Pat here:
Even writing a 10,000-word short story seems to require extensive research—or maybe I just prefer digging through old books to actually setting rear in chair and writing. Anyway, I’ve been burying myself in early 19th century English theater lore (I obsess over whether to use theatre or theater and decided I'm American, so unless it's an official title, I'm going with theater), finding facts I’ll never use except here.
Did you realize that Covent Garden and Drury Lane were the only theaters in London with a royal patent to perform Shakespeare in the early 1800s? And they basically only ran during the winter months? Haymarket was licensed for the summer but none of the smaller venues were allowed to perform the great bard. Without Shakespeare, it was almost impossible for a smaller theater to survive.
Performers could apply their Shakespearian talents outside the city, but not in London—which is where the audience and money was. Astley’s circus (the barn on the right) and the Old Vic were large enough to only be warned off if they ventured too far against the royal patent, but smaller places would be summarily closed if they infringed on the crown’s monopoly.
So small theaters struggled until the authorities finally permitted “burletta” licenses. These licenses allowed theaters to create their own melodramas and burlesque—short scenes with musical accompaniment. Playwrights would steal situations from the day’s news (shades of Saturday Night Live?), basing drama on real life horror stories. Or they’d plagiarize novels like Uncle Tom’s Cabin. The performance needed to be loud and lively to survive the rowdy audiences roaming the floors to see and be seen, shouting at acquaintances in the back seats, and drinking and laughing at all the wrong things.
I’m not certain if it was the rowdy audiences, or just plain bad luck with all those oil lamps illuminating the
stage, but theaters burned down with the same regularity as they went bankrupt. (image is the ruins of the Pantheon from 1792) But I found the information I was really looking for when I uncovered the tidbit about Madame Vestris taking over Astley’s bankrupt investment in The Olympic Theatre in the Strand. In 1830, she became the first female manager in the history of London theater.
A famous opera singer, Lucia Elizabetta Vestris, used the fortune gained from her years of performing to lease the Olympic. With her experience in acting and singing, she had the knowledge to choose the best playwrights, ones who could produce the burlesques and dramas most likely to attract large audiences. She insisted on real props and historically accurate costuming which set new standards in stage design. She also knew how to command respect and didn’t allow anything behind the scenes that wouldn’t pass muster in a drawing room. My heroine! Given the drunken, litigious company operating most theaters, she was a model of business acumen, par none.
For a more detailed description of Madame Vestris, her accomplishments, and London theaters, here’s an old book (I don’t see a date) by Charles Pearce, MADAME VESTRIS AND HER TIMES which tells you as much about the theater as it does the lady. Despite opening with pages of useless chapter descriptions, it sucked me in. I may not emerge to write this story I’m supposed to be working on for another day or two. . .
Are you a fan of the theater? I developed an early love of musicals from the movies, before I knew theater existed. But now that I’m able to attend stage productions regularly, I’ve learned to adore live performances. Maybe this story needs to be longer. . . What do you think, would you read a book about actors?
(And just in case you haven't read my WICKED WYCKERLY, it's free at all your favorite e-retailers for the next week or so!)
I’ve actually being trying to find some books about 19th century theatres, but I’m struggling to find the sort of thing I need. The books are more about backstage politics than the actual workings of the buildings.
I well and truly grew up in the theatre! I was in a professional ballet program and performed in all kinds of shows. My mother ran the wardrobe departments of three theatres and a few companies and worked on everything from musicals to the circus to Olivia Newton-John’s, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s and Barry Humphries’ (Edna Everage) tours. My father performed character roles with The Australian Ballet. My brother’s stage lighting designs were nominated for awards…
I’ve always wondered why the spelling of “theatre” was changed. Older establishments in the US still use the original spelling (as do companies such as American Ballet Theatre). It’s a pet hate of mine to see any proper nouns misspelt in books, but it’s definitely not a problem in this blog post! It’s weird trying to spell in a way you’re not used to. 🙂
I’ve actually being trying to find some books about 19th century theatres, but I’m struggling to find the sort of thing I need. The books are more about backstage politics than the actual workings of the buildings.
I well and truly grew up in the theatre! I was in a professional ballet program and performed in all kinds of shows. My mother ran the wardrobe departments of three theatres and a few companies and worked on everything from musicals to the circus to Olivia Newton-John’s, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s and Barry Humphries’ (Edna Everage) tours. My father performed character roles with The Australian Ballet. My brother’s stage lighting designs were nominated for awards…
I’ve always wondered why the spelling of “theatre” was changed. Older establishments in the US still use the original spelling (as do companies such as American Ballet Theatre). It’s a pet hate of mine to see any proper nouns misspelt in books, but it’s definitely not a problem in this blog post! It’s weird trying to spell in a way you’re not used to. 🙂
I’ve actually being trying to find some books about 19th century theatres, but I’m struggling to find the sort of thing I need. The books are more about backstage politics than the actual workings of the buildings.
I well and truly grew up in the theatre! I was in a professional ballet program and performed in all kinds of shows. My mother ran the wardrobe departments of three theatres and a few companies and worked on everything from musicals to the circus to Olivia Newton-John’s, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s and Barry Humphries’ (Edna Everage) tours. My father performed character roles with The Australian Ballet. My brother’s stage lighting designs were nominated for awards…
I’ve always wondered why the spelling of “theatre” was changed. Older establishments in the US still use the original spelling (as do companies such as American Ballet Theatre). It’s a pet hate of mine to see any proper nouns misspelt in books, but it’s definitely not a problem in this blog post! It’s weird trying to spell in a way you’re not used to. 🙂
I’ve actually being trying to find some books about 19th century theatres, but I’m struggling to find the sort of thing I need. The books are more about backstage politics than the actual workings of the buildings.
