"Their Majesties' Servants." Annals of the English Stage (Volume 2 of 3)

This second volume of a three‑part series maps the development of England’s professional theatre from the late 1600s into the mid‑1700s. Using diaries, playbills, and contemporary criticism, the author sketches the careers of actors, managers, and the audiences who filled the houses. The narrative is paired with fifty copper‑plate portraits and dozens of wood engravings, giving listeners visual clues to faces like Garrick, Mrs. Oldfield, and Peg Woffington.

The book proceeds chapter by chapter, beginning with the modest tavern stage where Mrs. Oldfield first performed, then following the rise of figures such as James Quin, David Garrick, and Spranger Barry. Each biography blends personal anecdotes with commentary on acting styles, theatrical rivalries, and the shifting tastes of London, Dublin, and Edinburgh audiences. As the narration mentions the original illustrations, listeners can picture the colourful costumes, bustling pit crowds, and elegant proscenium arches that defined the era.