Which 1660 event marked the official reopening of English theatres after an eighteen-year ban by the Puritan government?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: The Restoration of Charles II
When Charles II returned from exile in France in 1660, he issued royal patents creating two licensed theatre companies. This ended the Puritan suppression of the stage that had begun with Parliament's closure order in 1642.
Keep practicing
More Restoration Theatre questions
- What was the most significant innovation regarding the cast during the Restoration period?
- Which dramatic sub-genre, exemplified by William Wycherley’s 'The Country Wife', is most closely associated with Restoration theatre?
- What architectural feature became standard in Restoration theatres to allow for movable, painted scenery?
- The term 'Fop' in Restoration comedy refers to a character type who is:
- Which playwright and former spy is recognized as the first professional woman writer in English history, notably for 'The Rover'?
- What was a 'Breeches Role' in the context of Restoration theatre?