I well and truly grew up in the theatre! I was in a professional ballet program and performed in all kinds of shows. My mother ran the wardrobe departments of three theatres and a few companies and worked on everything from musicals to the circus to Olivia Newton-John’s, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s and Barry Humphries’ (Edna Everage) tours. My father performed character roles with The Australian Ballet. My brother’s stage lighting designs were nominated for awards…
I’ve always wondered why the spelling of “theatre” was changed. Older establishments in the US still use the original spelling (as do companies such as American Ballet Theatre). It’s a pet hate of mine to see any proper nouns misspelt in books, but it’s definitely not a problem in this blog post! It’s weird trying to spell in a way you’re not used to. 🙂
I’ve actually being trying to find some books about 19th century theatres, but I’m struggling to find the sort of thing I need. The books are more about backstage politics than the actual workings of the buildings.
I well and truly grew up in the theatre! I was in a professional ballet program and performed in all kinds of shows. My mother ran the wardrobe departments of three theatres and a few companies and worked on everything from musicals to the circus to Olivia Newton-John’s, “Weird Al” Yankovic’s and Barry Humphries’ (Edna Everage) tours. My father performed character roles with The Australian Ballet. My brother’s stage lighting designs were nominated for awards…
I’ve always wondered why the spelling of “theatre” was changed. Older establishments in the US still use the original spelling (as do companies such as American Ballet Theatre). It’s a pet hate of mine to see any proper nouns misspelt in books, but it’s definitely not a problem in this blog post! It’s weird trying to spell in a way you’re not used to. 🙂
I would LOVE to read a book about actors! Actually, my real introduction to the Regency period was reading William Hazlitt’s essays, especially the dramatic criticism he did for newspapers. He and Lamb made the theater of the day so vivid that I fell in love with it.
I would LOVE to read a book about actors! Actually, my real introduction to the Regency period was reading William Hazlitt’s essays, especially the dramatic criticism he did for newspapers. He and Lamb made the theater of the day so vivid that I fell in love with it.
I would LOVE to read a book about actors! Actually, my real introduction to the Regency period was reading William Hazlitt’s essays, especially the dramatic criticism he did for newspapers. He and Lamb made the theater of the day so vivid that I fell in love with it.
I would LOVE to read a book about actors! Actually, my real introduction to the Regency period was reading William Hazlitt’s essays, especially the dramatic criticism he did for newspapers. He and Lamb made the theater of the day so vivid that I fell in love with it.
I would LOVE to read a book about actors! Actually, my real introduction to the Regency period was reading William Hazlitt’s essays, especially the dramatic criticism he did for newspapers. He and Lamb made the theater of the day so vivid that I fell in love with it.
I’ve researched Regency era theaters (theatres *G*), but hadn’t studied later time so Madame Vestris is new to me. She sounds SERIOUSLY cool!
I’ve researched Regency era theaters (theatres *G*), but hadn’t studied later time so Madame Vestris is new to me. She sounds SERIOUSLY cool!
I’ve researched Regency era theaters (theatres *G*), but hadn’t studied later time so Madame Vestris is new to me. She sounds SERIOUSLY cool!
I’ve researched Regency era theaters (theatres *G*), but hadn’t studied later time so Madame Vestris is new to me. She sounds SERIOUSLY cool!
I’ve researched Regency era theaters (theatres *G*), but hadn’t studied later time so Madame Vestris is new to me. She sounds SERIOUSLY cool!
Madame Vestris must have had to fight for everything she wanted to accomplish. As a woman in 1830 it would be a gratifying chance to express her talent in so many areas of theater.
In America in the 19th-century there were actor-managers. One of the first female actor-managers was Laura Keen who owned Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. When Lincoln was assassinated, the newspapers used her as a scapegoat because she kept pushing Lincoln to come to see the play she was acting in, “Our American Cousin.”
Laura Keen is also credited with the introduction of matinee performances, so that ladies could come to the theater without escort.
I became aware of her when I saw a play at the Manhattan Theater Club with Kate Mulgrew playing Laura Keen.
Madame Vestris must have had to fight for everything she wanted to accomplish. As a woman in 1830 it would be a gratifying chance to express her talent in so many areas of theater.
In America in the 19th-century there were actor-managers. One of the first female actor-managers was Laura Keen who owned Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. When Lincoln was assassinated, the newspapers used her as a scapegoat because she kept pushing Lincoln to come to see the play she was acting in, “Our American Cousin.”
Laura Keen is also credited with the introduction of matinee performances, so that ladies could come to the theater without escort.
I became aware of her when I saw a play at the Manhattan Theater Club with Kate Mulgrew playing Laura Keen.
Madame Vestris must have had to fight for everything she wanted to accomplish. As a woman in 1830 it would be a gratifying chance to express her talent in so many areas of theater.
In America in the 19th-century there were actor-managers. One of the first female actor-managers was Laura Keen who owned Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. When Lincoln was assassinated, the newspapers used her as a scapegoat because she kept pushing Lincoln to come to see the play she was acting in, “Our American Cousin.”
Laura Keen is also credited with the introduction of matinee performances, so that ladies could come to the theater without escort.
