Actresses of the Restoration Period: Mrs Elizabeth Barry and Mrs Anne Bracegirdle

The Restoration was a time of artistic and literary talent flourishing, with Charles II being an enthusiastic patron of the theatre. This history is dedicated to two of the Restoration's most celebrated actresses, Mrs Elizabeth Barry and Mrs Anne Bracegirdle, who lived and worked in seventeenth-century London. It includes references to their admirers and lovers, as well as explicit and derogatory lines about their reputations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 January 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Restoration era in English history was a period of immense excitement and cultural revival. The arrival of Charles II, known as the "Merry Monarch," on the throne marked a new era of prosperity and artistic expression. Charles was a passionate patron of the arts, particularly the theatre, and his support helped revive British drama after the dark years of Puritanical rule. One of the most significant innovations of Restoration theatre was the introduction of actresses onto the English stage. This marked a significant departure from the traditional male-dominated theatrical landscape and opened up new opportunities for women to showcase their talents.

This captivating history is dedicated to the lives and careers of two of the Restoration's most celebrated actresses: Mrs Elizabeth Barry and Mrs Anne Bracegirdle. It delves into their family backgrounds, their ascent to prominence on the London stage, their retirement from the spotlight, and their eventual passing. Their lives and work are set against the vibrant and often perilous atmosphere of seventeenth-century London and its theatres. The book also explores the places where Mrs Barry and Mrs Bracegirdle lived and worked alongside their fellow actors, dramatists, and other members of their artistic community.

The book includes references to the actresses' admirers and lovers, both within and outside the world of theatre. It also contains explicit and derogatory lines, written satirically, regarding their purported reputations. These passages add depth and color to the biography, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the women and their times.

In addition to providing a detailed account of the actresses' lives, the book also includes transcriptions taken from contemporary works, letters, poems, and wills. These sources provide valuable insights into the social and cultural context of the Restoration era and add further depth to the biography.

Overall, this insightful biography brings Elizabeth and Anne back into the limelight, offering a fresh perspective on their lives and contributions to the world of theatre. It is a must-read for anyone interested in English history, theatre, and the arts.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399064804