The English Restoration Theatre

After the English Civil War, Charles II returned from exile in 1660 After the English Civil War, Charles II returned from exile in 1660 The old English theatres had been shut down for eighteen years The old English theatres had been shut down for eighteen years These old theatres were now derelict These old theatres were now derelict A new start was needed if theatre was to survive and continue in England A new start was needed if theatre was to survive and continue in England

The New Theatres New theatres were established New theatres were established The new theatres combined the proscenium arch stage with the Elizabethan apron stage, where the audience could sit around on three sides The new theatres combined the proscenium arch stage with the Elizabethan apron stage, where the audience could sit around on three sides

Painted flats or wooden structures were used for painted scenery Painted flats or wooden structures were used for painted scenery Entrances on both sides of the stage, allowing actors to move in and out from backstage area and wings Entrances on both sides of the stage, allowing actors to move in and out from backstage area and wings

Into the 18 th Century Many changes took place over the years after 1660 and by the 18 th century (1700s) Many changes took place over the years after 1660 and by the 18 th century (1700s) Georgian playhouses were built in the new design, with both proscenium and apron stage Georgian playhouses were built in the new design, with both proscenium and apron stage (They were called Georgian, because George I was King at the time, just as Elizabethan was named after Queen Elizabeth I) Potter’s Little Theatre began this new trend in style Potter’s Little Theatre began this new trend in style

Potter’s Little Theatre Pit seating area Pit seating area Also seating boxes around the side walls Also seating boxes around the side walls The orchestra/musicians were moved from the musician’s gallery to the orchestra pit at the front of the stage The orchestra/musicians were moved from the musician’s gallery to the orchestra pit at the front of the stage Candles lit the stage Candles lit the stage Curtains were used at the beginning and end of every play Curtains were used at the beginning and end of every play Stage design and sets developed to be more elaborate and spectacular Stage design and sets developed to be more elaborate and spectacular

Restoration Audiences As the theatres had been previously closed for so many years, audiences were intrigued and curious about theatre As the theatres had been previously closed for so many years, audiences were intrigued and curious about theatre Women now took the female roles in English theatre Women now took the female roles in English theatre Audiences were mostly sophisticated young men and women Audiences were mostly sophisticated young men and women Gone were the days of the working class getting cheap entrance to stand in the pit Gone were the days of the working class getting cheap entrance to stand in the pit

Unfortunately as audience numbers rose, the expectations and standards of performance expected by the audience dropped Unfortunately as audience numbers rose, the expectations and standards of performance expected by the audience dropped Because audiences were no longer expecting high quality performances and plays, the quality of plays being performed also declined Because audiences were no longer expecting high quality performances and plays, the quality of plays being performed also declined

Restoration Plays Mostly comedies Mostly comedies Restoration comedy was also referred to as ‘Comedy of Manners’ because the plays imitated the English aristocracy (the wealthy) and their way of living Restoration comedy was also referred to as ‘Comedy of Manners’ because the plays imitated the English aristocracy (the wealthy) and their way of living

The Plays Witty, clever Witty, clever Filled with intrigue or mystery Filled with intrigue or mystery Fast paced Fast paced Dialogue filled with sexual imagery and innuendo (double meaning) Dialogue filled with sexual imagery and innuendo (double meaning) Common themes: affairs and love triangles Common themes: affairs and love triangles

Each play started with a prologue (introduction) Each play started with a prologue (introduction) And ended with an epilogue (ending speech) And ended with an epilogue (ending speech) The prologue and the epilogue were loud, crude speeches The prologue and the epilogue were loud, crude speeches Many plays were criticised by Puritan religious groups Many plays were criticised by Puritan religious groups

Restoration Actors Despite the lack of great plays to perform in, actors worked hard to develop their craft Despite the lack of great plays to perform in, actors worked hard to develop their craft Actor-managers ran their own theatre companies Actor-managers ran their own theatre companies These actor-managers also performed in their own plays, and strove to improve both staging and acting These actor-managers also performed in their own plays, and strove to improve both staging and acting

David Garrick David Garrick was an actor-manager David Garrick was an actor-manager He is remembered for his great acting ability He is remembered for his great acting ability He improved stage scenery He improved stage scenery He was responsible for introducing hidden stage lighting He was responsible for introducing hidden stage lighting NB. This lighting would not have been electric lighting

David Garrick

Costume and Makeup Elaborate contemporary clothes Elaborate contemporary clothes Huge hats Huge hats Curly wigs Curly wigs Long coats Long coats Ruffles for men Ruffles for men Wide, sumptuous dresses for the women Wide, sumptuous dresses for the women Makeup was heavy and hid the natural face Makeup was heavy and hid the natural face

Garrick, as Jaffier