I became aware of her when I saw a play at the Manhattan Theater Club with Kate Mulgrew playing Laura Keen.
Madame Vestris must have had to fight for everything she wanted to accomplish. As a woman in 1830 it would be a gratifying chance to express her talent in so many areas of theater.
In America in the 19th-century there were actor-managers. One of the first female actor-managers was Laura Keen who owned Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. When Lincoln was assassinated, the newspapers used her as a scapegoat because she kept pushing Lincoln to come to see the play she was acting in, “Our American Cousin.”
Laura Keen is also credited with the introduction of matinee performances, so that ladies could come to the theater without escort.
I became aware of her when I saw a play at the Manhattan Theater Club with Kate Mulgrew playing Laura Keen.
Madame Vestris must have had to fight for everything she wanted to accomplish. As a woman in 1830 it would be a gratifying chance to express her talent in so many areas of theater.
In America in the 19th-century there were actor-managers. One of the first female actor-managers was Laura Keen who owned Ford’s Theater in Washington, DC. When Lincoln was assassinated, the newspapers used her as a scapegoat because she kept pushing Lincoln to come to see the play she was acting in, “Our American Cousin.”
Laura Keen is also credited with the introduction of matinee performances, so that ladies could come to the theater without escort.
I became aware of her when I saw a play at the Manhattan Theater Club with Kate Mulgrew playing Laura Keen.
I suspect the usage of “theatre” in the US goes back to the days of the colonies. Where I live, the town green is called “Centre”, which I suppose was the name when the town (part of MA) was still a colony. We can thank Noah Webster and his dictionary for changing “theatre” to “theater” as well as removing the “u” from such words as “honor”. He decided Americans weren’t British, and should spell their language their way.
I suspect the usage of “theatre” in the US goes back to the days of the colonies. Where I live, the town green is called “Centre”, which I suppose was the name when the town (part of MA) was still a colony. We can thank Noah Webster and his dictionary for changing “theatre” to “theater” as well as removing the “u” from such words as “honor”. He decided Americans weren’t British, and should spell their language their way.
I suspect the usage of “theatre” in the US goes back to the days of the colonies. Where I live, the town green is called “Centre”, which I suppose was the name when the town (part of MA) was still a colony. We can thank Noah Webster and his dictionary for changing “theatre” to “theater” as well as removing the “u” from such words as “honor”. He decided Americans weren’t British, and should spell their language their way.
I suspect the usage of “theatre” in the US goes back to the days of the colonies. Where I live, the town green is called “Centre”, which I suppose was the name when the town (part of MA) was still a colony. We can thank Noah Webster and his dictionary for changing “theatre” to “theater” as well as removing the “u” from such words as “honor”. He decided Americans weren’t British, and should spell their language their way.
I suspect the usage of “theatre” in the US goes back to the days of the colonies. Where I live, the town green is called “Centre”, which I suppose was the name when the town (part of MA) was still a colony. We can thank Noah Webster and his dictionary for changing “theatre” to “theater” as well as removing the “u” from such words as “honor”. He decided Americans weren’t British, and should spell their language their way.
As to spelling: When I am working with genealogy, the spell checker keeps rejecting “baptised.” I couldn’t see what was wrong, until I realized I probably was spelling “British” and carefully reminded myself that I live in the middle of the United States and should type “baptized.” Like most of us here, I read in any form of English I find, and frequently don’t notice which one I’m reading.
As to theatricals: In the 30’s and post-war 40s-50s, St. Louis got all the “first-run” Broadway touring companies. I saw Todd Duncan in “Porgy and Bess” and similar first rate performers.
But, in those days, our crowning glory was the Muny — an out-door theater in our largest park. The Muny is still there, but it hasn’t the money these days to have Ann Miller, or Danny Kaye, or Charles Winneger in ShowBoar, or….
I think it was sometimes used for pre-production Broadway plays.
The Muny tends to remain my idea of theater, even after living in metropolitan New York and seeing first-run Broadway theater.
As to spelling: When I am working with genealogy, the spell checker keeps rejecting “baptised.” I couldn’t see what was wrong, until I realized I probably was spelling “British” and carefully reminded myself that I live in the middle of the United States and should type “baptized.” Like most of us here, I read in any form of English I find, and frequently don’t notice which one I’m reading.
As to theatricals: In the 30’s and post-war 40s-50s, St. Louis got all the “first-run” Broadway touring companies. I saw Todd Duncan in “Porgy and Bess” and similar first rate performers.
But, in those days, our crowning glory was the Muny — an out-door theater in our largest park. The Muny is still there, but it hasn’t the money these days to have Ann Miller, or Danny Kaye, or Charles Winneger in ShowBoar, or….
I think it was sometimes used for pre-production Broadway plays.
The Muny tends to remain my idea of theater, even after living in metropolitan New York and seeing first-run Broadway theater.
As to spelling: When I am working with genealogy, the spell checker keeps rejecting “baptised.” I couldn’t see what was wrong, until I realized I probably was spelling “British” and carefully reminded myself that I live in the middle of the United States and should type “baptized.” Like most of us here, I read in any form of English I find, and frequently don’t notice which one I’m reading.
As to theatricals: In the 30’s and post-war 40s-50s, St. Louis got all the “first-run” Broadway touring companies. I saw Todd Duncan in “Porgy and Bess” and similar first rate performers.
But, in those days, our crowning glory was the Muny — an out-door theater in our largest park. The Muny is still there, but it hasn’t the money these days to have Ann Miller, or Danny Kaye, or Charles Winneger in ShowBoar, or….
