11 Facts About Restoration drama

Audience of the early Restoration drama period was not exclusively courtly, as has sometimes been supposed, but it was quite small and could barely support two companies.

Restoration drama comedy was strongly influenced by the first professional actresses.

Daringly suggestive comedy scenes involving women became especially common, although of course Restoration drama actresses were, just like male actors, expected to do justice to all kinds and moods of plays.

Male and female actors on the London stage in the Restoration drama period became for the first time public celebrities.

Greatest fixed stars among Restoration drama actors were Elizabeth Barry and Thomas Betterton, both active in running the actors' revolt in 1695 and both original patent-holders in the resulting actors' cooperative.

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Restoration drama was established as the leading man in the Duke's Company, and played Dorimant, the seminal irresistible Restoration rake, at the premiere of George Etherege's Man of Mode.

Restoration drama remained loyal to Rich longer than many of his co-workers, but eventually it was he who headed an actors' walkout in 1695 and became the acting manager of the new company.

Early Restoration drama audiences had little enthusiasm for structurally simple, well-shaped comedies such as those of Moliere.

Restoration drama is kept from action and choice by the unattractiveness of all her options.

Restoration drama comes home drunk every night and is continually rude and insulting to his wife.

Restoration drama is meanwhile tempted to embark on an affair with the witty and faithful Constant.