be causing illness. The local Puritans in Essex do not like the existence of players, and are intent on disrupting their visit further. Nicholas Bracewell sorts out all the difficulties and the actors have another rousing success.

Pretty good story, a little more fleshed out than some of the stories have been.