The Cambridge Companion to British Theatre, 1730–1830

An extensive exploration of British theatre from 1730 to 1830, this Companion highlights key figures and theatrical forms of the era.

This Companion serves as a comprehensive and innovative guide to a pivotal era in British theatrical history. Covering a wide array of topics, the chapters delve into the lives of actors and the craft of acting, as well as the influential playwrights and performers of the time. The book also examines significant theatrical forms, including tragedy, melodrama, and pantomime, providing a rich context for understanding the evolution of performance during this transformative period.

Spanning from the age of Garrick to the Romantic shift in acting led by Edmund Kean, The Cambridge Companion to British Theatre, 1730–1830 brings together groundbreaking scholarship from prominent international experts on the long eighteenth century. Readers will discover engaging and original insights into the theatrical world, highlighting the contributions of notable figures such as James Quin, George Anne Bellamy, John Philip Kemble, Dora Jordan, Fanny Abington, and Sarah Siddons. The volume offers essential chapters on various aspects of eighteenth-century acting, production, and audience engagement.

Moreover, the Companion includes vital surveys of key theatrical forms such as tragedy, comedy, melodrama, and pantomime, alongside a collection of thematic essays that explore topics like private theatricals, 'black' theatre, and the representation of empire. This contributory volume encapsulates the diverse elements of theatre in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.