From the middle of the 19th century the theatre began to take on a new respectability and draw in more middle class audiences. They were enthralled by the historical accuracy
and attention to detail that was becomingly increasingly influential in stage design. Pictorial drama placed great emphasis on the use of properties, and carefully studied
costume detail and reflected a fashionable interest in archaeology and history. The inevitable long and complex scene changes meant that the plays, especially those by
Shakespeare had to be cut. This use of historical detail gave the theatre a sense of learned respectability.
One of the main exponents of pictorial drama was Charles Kean (son of Edmund Kean).
Charles Kean
Charles Kean made painstaking research into historic dress and settings for his productions at the Princess's Theatre in Oxford Street
during the 1850s. Kean was a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and his passion for historical accuracy was lavished on the sets
and costumes for his productions (which were then explained in detail on his lengthy playbills). He spared no efforts to
ensure the absolute accuracy and historical correctness in the design of Shakespeare’s
plays and he employed the best designers of the day.
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were ardent theatregoers and great admirers of Mr Kean. Queen Victoria saw The Corsican Brothers four times and Kean organised private
theatricals at Windsor Castle. The Theatre Museum holds a letter written by Queen Victoria to Kean’s widow lamenting his death.
Introduction
The Old Price Riots
