A concise collection of John Forster’s dramatic criticism, tracing the history of the stage through the first half of the 19th century. It gathers essays on leading actors, managerial changes, and the evolving taste of audiences, from Leigh Hunt and Hazlitt through Macready, Kean, Forrest, and Lewes. The pages illuminate how critics approached performance, production, and the new French and German influences shaping English theatre.

This edition presents Forster’s vivid, close analysis of acting style, stagecraft, and interpretation. It also situates key performances within a larger drama of theatre history, showing how critical voices shaped public understanding of the art.

- Discover Forster’s views on major actors like Macready and Kean, and how they shaped modern acting.
- See how critics balanced praise and fault in judging performances and productions.
- Explore discussions of stage management, repertoire, and cross‑Channel influences on the English stage.
- Learn about the evolving ideas of what makes acting and theatre “great” in the Victorian era.

Ideal for readers of theatre history, 19th‑century criticism, and those curious about the roots of modern acting.

About the Author

John Forster is a singer-songwriter, playwright, and humorist whose acclaimed output includes musicals on and off Broadway, Grammy-nominated recordings, humor books, and many delightful projects for children, including the perennial stage musical How To Eat Like A Child" and a dozen albums with Tom Chapin. John s comedy CDs include Entering Marion", Helium", and the recent Broadsides", a duet album with Tom featuring their satire for NPR. John lives in South Nyack, New York. For more information visit JohnForster.com.

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