The Theater in the Victorian Age

[Eva Elisabeth]

Bill, I found this:

"From the middle of the 19th century the theatre began to take on a new respectability and draw in more middle class audiences. They were enthralled by the historical accuracy and attention to detail that was becomingly increasingly influential in stage design. Pictorial drama placed great emphasis on the use of properties, and carefully studied costume detail and reflected a fashionable interest in archaeology and history. The inevitable long and complex scene changes meant that the plays, especially those by Shakespeare had to be cut. This use of historical detail gave the theatre a sense of learned respectability."

So it seems the reputation of the theater actually improved. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were ardent theatregoers.

As for the enactment I had in mind: In the early years of the 19th century, restrictions of the Licensing Act allowed plays to be shown at only two theatres in London, at Drury Lane and Covent Garden. Their programme was predominantly Shakespearean. To escape the restrictions, non-patent theatres interspersed dramatic scenes with musical interludes. In 1843, the Licensing Act was dropped enabling other theatres to present plays.