Theatre in the Victorian Age

A comprehensive survey of the theatre practice and dramatic literature of the Victorian period.

Michael Richard Booth (Author)

9780521348379, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 26 July 1991

240 pages
22.8 x 15.4 x 1.1 cm, 0.36 kg

"Booth's latest contribution to the field is both fascinating and authoritative... Both [Booth's book and Stephens's book, The Profession of the Playwright: British Theatre 1800-1900] will come to occupy well-deserved places as standard works of nineteenth-century social and theatre history." Victorian Studies

This book examines all major aspects of theatre practice and dramatic literature of the Victorian period. Michael Booth's comprehensive survey explores the social and cultural context of the theatre including theatre management, the audience, architecture and production methods, acting and the job of actor, as well as the drama itself. Within this framework, Booth discusses such topics as the effect on theatre of population growth and the spread of the railway system, the typical organization of a Victorian theatre company, the contribution to theatre of several important actor-managers, the use of stage machinery and lighting instruments, and the stock company and rehearsal system. The volume also includes a chapter on sources, numerous previously unpublished illustrations, and a chronology. The result is a lively and informative account of the diversity, energy, and colour of the Victorian stage. Theatre in the Victorian Age will be of interest to students and scholars of theatre history, Victorian studies, cultural history and literature.

Foreword
List of illustrations
1. Theatre and society
2. Management
3. Playhouse and production
4. The actor
5. Dramatists and the drama
Sources
Chronology.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]