Licensing Act of 1737

Definition

The Licensing Act of 1737 was a piece of legislation in Great Britain that established the requirement for theater companies to obtain a license from the Lord Chamberlain before performing plays. This act aimed to regulate the theatrical profession, ensuring that only approved works were staged, which was a response to growing concerns over the content of plays and their moral implications during the Restoration and 18th-century period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Licensing Act of 1737 was enacted primarily to control the moral content of plays and prevent the public from being exposed to what was considered inappropriate material.
2. Only two theaters in London were authorized to stage legitimate plays under this act: Drury Lane and Covent Garden.
3. The act had significant implications for playwrights and actors, as they had to navigate censorship and restrictions imposed by the Lord Chamberlain.
4. In response to the Licensing Act, many playwrights turned to alternative forms of expression, including satire and farce, to circumvent censorship limitations.
5. The Licensing Act remained in effect until it was repealed in 1968, marking a significant long-term impact on the development of theater in England.

Review Questions

• How did the Licensing Act of 1737 impact theatrical creativity and expression during its enforcement?
  • The Licensing Act of 1737 had a profound impact on theatrical creativity by imposing strict regulations on what could be performed. Playwrights were forced to find creative ways to convey their messages while adhering to censorship guidelines. As a result, many turned to satire and farce as methods to critique society indirectly and evade censorship while still entertaining audiences.
• Discuss the role of the Lord Chamberlain in enforcing the Licensing Act and how it influenced theater during this time.
  • The Lord Chamberlain played a crucial role in enforcing the Licensing Act by acting as the primary authority who granted licenses for theatrical performances. This power allowed him to control which plays could be shown to the public, significantly influencing theatrical content. The need for approval led to self-censorship among writers and producers who sought to avoid conflicts with this authority, ultimately shaping the themes and styles of plays during this era.
• Evaluate how the Licensing Act of 1737 reflects broader societal attitudes towards morality and censorship in 18th-century England.
  • The Licensing Act of 1737 reflects broader societal attitudes toward morality and censorship in 18th-century England by highlighting concerns about public decency and moral standards. The need for regulation indicated a fear that unchecked artistic expression could lead to moral decay among audiences. This act served not only as a means of controlling content but also as an indicator of the prevailing cultural values that prioritized propriety over artistic freedom. The enduring effects of this regulation on theater reveal tensions between creativity and societal norms that continue to resonate today.

Related terms

Lord Chamberlain: A high-ranking official in the British royal household responsible for overseeing the royal household's functions and ceremonial events, including the licensing of theatrical performances.

Restoration Theatre: The period of English theater that began in 1660 with the restoration of Charles II to the throne, characterized by new styles, themes, and a more permissive attitude toward dramatic works.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable, harmful, or sensitive, often implemented by governmental bodies or authorities.