18th Century Theatre- The growth of Melodrama and the age of Sentimentalism
             Social, Historical & Cultural Context
             · Most of the 18th century saw very little change- unlike the two centuries prior.
             · However this changed at the end of the century with the beginning of The Industrial Revolution – the growth of major cities and the exodus from the countryside to the cities lead to the need for a form of mass popular entertainment.
             · There was a massive growth in the working and middle classes due to The Ind. Rev.
             · The 18th century brought about the growth of the Romantic Movement
             · The middle classes began to dominate the theatre audiences, where previously during The Restoration period it had largely been composed of the aristocracy.
             · Restoration Plays had been cruel, lewd satires of upper class life, institutions and individuals, however the middle classes wanted to see a different kind of play. Being more conservative the middle classes wanted plays that were more moralistic and sentimental. Due to this plays became very tame. Very few plays from this period are still performed.
             · However Gay's 'The Beggar's Opera' and the works of Sheridan such as 'The Rivals', 'The School for Scandal', and 'The Critic' were exceptions. These plays were similar to Restoration Plays in the sense that they were satirical – and poked fun at the society and individuals of the time.
             · The Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The Haymarket – were the main theatres in London and became larger and larger- with a capacity of 3000+. As there was no means of amplification acting styles and techniques were adapted- everything became more exaggerated and the use of voice became more declamatory.
             · As the century progressed the major influence on English theatre shifted from France to
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