Patent theatres

The patent theatres were the theatres that were licensed to perform "spoken drama" after the English Restoration of Charles II in 1660. Other theatres were prohibited from performing such "serious" drama, but were permitted to show comedy, pantomime or melodrama. Drama was also interspersed with singing or dancing, to prevent the whole being too serious or dramatic. The Lyceum introduced gas lighting early in the century, followed by the patent theatres in 1817Gas lighting was flexible and easier to control: light could increase or fade quickly or slowly; various areas of the stage could be lit independently; and the soft radiance of gas created a fantasy world of compelling conviction. Limelight was invented in 1825 and steadily came into general use. Limelight gave an intense white light with a greenish hue. Held by a technician high up in the gallery, its brilliant circle of light followed the leading performer around the stage. The limelight was unreliable and dangerous but was used for generations; only in the twentieth century was it slowly phased out as modern electric lanterns became more effective. Traditions of great scene painting evolved: the Grieve family began its work at Covent Garden; and William Telbin worked at the Lyceum before moving to Covent Garden (1840).The increased size of London led to a greater audience. Smaller theatres sprang up. There were amphitheatres in Whitechapel, Shoreditch, and elsewhere. South of the Thames, the Royal Circus became the Surrey Theatre (1810), and the Coburg (1816) changed its name to the Royal Victoria in 1833. In inner London, in addition to the patent houses, there were the Lyceum, The Olympic (1806), the Strand (1832), and the St. James’ (1835).

 

Theatre Riots.

Dramatic forms

The plays had to satisfy a new audience. The expansion of London, and the increased capacity of the patent theatres, brought the working class into the playhouses. They knew their power. Theater riots became a kind of class war. First, the middle class were driven from the pit to the boxes. In 1809, Kemble tried to increase the price of admission to the pit, and riots closed Covent Garden for 67 nights.