A series of 13 programmes which tell the story of the theatre from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Written and presented by Ronald Harwood
8: Silk Stockings and White Bosoms
After the Civil War and years of repression the theatre returns to its place in English society, but with bawdy, exuberant energy and unaccustomed freedom - another golden age known simply as the Restoration. It was a truly exciting time of new theatres, robust audiences and brilliant plays, by both men and women, which scrutinised society with anarchic wit and satire-a style which has come to be called the Comedy of Manners. The Restoration also gave the English theatre actresses (women playing women for the first time on the stage) and a new creature regarded by theatre people ever since with caution, even hatred - the critic.
Those taking part include: Edward Hardwicke Sara Kestelman
Ronald Pickup , Ciaran Madden
Michael Hordern , John Standing Anthony Bate and Judith Paris.
Film editor SUSAN SPIVEY
Executive producer RICHARD CAWSTON Producer HARRY HASTINGS
Directed by MISHA Williams