| Citation |
PJ.754.018
19 Mar 1754:11, 12 (589)
As I apprehend publishing the sentiments of some of the most
esteemed of the church of England, concerning theatrical
entertainments, may be of service at this time, the giving
the following quotations a place in thy paper, will much
oblige thy friend, A.B.
Britain's remembrance pag 27th. Should I pretend to give a
view of the wickedness of the theatre, I should not know
were to begin, or to what length the subject would carry me.
For whether I insisted on the lewdness or impiety of most of
the plays themselves, on the infamous characters of the
actors and actresses, on the scandalous farces they commonly
tag the gravest plays with, or, above all, on the inhumanly
impudent dances and songs, with which they lard them between
the acts; I say, which soever of these particulars I
insisted on, each of them would furnish matter for a great
many pages; and much more, if I should enter upon a full
view of them all. Indeed the theatre is at present on such
a footing in England, that it is impossible to enter it and
not come out the worse for having been in it; for, now a
day, s a good play is no other than a trap to draw in the
modest and innocent to a love of theatrical entertainments:
And the minds of the spectators are not the safer from being
polluted and debauched, tho' the play itself be in the main
decent and modest; since the ingenious contrivance of the
managers entirely prevents the good effect of any worthy
sentiment expressed in the play, by introducing a painted
strumpet at the end of every act, to cut capers on the stage
in such an impudent and unwomanly manner, as must make the
most shocking impressions on every mind.
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