I think it was sometimes used for pre-production Broadway plays.
The Muny tends to remain my idea of theater, even after living in metropolitan New York and seeing first-run Broadway theater.
As to spelling: When I am working with genealogy, the spell checker keeps rejecting “baptised.” I couldn’t see what was wrong, until I realized I probably was spelling “British” and carefully reminded myself that I live in the middle of the United States and should type “baptized.” Like most of us here, I read in any form of English I find, and frequently don’t notice which one I’m reading.
As to theatricals: In the 30’s and post-war 40s-50s, St. Louis got all the “first-run” Broadway touring companies. I saw Todd Duncan in “Porgy and Bess” and similar first rate performers.
But, in those days, our crowning glory was the Muny — an out-door theater in our largest park. The Muny is still there, but it hasn’t the money these days to have Ann Miller, or Danny Kaye, or Charles Winneger in ShowBoar, or….
I think it was sometimes used for pre-production Broadway plays.
The Muny tends to remain my idea of theater, even after living in metropolitan New York and seeing first-run Broadway theater.
As to spelling: When I am working with genealogy, the spell checker keeps rejecting “baptised.” I couldn’t see what was wrong, until I realized I probably was spelling “British” and carefully reminded myself that I live in the middle of the United States and should type “baptized.” Like most of us here, I read in any form of English I find, and frequently don’t notice which one I’m reading.
As to theatricals: In the 30’s and post-war 40s-50s, St. Louis got all the “first-run” Broadway touring companies. I saw Todd Duncan in “Porgy and Bess” and similar first rate performers.
But, in those days, our crowning glory was the Muny — an out-door theater in our largest park. The Muny is still there, but it hasn’t the money these days to have Ann Miller, or Danny Kaye, or Charles Winneger in ShowBoar, or….
I think it was sometimes used for pre-production Broadway plays.
The Muny tends to remain my idea of theater, even after living in metropolitan New York and seeing first-run Broadway theater.
Just having modern theater background gives you an edge over the rest of us. Personalities and backstage tasks haven’t changed a lot over the centuries. I didn’t go far enough into the book link to see if it talks architecture. He did seem intent on gossip, which was what I needed!
And I think LindaB is right–Webster codified our spelling. It was probably spelled both ways plus three more at the time, and he chose the one he liked best.
Just having modern theater background gives you an edge over the rest of us. Personalities and backstage tasks haven’t changed a lot over the centuries. I didn’t go far enough into the book link to see if it talks architecture. He did seem intent on gossip, which was what I needed!
And I think LindaB is right–Webster codified our spelling. It was probably spelled both ways plus three more at the time, and he chose the one he liked best.
Just having modern theater background gives you an edge over the rest of us. Personalities and backstage tasks haven’t changed a lot over the centuries. I didn’t go far enough into the book link to see if it talks architecture. He did seem intent on gossip, which was what I needed!
And I think LindaB is right–Webster codified our spelling. It was probably spelled both ways plus three more at the time, and he chose the one he liked best.
Just having modern theater background gives you an edge over the rest of us. Personalities and backstage tasks haven’t changed a lot over the centuries. I didn’t go far enough into the book link to see if it talks architecture. He did seem intent on gossip, which was what I needed!
And I think LindaB is right–Webster codified our spelling. It was probably spelled both ways plus three more at the time, and he chose the one he liked best.
Just having modern theater background gives you an edge over the rest of us. Personalities and backstage tasks haven’t changed a lot over the centuries. I didn’t go far enough into the book link to see if it talks architecture. He did seem intent on gossip, which was what I needed!
And I think LindaB is right–Webster codified our spelling. It was probably spelled both ways plus three more at the time, and he chose the one he liked best.
Oh, and that would be a nice research source too! Don’t tempt me too much, my plate is full!
Oh, and that would be a nice research source too! Don’t tempt me too much, my plate is full!
Oh, and that would be a nice research source too! Don’t tempt me too much, my plate is full!
Oh, and that would be a nice research source too! Don’t tempt me too much, my plate is full!
Oh, and that would be a nice research source too! Don’t tempt me too much, my plate is full!
all the wonderful ladies that male historians bury! she does sound ahead of her time, but really, what smart woman wouldn’t do what she did?
all the wonderful ladies that male historians bury! she does sound ahead of her time, but really, what smart woman wouldn’t do what she did?
all the wonderful ladies that male historians bury! she does sound ahead of her time, but really, what smart woman wouldn’t do what she did?
all the wonderful ladies that male historians bury! she does sound ahead of her time, but really, what smart woman wouldn’t do what she did?
all the wonderful ladies that male historians bury! she does sound ahead of her time, but really, what smart woman wouldn’t do what she did?
oh nice bit of history, thank you. Of course they blamed the woman–Eve is the root of all evil, don’t you know. Glad to know other women followed in Madame Vestris’s very smart footsteps.
oh nice bit of history, thank you. Of course they blamed the woman–Eve is the root of all evil, don’t you know. Glad to know other women followed in Madame Vestris’s very smart footsteps.
oh nice bit of history, thank you. Of course they blamed the woman–Eve is the root of all evil, don’t you know. Glad to know other women followed in Madame Vestris’s very smart footsteps.
oh nice bit of history, thank you. Of course they blamed the woman–Eve is the root of all evil, don’t you know. Glad to know other women followed in Madame Vestris’s very smart footsteps.
oh nice bit of history, thank you. Of course they blamed the woman–Eve is the root of all evil, don’t you know. Glad to know other women followed in Madame Vestris’s very smart footsteps.
