19th century theatre Flashcards
What lead to a change in the law with regard to permission to open theatres?
the popularity of attending the theatre, plus the increasing population of London and other major cities in Victorian times.
What was passed in 1843 and what did this lead to, and how many theatres and how many music halls were there in the capital hall?
The regulation of theatres act, leading to the opening of new theatres, as well as other venues such as concert halls and music halls.
By 1900, there were sixty other theatres, as well as forty music halls, in the capital alone.
What did Victorian audiences love?
Loved excitement and large scale productions and a fashion developed for staging ‘spectaculars’ which showcased the very latest developments of Victorian stage technology.
As the century progressed what were the two parts to drama that evolved that meant that not only melodramas but all types of theatrical productions could include theatrical spectacle?
Realistic and convincing scenic design
Development for elaborate stage machinery
What five theatrical techniques were created so that productions could feature spectacular events?
Trapdoors, lifts, flying scenery, pyrotechnics, water effects
What are five examples of spectacular event that could be done by productions?
Shipwrecks
Battles
Fires
Earthquakes
Horses races
How has lighting developed and what are they key dates?
From oil to gas in 1817, followed limelight in 1837 and finally electric light, in the form of arc lamps from 1848 then filament lamps from 1881.
From improving light, what did this enable actors to do?
They could perform within the scenery, upstage of proscenium arch, while auditorium was blacked out.
What other lighting techniques were introduced to theatre? ( images, scenic) (5 things)
Developed so that images could be projected from magic lanterns and translucent gauges could be back-lit.
Smokes effects, coloured light and flares added to the scenic spectacle.
