THE HISTORY OF THE STAGE. In which is included, The Theatrical Characters of the most Among many others are the following, viz. Printed for J. MILLER in Fleet-ftreet; and fold MDCCXLII, THE CONTENTS. THE general History of the Stage, to the Τ The Patentee of Drury-lane wifer than his Actors, The best dramatick Poets cenfured by Collier in his fhort View of the Stage. The Mafter of the Revels from that Time cautious in his li- The different State of the two Companies. Wilks and Eftcourt invited over from Dublin. The The Recruited Actors in the Hay-market en- couraged by a Subfcription. Drury-lane under a particular Management. The power of a A fhort View of the Opera. Plays recover their Credit. The occafion of Mr Brett's throwing up his share in the patent. The principal Co- medians return to the Hay-market. The Pa- tentee difpoffefs'd of Drury Lane Theatre. to first acted. What brought it to the Stage. Booth made a Sharer. Dogget objects to him, and quits the Stage upon his Admittance. - Sir Richard Steele fucceeds Collier in the Theatre A A COMPLEAT HISTORY OF THE STAGE, &c. T HE Drama did not grow into any Form in England, till the Reign of King Henry VIII. It was in fome measure encouraged in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; but flourished in that of King James I. This and allother Arts were improved till the Beginning of the Grand Rebellion in the fucceeding Reigu, when the Dramatick Mufe was banished. The Stage did not properly recover itself till the Restoration of King Charles II, when, as Lord Lanfdown fays, Trade flourished, Navigation was increased, Manufactures improved, Arts and Sciences encouraged, Wit abounding, the Mufes reftored; and above all, real Liberty fecured to the Subject, |