Comedy of Manners

A play that uses satire when exploring the manners and behaviours of the particle social class
"Restoration"

Most commonly performed in 1660-1710

The reason for this;

England was ruled by Oliver Cromwell (before this time) who abolished theatre and was of an extreme conservatism

Then King Charles II took throne and the world became more free and socially liberated 

King Charles II granted various theatrical figures and utilised license for plays to perform

Was also a high influence for flamboyant men's fashion

Higher classes with money would have these styles 

which makes it easy to ridicule them... 

Massive gap between classes 

Men and women had equal roles in theatre 

Regular style of stage 

Middle class people would sit at "stalls" 

Rich people could boast about their money 

Allowed the higher class to keep up with trends 

Rich would look at the character "Fop" and would feel as if the whole world revolved around them 

Restoration Theatre was highly sexual 

With themes of affair, lust and sexuality 

Simple Plots: 

Mockery of people watching 

Irony 

Since they had simple plots, the directors and playwrights would make over exaggerated actions

Evoking obnoxious manners 

"Forcing" the audience to watch the play  

Satire resulted in simplicity 

Men used makeup as well 

Detailed facial expression

Role reverse (sometimes) (women modest and men flamboyant)

Names would represent their characters:

• Lady Screamich
• Lady Fidget  

Examples:

• "Blackadder"
• "The Country Wife"