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The Georgian age saw a proliferation of theatre building both in London and the regions. The Theatre Royal opened in 1766 in Bristol, making it the oldest continually working theatre in the English-speaking world.
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The Georgian Theatre in Richmond, Yorkshire is the UK's oldest working theatre in its original state, having opened in 1788. The interior features a square auditorium and two walls lined with boxes.
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The Theatre Royal in Margate dates from 1786 and was home to the first acting school in the UK; Sarah Thorne's School of Acting.
Before (Main View)The J. Paul Getty Museum
The building of more theatres meant a wider audience could attend and, as a result, a less sophisticated one.
Late-comers were allowed in at reduced prices and being seen to attend was often more important than any interest in the production.
Drury Lane Theatre (1808) by John Bluck|Thomas Rowlandson|Auguste Charles PuginThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
The monopoly of Drury Lane and Covent Garden for 'legitimate drama' remained in place so other theatres adapted existing works instead, adding musical interludes to get around legislation. Colley Cibber found enormous success presenting bowdlerised versions of Shakespeare.
Ticket for Fielding's The Mock Doctor (1732?) by Joseph Sympson, Jr.|Henry Fielding|William HogarthThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
Political satires by Henry Fielding led to the introduction of censorship by the Lord Chamberlain, a policy which remained in place for two centuries.
David Garrick (1717-79) with his wife Eva-Maria Veigel, "La Violette" or "Violetti" (1725 - 1822) (1757 - 1764) by William HogarthRoyal Collection Trust, UK
Manager David Garrick established many of the theatres practices we take for granted today including rehearsals, appropriate period costumes, and scenic effects. Similarly, he banned less savoury audience practices such as on-stage seating and paying to see the actresses change.
Pai Hogarth Theatrical Musical "Beggar's Opera" "The Clowns" "Benefit Tickets" "Strolling Players" "Laughing Audience"LIFE Photo Collection
New sentimental or overtly satirical dramas of the period are largely forgotten but works by Oliver Goldsmith and Richard Brinsley Sheridan remain in the modern repertoire. The first ever 'musical' was seen in the form of John Gay's The Beggar's Opera.
A Scene at the London Museum Piccadilly (1816-01) by George CruikshankBritish Museum
The Regency Period saw a boom in royal support of theatre and the arts - find out about the Prince's antics here.
