Broadwayworld.com published article about Jamie Campbell Bowrer‘s Character as Edward de Vere. can read :

The Earl of Oxford Edward de Vere
Played by Rhys Ifans (older) and Jamie Campbell Bower (young)

Character Bio:
Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford, was a soldier, scholar, venture capitalist, world traveler, playwright, poet, patron of the arts, and champion jouster – in short, he was a true Renaissance man. Many believe that he is the true author of the plays attributed to William Shakespeare.

Relationships:

• As a young man, to young Queen Elizabeth: Oxford was wildly popular at court – he and the Queen shared a love for dancing, literature, and theater. Court gossip sometimes implied that they were more than friends.

• As an older man to older Queen Elizabeth: After an affair with her majesty’s Lady of the Bedchamber, Oxford was banished from court. Desperate to regain the favor of the Queen and to repay his mounting debts, Oxford took measures unheard of for a nobleman.

• To the Earl of Southampton: The Earls of Oxford and Southampton shared a love for the arts and theater. Both men had lost their fathers at a relatively young age, giving them another shared bond. But some historians are convinced that the two share an even deep connection.

• To William Shakespeare: If Shakespeare is not the author of the plays, who is it? Many believe that Edward de Vere, the Earl of Oxford is the best candidate.