The English Restoration Theatre

1. The English Restoration Theatre

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

3. The New Theatres • 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

5. 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

7. Into the 18th Century • Many changes took place over the years after 1660 and by the 18th century (1700s) • 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

8. Potter’s Little Theatre • Pit seating area • 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 • Candles lit the stage • Curtains were used at the beginning and end of every play • Stage design and sets developed to be more elaborate and spectacular

9. Restoration Audiences • 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 • Audiences were mostly sophisticated young men and women • Gone were the days of the working class getting cheap entrance to stand in the pit

10. 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

11. Restoration Plays • 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

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

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

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

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

17. David Garrick

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

19. Garrick, as Jaffier