Comments on: Austen Only Emma Season : Astleys…yes, but which one?

By: myenglishcountrygarden

myenglishcountrygarden — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:00:26 +0000

There were lots of illegitimate threatres,Cathy-Astleys being but two of them: but only two patented playhouses. Musical entertainment could be had at many places-the opera house and the pleasure gardens, etc but again these had to be licensed. Mrs Cornelys the infamous properitor of Carlisle House in Soho Square famous for its high society masquerades, fell foul of the licensing law by performing semi-staged opera seria without a license. It was her downfall.

By: Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:54:01 +0000

Thanks, Julie, that does help. From the little I know of “Burlesque,” it was musical, but more short skits, blackouts, jugglers, etc., I think. Not necessarily what you’ve described, i.e., more of a musical play. The words though are similar, aren’t they! (What I’ve learned about “burlesque” I learned from watching old reruns of “I Love Lucy” — their neighbors were old vaudevillians, and spoke of burlesque with great fondness. Did “I Love Lucy” with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz ever play on British TV, so you might know whereof I speak? — no need to reply, just FYI.) As much as I love live theater, it’s fun to think of JA going and enjoying it!

The whole idea of only two authorized “theatres” is an amazing thing to me, and most interesting. San Diego has become, in the last 30 – 40 years, well recognized for American regional theater, with several big Broadway hits having originated here in some of our local, well-respected playhouses. I can’t imagine London, presently a world CAPITAL of live theater, with so small a choice in JA’s time. Time certainly changes things, doesn’t it?

Thanks again for the help,
CEA

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:45:55 +0000

He probably realised that Harriet would have enjoyed this type of entertainment as much as his boys:I cant see her sitting though Shakespeare or an opera,but perhaps I am doing her an injustice

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:26:50 +0000

What a fascinating post! I must say, those Knightley brothers grow on me every day. Mr. John Knightley cannot have MUCH enjoyed what sounds like the rather raucous entertainments at Astley’s, give his well-established “homebody” nature, but was kind enough to give his boys and Harriet and her suitor a treat.

By: jfwakefield

jfwakefield — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:15:47 +0000

Burlettas were comic operas or farces.

That is, musical entertainments, plays with songs, rather like our musicals of today.

They appeared on playbills from the mid 18th century till the mid 19th century ,when according to the OED, the term fell out of general usage. Does that help,Cathy?

By: Cathy Allen

Cathy Allen — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:03:43 +0000

Yes, I agree, it is fun to research and speculate, and it’s especially fun that you share it with us. Fascinating reading, Julie.

I wonder if the burlettas were a forerunner of burlesque? I’m talking about what was know as burlesque in the early 20th century; Tin Pan Alley (in New York) stuff, I think, not the later meaning of burlesque. I don’t know a lot about it, but it certainly sounds similar to what you have described as taking place at Astley’s!

Thanks,
CEA