"This book examines all major aspects of theatre practice and dramatic literature of the Victorian period. Michael Booth's comprehensive survey explores the social and cultural context of the theatre including theatre management, the audience, architecture and production methods, acting and the job of actor, as well as the drama itself. Within this framework, Booth discusses such topics as the effect on theatre of population growth and the spread of the railway system, the typical organisation of a Victorian theatre company, the contribution to theatre of several important Victorian actor-managers, the use of stage machinery and lighting instruments, and the stock company and the rehearsal system. The volume also includes a chapter on sources, numerous previously unpublished illustrations, and a chronology. The result is a lively and informative account of the diversity, energy and colour of the Victorian stage, the whole period comprising one of the most fascinating and vigorous eras in the history of the English theatre. Book jacket."--BOOK JACKET.