Bestorming van de Bastille, 14 juli 1789 (1789 - 1838) by Thévenin, CharlesRijksmuseum
From 1811 to 1820, whilst King George III was ill, his son became Prince Regent. As heir to the throne, Prince George's profligate ways and numerous affairs had never set a good example for the populace, especially at a time when revolutions were still occurring in France.
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London was growing fast with bridges improving access over the river and grand developments like Regent Street flourishing.
Out of town centres like Bath and Brighton became fashionable playgrounds for the rich, with John Nash even building the elaborate Brighton Pavilion as a rural retreat for the Regent.
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Once in charge, Prince George does not moderate his behaviour but remains a fervent supporter of the arts and theatre. At one point he even expressed interest in joining the acting company of The Little Theatre in the Hay in return for granting it Theatre Royal status.
Theatre Frontage - Postcard (1812) by The George Hoare Theatre CollectionSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre
1812 saw the opening of the fourth Theatre Royal Drury Lane, as Sheridan's building had burnt down in 1809, bankrupting him in the process. The theatre still stands today, although the auditorium has been remodelled many times and during 2020 is undergoing another reconfiguration.
Madame Hilligsberg (circa 1790-1795) by John HoppnerArt Gallery of New South Wales
During this time and George III's return to the throne there is a proliferation of minor theatres built on the outskirts of London and regional towns. Though censorship is still in place, these venues manage to slip in political themes and reflect the social problems of the age.
Mr. Kean in the Character of Richard the Third (ca. 1814) by Samuel Knight|William Shakespeare|George Cruikshank|Edmund Kean|Isaac Robert CruikshankThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Adelphi Theatre becomes known for its melodrama, as does The Royal Coburg (the Old Vic) where the black actor Ira Aldridge debuts in The Slave's Revenge in 1825. Sadler's Wells and Astleys present 'burlettas' with musical interludes to get around legal restrictions and Edmund Kean triumphs in classical roles at the legitimate playhouses.
LIFE Photo Collection
The Victorian Period saw the commercialisation of theatre and actors reaching celebrity status. Keep reading here.
