Victorian Theater

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Recommended: CLASS during the Victorian AGE

Theater and entertainment were very popular and sought-after during the Victorian Era. The performance world was one of the few ways of public entertainment during this time period. All Victorians, from the upper-class and the wealthy to the servants and apprentices, greatly enjoyed watching the unique and pleasing performances. Audiences were divided by class so that the aristocracy wouldn’t have to make contact with the lower class. The lifestyles of the Victorian people greatly influences the aspects of theater in the era. Class Divisions in the Theater: Before the 1850s, Victorian theater had an unruly reputation, and a lady or gentleman was rarely seen watching a performance. However, respect for theater increased in the 1850s, and upper-class audiences were seen attending performances more regularly. Classes were divided during performances and dramas into three different sections. The box was reserved for the aristocracy, the pit was for lawyers and students, and the gallery was for the servants and apprentices. (Victorian) The upper-class was always provided with luxury while the lower-class did not receive any chair backings or comfort. To attract the upper-class, separate entrances were even made so that the wealthy would not have to make contact with the lower-class. Many wealthy Victorians would usually only go to performances to show themselves off. (Victorian) The urban poor, however, rarely attended shows at all, but if they did, they were brought to view the performances from the upper galleries, far away from the aristocracy. (Victorian London) Many performances were even inspired by the lower-classes. “…for the first time in British theater history, playhouses and scripts targeted the working, lower-middle ... ... middle of paper ... ...ng the Victorian era were influenced by the advancements in society and lifestyles of the victorian people. Works Cited Chance, Abigail. "Victorian London Theater: Dickens on the Right to Amusement for the Working Class." Victorian London Theater: Dickens on the Right to Amusement for the Working Class. Brown University, 2010. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. Pothke, Jana, and Julia Melchior. "Victorian Theater." N.p., 2005. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. "Researching Theatre and Performance." Victoria and Albert Museum, Online Museum, Web Team, Webmaster@vam.ac.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014. Primary Source Citation Southern, Richard. The Victorian Theatre: A Pictorial Survey. Newton Abbot: David & Charles, 1970. Print. "Victorian Theatre Production - 1876 Victorian England Revisited." Victorian Theatre Production - 1876 Victorian England Revisited. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

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