The Economics of the British Stage 1800–1914

A comprehensive study of economic theory in relation to the development of nineteenth-century British theatre.

Tracy C. Davis (Author)

9780521571159, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 November 2000

526 pages, 17 b/w illus. 29 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.3 cm, 0.962 kg

"This book will appeal to historians of the theater and of media studies; its focus on the theater as an industry adds a new dimension. The author brings very useful statistics to illuminate the study of costs. The book will also make fascinating reading for social and cultural historians." EH.NET

During the nineteenth century, British theatre developed into an industry with considerable importance in the economy, diversified by whole new forms of entertainment - first music hall then cinema - evolving alongside the dramatic stage. This comprehensive study examines the theatre's growth from an economic perspective. Tracy Davis reflects the debates of economic theorists from Adam Smith to Alfred Marshall to investigate three key areas: the state's role in protecting theatre; the factors affecting the success or failure of theatre companies; and how theatre came to be regarded as one of the 'service industries'. By grounding debates about subsidization and the economic viability of the live arts in an era predating government funding, Davis sheds light on the history of cultural policy for the arts in Britain. Her book will interest scholars across a range of disciplines - theatre, social history, economics, gender studies and the sociology of culture.

List of illustrations
List of figures
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Note to readers
Introduction
Part I. Competition: Theatre and Laissez-Faire: 1. Monopoly and free trade: fair and unfair competition
2. Property and the stakes of private interest
3. Industrial regulation and safety
4. Marginal economics, national interest and the half-naked woman
Part II. Ownership and Entrepreneurialism: 5. Opportunity, finance and failure
6. Profit
7. Business structures
8. Gender, 'gentlemanly capitalism' and the wo-manager
Part III. Industrialization, Commodity Capitalism and Theatre Production Systems: 9. Labour and labourers
10. Theatre as cultural capital
Appendix: 'To the public. Charles Kemble's mercies or the '999' increasing'
Notes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]