| Citation |
BNL.704.005
10-17 Jul 1704:21 (13)
. . . [London. Whereas we have already given orders to the
master of our revels, and also to both the companies of
comedians acting in Drury-Lane and Lincolns-Inn-Fields, to
take special care that nothing be acted in either of the
theatres contrary to religion or good manners, upon pain of
our high displeasure, and of being silenc'd from further
acting: And being further desirous to reform all other
indecencies and abuses of the stage, which have occasioned
great disorders, and justly give offence; Our will and
pleasure therefore is, and we do hereby strictly command,
that no person, of what quality soever, presume to go behind
the scenes, or come upon the stage, either before or during
the acting of any play; That no woman be allowed or presume
to wear a vi[ ]ard-mask in either of the theatres; And that
no person come into either house without paying the prices
establish'd for their respective places. All which orders
we strictly command all the managers, sharers and actors of
the said companies to see exactly observ'd and obey'd: And
we require and command all our constables, and others
appointed to attend the theatres, to be aiding and assisting
to them therein. And if any persons whatsoever shall
disobey this our [1 or 2 wds.] pleasure and command, we
shall proceed against them as contemners of Our Royal
Authority, and disturbers of the publick peace.
Given at Our Court at St. James's the seventeenth day of
January, 1703. In the second year of our reign.
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