I learned to watch for Brit spellings in my work back in the beginning of my career, before spellcheck. So I’m aware of it from my Brit reading and my US editors.
The Muny is gorgeous but limited, given the weather in St Louis and its size. Today’s productions require huge audiences and immense equipment, maybe in reverse order since the audience is required to pay for the equipment. But the Muny is much like the kind of open theater Shakespeare would have been originally performed in–maybe without the heat and humidity. 😉
I learned to watch for Brit spellings in my work back in the beginning of my career, before spellcheck. So I’m aware of it from my Brit reading and my US editors.
The Muny is gorgeous but limited, given the weather in St Louis and its size. Today’s productions require huge audiences and immense equipment, maybe in reverse order since the audience is required to pay for the equipment. But the Muny is much like the kind of open theater Shakespeare would have been originally performed in–maybe without the heat and humidity. 😉
I learned to watch for Brit spellings in my work back in the beginning of my career, before spellcheck. So I’m aware of it from my Brit reading and my US editors.
The Muny is gorgeous but limited, given the weather in St Louis and its size. Today’s productions require huge audiences and immense equipment, maybe in reverse order since the audience is required to pay for the equipment. But the Muny is much like the kind of open theater Shakespeare would have been originally performed in–maybe without the heat and humidity. 😉
I learned to watch for Brit spellings in my work back in the beginning of my career, before spellcheck. So I’m aware of it from my Brit reading and my US editors.
The Muny is gorgeous but limited, given the weather in St Louis and its size. Today’s productions require huge audiences and immense equipment, maybe in reverse order since the audience is required to pay for the equipment. But the Muny is much like the kind of open theater Shakespeare would have been originally performed in–maybe without the heat and humidity. 😉
I learned to watch for Brit spellings in my work back in the beginning of my career, before spellcheck. So I’m aware of it from my Brit reading and my US editors.
The Muny is gorgeous but limited, given the weather in St Louis and its size. Today’s productions require huge audiences and immense equipment, maybe in reverse order since the audience is required to pay for the equipment. But the Muny is much like the kind of open theater Shakespeare would have been originally performed in–maybe without the heat and humidity. 😉
Thanks Pat for the great article. I was aware that royal decree (Tudor/Stuart time) could close down theatres but I didn’t realise a royal patent was still needed for performances of the Bard in the early 1800s. Had I been alive (& wealthy) during Madame Vestris’ time, I would have her biggest patron–as I adore all types of theatre. My husband and I attend try to attend as many as we can fit in our busy schedules.
I know it’s not romance, but C.C. Humphreys’ Shakepeare’s Rebel is wonderful work of fiction–portraying a highly flawed Shakespearean actor, in Elizabethian times.
Thanks Pat for the great article. I was aware that royal decree (Tudor/Stuart time) could close down theatres but I didn’t realise a royal patent was still needed for performances of the Bard in the early 1800s. Had I been alive (& wealthy) during Madame Vestris’ time, I would have her biggest patron–as I adore all types of theatre. My husband and I attend try to attend as many as we can fit in our busy schedules.
I know it’s not romance, but C.C. Humphreys’ Shakepeare’s Rebel is wonderful work of fiction–portraying a highly flawed Shakespearean actor, in Elizabethian times.
Thanks Pat for the great article. I was aware that royal decree (Tudor/Stuart time) could close down theatres but I didn’t realise a royal patent was still needed for performances of the Bard in the early 1800s. Had I been alive (& wealthy) during Madame Vestris’ time, I would have her biggest patron–as I adore all types of theatre. My husband and I attend try to attend as many as we can fit in our busy schedules.
I know it’s not romance, but C.C. Humphreys’ Shakepeare’s Rebel is wonderful work of fiction–portraying a highly flawed Shakespearean actor, in Elizabethian times.
Thanks Pat for the great article. I was aware that royal decree (Tudor/Stuart time) could close down theatres but I didn’t realise a royal patent was still needed for performances of the Bard in the early 1800s. Had I been alive (& wealthy) during Madame Vestris’ time, I would have her biggest patron–as I adore all types of theatre. My husband and I attend try to attend as many as we can fit in our busy schedules.
I know it’s not romance, but C.C. Humphreys’ Shakepeare’s Rebel is wonderful work of fiction–portraying a highly flawed Shakespearean actor, in Elizabethian times.
Thanks Pat for the great article. I was aware that royal decree (Tudor/Stuart time) could close down theatres but I didn’t realise a royal patent was still needed for performances of the Bard in the early 1800s. Had I been alive (& wealthy) during Madame Vestris’ time, I would have her biggest patron–as I adore all types of theatre. My husband and I attend try to attend as many as we can fit in our busy schedules.
I know it’s not romance, but C.C. Humphreys’ Shakepeare’s Rebel is wonderful work of fiction–portraying a highly flawed Shakespearean actor, in Elizabethian times.
Oh goodie, another book to add to the pile, thank you! Of course, what I really to do now is find out exactly how a royal patent works.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Oh goodie, another book to add to the pile, thank you! Of course, what I really to do now is find out exactly how a royal patent works.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Oh goodie, another book to add to the pile, thank you! Of course, what I really to do now is find out exactly how a royal patent works.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Oh goodie, another book to add to the pile, thank you! Of course, what I really to do now is find out exactly how a royal patent works.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Oh goodie, another book to add to the pile, thank you! Of course, what I really to do now is find out exactly how a royal patent works.
