English Restoration Comedy

What is English Restoration Comedy?

 

Also known as ‘comedy of manners‘, English Restoration theatre covers a period between 1660 and 1710. It was a time in history which followed an era of puritanical governance in which public performances at the theatre were banned. When King Charles II was restored to the throne, the playhouses were re-opened. What followed was a ‘rakish’ style of theatre that was both bawdy and clever, satirical and uproarious as well as socially diverse. 

Playwrights were innovative with their writing but often turned to much earlier plays to try and keep pace with the sudden rise in demand for new comedies. 

The genre is fast-paced with plenty of unique conventions and offers a fascinating look at the important of the theatre in terms of Britain’s social and historical culture. 

Our next English Restoration Comedy Course will run from Wednesday 26th July to Wednesday 2nd August 2023.

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Ufton Drama: English Restoration Comedy

Our course on English Restoration Comedy focuses on the period 1660-1685 and is a practical course that has been designed to provide gifted and talented students the opportunity to explore this rich genre of theatre. An invaluable preparation for those students who are considering A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies the course is an excellent springboard for any Drama students looking to extend their skills in devising and performance.

From the historical background of the playhouse, the audience and the politics to the language, conventions and comic characters the course covers the genre of English Restoration Comedy to give students an immersive experience.

We explore the richness of the themes of Restoration Comedy from the subtlety of intrigue and suggestion through to the clever use of the language of the time. The course builds up in a workshop style to provide the students with the necessary components to devise and produce their own Comedy of Manners as a final performance piece. Working in a large ensemble cast the piece is fully costumed, with suitable props and beautiful Wedgewood box set staging. 

The course is well designed to provide the challenges demanded by able students and we provide written content to accompany the teaching which may be taken away.

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