"Theatre of United Kingdom plays an important part in British culture..."
The changes in theater during the 18th century, with a focus on the rise of sentimental comedy, the development of melodrama, and the impact of the Enlightenment on theatrical themes and subject matter.
Restoration Drama: The theatrical productions that took place in England during the Restoration period (1660-1688). They were characterized by their extravagance, wit, and cynicism.
Commedia dell'arte: A form of Italian improvisational theater, often described as being based on stock characters.
Neoclassical Drama: Plays that adhere to the theories and principles of classical Greek and Roman drama, often characterized by simplicity, clarity, and unities of time, place, and action.
Sentimental Comedy: A reaction against Restoration Comedy that focused on the moral and emotional lives of its characters.
Melodrama: An exaggerated form of drama that relies on sensationalism, spectacle, and stock characters.
The French Influence on English Drama: An examination of the French plays that shaped the development of English theater during the 18th century.
The London Stage: The history and development of London theaters during the 18th century.
The Licensing Act of 1737: The British law that required all theatrical productions to be approved by the Lord Chamberlain's Office.
Ballad Opera: A genre of musical theater that emerged in the 18th century, notable for its use of popular songs and satirical commentaries on current events.
Farce: A type of comedy that relies on physical humor, absurd situations, and exaggerated characters.
Theatrical Design: The set, costume, and lighting design that characterized 18th century theatrical productions.
Famous Playwrights of the 18th Century: An examination of the major playwrights of the 18th century, including William Congreve, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, and Oliver Goldsmith.
The Rise of the Actress: The changing role of women in the theater during the 18th century, and the emergence of actresses as major performers.
The Edinburgh Stage: The history and development of the theater scene in Edinburgh during the 18th century.
Jacobean Drama: The theatrical productions that took place during the reign of James I (1603-1625), often characterized by their violence and political intrigue.
Theatrical Music: The role of music in 18th century theater productions, including the use of overtures, incidental music, and opera.
Shakespearean Revivals: The resurgence of interest in the plays of William Shakespeare during the 18th century, and the impact this had on the contemporary theater scene.
The Influence of Literature on Theater: The way in which literature, particularly novels and poetry, shaped the development of theater during the 18th century.
Restoration Comedy: Restoration comedy is a type of English comedy that was popular during the Restoration era, which spanned from the late 17th to the early 18th century. These plays often featured explicit sexual content and witty dialogue.
Tragedy: Tragedy is a type of play that typically ends with the death of one or more of the main characters. The 18th century saw a resurgence of interest in classical Greek and Roman tragedy, which had a major influence on theatre.
Opera: Opera is a type of theatre that combines music, dance, and drama into a single performance. In the 18th century, Italian opera was especially popular, with composers such as Handel, Gluck, and Mozart creating some of the most famous works of the time.
Ballad Opera: Ballad opera is a type of English comic opera that was popular from the early 18th century to the mid-19th century. It featured spoken dialogue interspersed with musical numbers, and often satirized contemporary society and politics.
Melodrama: Melodrama is a type of play that emphasizes emotional appeal, with exaggerated characters and situations. In the 18th century, melodramatic plays often featured villains and heroes engaged in dramatic battles of good versus evil.
Sentimental Comedy: Sentimental comedy is a type of play that combines elements of comedy and seriousness, often featuring the triumph of virtue over vice. These plays were intended to evoke sympathy and emotion from the audience.
Farce: Farce is a type of comedy that relies heavily on physical comedy and exaggerated situations. In the 18th century, farces often featured mistaken identity and slapstick humor.
Burletta: Burletta is a type of light-hearted musical comedy that was popular in Italy and England in the 18th century. These plays often featured comic characters and a happy ending.
Pantomime: Pantomime is a type of theatrical performance that relies on gesture, movement, and music to tell a story. In the 18th century, pantomimes often featured fairy tales and other popular stories, and were popular with families.
Serio-Comic: Serio-comic is a type of play that blends elements of comedy and tragedy, often featuring serious themes with a lighthearted touch. These plays were intended to appeal to a broad range of audiences.
"...the countries that constitute the UK have had a vibrant tradition of theatre since the Renaissance..."
"...with roots going back to the Roman occupation."