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Pat, I’d imagine royal patents (regarding theatre) were akin to film critics of this day and age–a stamp of approval, or not, lol. And speaking of stamps of approval…Mary Balogh, actually, alerted me to the Canadian born/British raised author C.C. Humphreys, when I met her at a writers conference. His Jack Absolute series is another to add to tbr pile.
Pat, I’d imagine royal patents (regarding theatre) were akin to film critics of this day and age–a stamp of approval, or not, lol. And speaking of stamps of approval…Mary Balogh, actually, alerted me to the Canadian born/British raised author C.C. Humphreys, when I met her at a writers conference. His Jack Absolute series is another to add to tbr pile.
Pat, I’d imagine royal patents (regarding theatre) were akin to film critics of this day and age–a stamp of approval, or not, lol. And speaking of stamps of approval…Mary Balogh, actually, alerted me to the Canadian born/British raised author C.C. Humphreys, when I met her at a writers conference. His Jack Absolute series is another to add to tbr pile.
Pat, I’d imagine royal patents (regarding theatre) were akin to film critics of this day and age–a stamp of approval, or not, lol. And speaking of stamps of approval…Mary Balogh, actually, alerted me to the Canadian born/British raised author C.C. Humphreys, when I met her at a writers conference. His Jack Absolute series is another to add to tbr pile.
Pat, I’d imagine royal patents (regarding theatre) were akin to film critics of this day and age–a stamp of approval, or not, lol. And speaking of stamps of approval…Mary Balogh, actually, alerted me to the Canadian born/British raised author C.C. Humphreys, when I met her at a writers conference. His Jack Absolute series is another to add to tbr pile.
but in this case, they seemed to limit other theatres from performing Shakespeare, so I figured the royals had some control over the plays. That’s what made me curious.
And if Mary approves of Humphreys, I’m off to check him out, thanks!
but in this case, they seemed to limit other theatres from performing Shakespeare, so I figured the royals had some control over the plays. That’s what made me curious.
And if Mary approves of Humphreys, I’m off to check him out, thanks!
but in this case, they seemed to limit other theatres from performing Shakespeare, so I figured the royals had some control over the plays. That’s what made me curious.
And if Mary approves of Humphreys, I’m off to check him out, thanks!
but in this case, they seemed to limit other theatres from performing Shakespeare, so I figured the royals had some control over the plays. That’s what made me curious.
And if Mary approves of Humphreys, I’m off to check him out, thanks!
but in this case, they seemed to limit other theatres from performing Shakespeare, so I figured the royals had some control over the plays. That’s what made me curious.
And if Mary approves of Humphreys, I’m off to check him out, thanks!
I love the theater. A few weeks ago I went to see a really fun performance of The Pirates of Penzance. I too found out how much fun musicals were from MGM. (Weren’t We Lucky?) And then to go and see live performances. I knew what Heaven was.
As far as books about the theater and actors, I have read some of books with just those topics and I have enjoyed them.
CC Humphreys and Jack Absolute. I am not certain, but I think I need to stop reading anything anywhere, because when I do, I always find new books and new authors.
I love the theater. A few weeks ago I went to see a really fun performance of The Pirates of Penzance. I too found out how much fun musicals were from MGM. (Weren’t We Lucky?) And then to go and see live performances. I knew what Heaven was.
As far as books about the theater and actors, I have read some of books with just those topics and I have enjoyed them.
CC Humphreys and Jack Absolute. I am not certain, but I think I need to stop reading anything anywhere, because when I do, I always find new books and new authors.
I love the theater. A few weeks ago I went to see a really fun performance of The Pirates of Penzance. I too found out how much fun musicals were from MGM. (Weren’t We Lucky?) And then to go and see live performances. I knew what Heaven was.
As far as books about the theater and actors, I have read some of books with just those topics and I have enjoyed them.
CC Humphreys and Jack Absolute. I am not certain, but I think I need to stop reading anything anywhere, because when I do, I always find new books and new authors.
I love the theater. A few weeks ago I went to see a really fun performance of The Pirates of Penzance. I too found out how much fun musicals were from MGM. (Weren’t We Lucky?) And then to go and see live performances. I knew what Heaven was.
As far as books about the theater and actors, I have read some of books with just those topics and I have enjoyed them.
CC Humphreys and Jack Absolute. I am not certain, but I think I need to stop reading anything anywhere, because when I do, I always find new books and new authors.
I love the theater. A few weeks ago I went to see a really fun performance of The Pirates of Penzance. I too found out how much fun musicals were from MGM. (Weren’t We Lucky?) And then to go and see live performances. I knew what Heaven was.
As far as books about the theater and actors, I have read some of books with just those topics and I have enjoyed them.
CC Humphreys and Jack Absolute. I am not certain, but I think I need to stop reading anything anywhere, because when I do, I always find new books and new authors.
Annette, hate to add to your list 😉…but another book that might be of interest is The King James Conspiracy by Phillip DePoy. I bought it years ago for my husband (who is so not a reader, despite his father being an English professor) and so it remains a keeper on MY bookshelf. Again, not a romance, per se, but I was thoroughly intrigued, probably because The Bible (the King James Version) was one of the courses my father in-law specialized in, along with Shakepseare, Bunyan, and Milton.
