A concise history of the English stage, from the Restoration onward, with portraits of its most famous performers.
This edition offers a clear, accessible account of how English drama grew, thrived under royal patronage, and recovered after difficult times. It presents the stage as a rational, educational entertainment, shaped by thoughtful managers and gifted actors who helped the drama reach new levels of style and reach.
Readers will encounter portraits of celebrated figures and insights into how plays were produced, taught, and performed. The work blends narrative with commentary on the people, the theatres, and the events that defined English stage history.
- A survey of the Restoration to later periods, showing how theatre evolved in form and taste.
- Profiles of eminent actors and actresses and their contributions to the craft.
- Discussion of theatre management, public reception, and the role of patronage.
- Context for major plays, productions, and changes in stage practice.
Ideal for readers of theatre history, performance studies, and anyone curious about how the English stage shaped culture over time.