economics of the British stage 1800-1914

During the nineteenth century British theatre developed into an industry with considerable importance in the economy, diversified by whole new forms of entertainment (music hall, cinema), evolving alongside the dramatic stage. The author examines the theatre's growth from an economic perspective. She reflects the debates of economic theorists to investigate three key areas: the state's role in protecting theatre; the factors affecting the success or failure of theatre companies; and how theatre came to be regarded as one of the 'service industries'.