Annette, hate to add to your list 😉…but another book that might be of interest is The King James Conspiracy by Phillip DePoy. I bought it years ago for my husband (who is so not a reader, despite his father being an English professor) and so it remains a keeper on MY bookshelf. Again, not a romance, per se, but I was thoroughly intrigued, probably because The Bible (the King James Version) was one of the courses my father in-law specialized in, along with Shakepseare, Bunyan, and Milton.
Annette, hate to add to your list 😉…but another book that might be of interest is The King James Conspiracy by Phillip DePoy. I bought it years ago for my husband (who is so not a reader, despite his father being an English professor) and so it remains a keeper on MY bookshelf. Again, not a romance, per se, but I was thoroughly intrigued, probably because The Bible (the King James Version) was one of the courses my father in-law specialized in, along with Shakepseare, Bunyan, and Milton.
Annette, hate to add to your list 😉…but another book that might be of interest is The King James Conspiracy by Phillip DePoy. I bought it years ago for my husband (who is so not a reader, despite his father being an English professor) and so it remains a keeper on MY bookshelf. Again, not a romance, per se, but I was thoroughly intrigued, probably because The Bible (the King James Version) was one of the courses my father in-law specialized in, along with Shakepseare, Bunyan, and Milton.
Annette, hate to add to your list 😉…but another book that might be of interest is The King James Conspiracy by Phillip DePoy. I bought it years ago for my husband (who is so not a reader, despite his father being an English professor) and so it remains a keeper on MY bookshelf. Again, not a romance, per se, but I was thoroughly intrigued, probably because The Bible (the King James Version) was one of the courses my father in-law specialized in, along with Shakepseare, Bunyan, and Milton.
I do love live theater. I think every production I have ever seen has been a musical though. However, I don’t believe I have ever read a book about the theater. The only one I can think of is a Joan Smith farce called PERDITA. A funny book about two ladies who get mixed up with a traveling troop of players.
Thanks for the heads-up on the WICKED WYCKERLY book. I have not read it, and you can’t get a better deal than free.
I do love live theater. I think every production I have ever seen has been a musical though. However, I don’t believe I have ever read a book about the theater. The only one I can think of is a Joan Smith farce called PERDITA. A funny book about two ladies who get mixed up with a traveling troop of players.
Thanks for the heads-up on the WICKED WYCKERLY book. I have not read it, and you can’t get a better deal than free.
I do love live theater. I think every production I have ever seen has been a musical though. However, I don’t believe I have ever read a book about the theater. The only one I can think of is a Joan Smith farce called PERDITA. A funny book about two ladies who get mixed up with a traveling troop of players.
Thanks for the heads-up on the WICKED WYCKERLY book. I have not read it, and you can’t get a better deal than free.
I do love live theater. I think every production I have ever seen has been a musical though. However, I don’t believe I have ever read a book about the theater. The only one I can think of is a Joan Smith farce called PERDITA. A funny book about two ladies who get mixed up with a traveling troop of players.
Thanks for the heads-up on the WICKED WYCKERLY book. I have not read it, and you can’t get a better deal than free.
I do love live theater. I think every production I have ever seen has been a musical though. However, I don’t believe I have ever read a book about the theater. The only one I can think of is a Joan Smith farce called PERDITA. A funny book about two ladies who get mixed up with a traveling troop of players.
Thanks for the heads-up on the WICKED WYCKERLY book. I have not read it, and you can’t get a better deal than free.
LOL, I hear you. It’s a professional hazard–hear about a book, hunt it down, sink deep and not come out.
Isn’t Pirates of Penzance fabulous? Lucky you!
LOL, I hear you. It’s a professional hazard–hear about a book, hunt it down, sink deep and not come out.
Isn’t Pirates of Penzance fabulous? Lucky you!
LOL, I hear you. It’s a professional hazard–hear about a book, hunt it down, sink deep and not come out.
Isn’t Pirates of Penzance fabulous? Lucky you!
LOL, I hear you. It’s a professional hazard–hear about a book, hunt it down, sink deep and not come out.
Isn’t Pirates of Penzance fabulous? Lucky you!
LOL, I hear you. It’s a professional hazard–hear about a book, hunt it down, sink deep and not come out.
Isn’t Pirates of Penzance fabulous? Lucky you!
Glad you stopped by and saw my freebie notice! Hope you enjoy Wyckerly. He was a joy to write.
Most of my theater watching is musical because I know I’ll get a HEA and I just plain love music and walking out singing. I know I’m missing a lot of thought-provoking drama, but I admit, I’m a romantic through and through. I need my HEA.
Glad you stopped by and saw my freebie notice! Hope you enjoy Wyckerly. He was a joy to write.
Most of my theater watching is musical because I know I’ll get a HEA and I just plain love music and walking out singing. I know I’m missing a lot of thought-provoking drama, but I admit, I’m a romantic through and through. I need my HEA.
Glad you stopped by and saw my freebie notice! Hope you enjoy Wyckerly. He was a joy to write.
Most of my theater watching is musical because I know I’ll get a HEA and I just plain love music and walking out singing. I know I’m missing a lot of thought-provoking drama, but I admit, I’m a romantic through and through. I need my HEA.
Glad you stopped by and saw my freebie notice! Hope you enjoy Wyckerly. He was a joy to write.
Most of my theater watching is musical because I know I’ll get a HEA and I just plain love music and walking out singing. I know I’m missing a lot of thought-provoking drama, but I admit, I’m a romantic through and through. I need my HEA.
Glad you stopped by and saw my freebie notice! Hope you enjoy Wyckerly. He was a joy to write.
