The Effect of Historical Influences on The Development Of The Theatre Royal Bath In The 18th And 19th Century

The Effect of Historical Influences on The Development Of The Theatre Royal Bath In The 18th And 19th Century

During the 18th and 19th centuries going to the theatre became very

popular, and was a common pastime in the evening. During the first

half of the 19th century the theatre was at its most popular

throughout the two centuries, and throughout the whole of the 19th

century it was as popular as it was during the 18th, attracting the

same sort of audience size. Today you would take a trip to the cinema,

out to a fancy restaurant or nightclub; in the Victorian times you

would pay a visit to the theatre. As going to the theatre was one of

the main social events of the time, changes in society would affect

the developments happening in the theatres. Therefore, there should be

a very close link between historical influences and the development of

the theatre. The sphere of development in the theatre and the sphere

of changes to society around it are directly overlapped and connected.

In Bath there were other theatres before the Orchard Street theatre

received its Royal Patent in 1768. The first of these theatres was

built in Upper Borough Walls and lasted from 1706 until 1737; it was

then demolished to make way for a hospital. For the next 12 years the

Simpson’s Rooms were a temporary stage for travelling actors, but

being only a temporary stage it showed just 25 plays in 6 years.

The theatre changed in many ways during the 18th and 19th centuries

and underwent several major developments including; changes to the

site, building, interior, type of plays and audiences attracted.

The Orchard Street Theatre opened in 1750 and was a large...

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...of popularity and starting to expand beyond

the city walls, the rate of development in the theatre was high and

the capacity of Orchard Street was pushed. Like Drury Lane theatres

across the country were becoming more popular and expanding. This was

no different in Bath and the change in the general popularity of

theatrical productions itself forced the development of the new

theatre to be carried out. Another historical influence was, just like

in Georgian Exeter, the city was going through a building phenomenon

and was expanding rapidly. This again was mirrored in the expansion of

the theatre with the Building of Beaufort Square in the new more

fashionable part of Bath. Changes in society and theatrical culture

had a huge influence on the developments in the Theatre Royal Bath and

were the cause of most changes made.