Most of my theater watching is musical because I know I’ll get a HEA and I just plain love music and walking out singing. I know I’m missing a lot of thought-provoking drama, but I admit, I’m a romantic through and through. I need my HEA.
I’ve read that Ben Franklin is responsible for most of our Americanized-English eccentricities of this sort, having declared that Americans should differentiate themselves distinctly from their English forebears. Wish he hadn’t done that, it’s so confusing.
I’ve read that Ben Franklin is responsible for most of our Americanized-English eccentricities of this sort, having declared that Americans should differentiate themselves distinctly from their English forebears. Wish he hadn’t done that, it’s so confusing.
I’ve read that Ben Franklin is responsible for most of our Americanized-English eccentricities of this sort, having declared that Americans should differentiate themselves distinctly from their English forebears. Wish he hadn’t done that, it’s so confusing.
I’ve read that Ben Franklin is responsible for most of our Americanized-English eccentricities of this sort, having declared that Americans should differentiate themselves distinctly from their English forebears. Wish he hadn’t done that, it’s so confusing.
I’ve read that Ben Franklin is responsible for most of our Americanized-English eccentricities of this sort, having declared that Americans should differentiate themselves distinctly from their English forebears. Wish he hadn’t done that, it’s so confusing.
Ben and Daniel knew each other, if I recollect rightly (too lazy to look it up). So Ben may have said it and Webster took him up on it, but it’s hard to see how they could have actually differentiated. The spelling back then was so far beyond atrocious that even phonics look like a picnic!
Ben and Daniel knew each other, if I recollect rightly (too lazy to look it up). So Ben may have said it and Webster took him up on it, but it’s hard to see how they could have actually differentiated. The spelling back then was so far beyond atrocious that even phonics look like a picnic!
Ben and Daniel knew each other, if I recollect rightly (too lazy to look it up). So Ben may have said it and Webster took him up on it, but it’s hard to see how they could have actually differentiated. The spelling back then was so far beyond atrocious that even phonics look like a picnic!
Ben and Daniel knew each other, if I recollect rightly (too lazy to look it up). So Ben may have said it and Webster took him up on it, but it’s hard to see how they could have actually differentiated. The spelling back then was so far beyond atrocious that even phonics look like a picnic!
Ben and Daniel knew each other, if I recollect rightly (too lazy to look it up). So Ben may have said it and Webster took him up on it, but it’s hard to see how they could have actually differentiated. The spelling back then was so far beyond atrocious that even phonics look like a picnic!
As a costume designer for a high school in your current home county, I share your joy in musical theatre! May I recommend an upcoming show at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa? Something Rotten is a delightful romp where musical meets Shakespeare and all come away laughing. It runs in mid November and I think you would be delighted. Many thanks for all the happy hours that I’ve spent with your casts of characters. Can hardly wait to see what fun your current research will yield.
As a costume designer for a high school in your current home county, I share your joy in musical theatre! May I recommend an upcoming show at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa? Something Rotten is a delightful romp where musical meets Shakespeare and all come away laughing. It runs in mid November and I think you would be delighted. Many thanks for all the happy hours that I’ve spent with your casts of characters. Can hardly wait to see what fun your current research will yield.
As a costume designer for a high school in your current home county, I share your joy in musical theatre! May I recommend an upcoming show at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa? Something Rotten is a delightful romp where musical meets Shakespeare and all come away laughing. It runs in mid November and I think you would be delighted. Many thanks for all the happy hours that I’ve spent with your casts of characters. Can hardly wait to see what fun your current research will yield.
As a costume designer for a high school in your current home county, I share your joy in musical theatre! May I recommend an upcoming show at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa? Something Rotten is a delightful romp where musical meets Shakespeare and all come away laughing. It runs in mid November and I think you would be delighted. Many thanks for all the happy hours that I’ve spent with your casts of characters. Can hardly wait to see what fun your current research will yield.
As a costume designer for a high school in your current home county, I share your joy in musical theatre! May I recommend an upcoming show at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa? Something Rotten is a delightful romp where musical meets Shakespeare and all come away laughing. It runs in mid November and I think you would be delighted. Many thanks for all the happy hours that I’ve spent with your casts of characters. Can hardly wait to see what fun your current research will yield.
Suzanne, Thanks, that does sound like something I would love. But, shoot fire, I am beginning to believe everything is something I would like.
Suzanne, Thanks, that does sound like something I would love. But, shoot fire, I am beginning to believe everything is something I would like.
Suzanne, Thanks, that does sound like something I would love. But, shoot fire, I am beginning to believe everything is something I would like.
Suzanne, Thanks, that does sound like something I would love. But, shoot fire, I am beginning to believe everything is something I would like.
Suzanne, Thanks, that does sound like something I would love. But, shoot fire, I am beginning to believe everything is something I would like.
Hi Kim! We have season tickets for Segerstrom! Thrilled to see you found our blog! Its a small, small world 😉
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Hi Kim! We have season tickets for Segerstrom! Thrilled to see you found our blog! Its a small, small world 😉
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Hi Kim! We have season tickets for Segerstrom! Thrilled to see you found our blog! Its a small, small world 😉
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Hi Kim! We have season tickets for Segerstrom! Thrilled to see you found our blog! Its a small, small world 😉
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com
Hi Kim! We have season tickets for Segerstrom! Thrilled to see you found our blog! Its a small, small world 😉
Patricia Rice
http://patriciarice.com