1701-1702

1702

About the London Observator:

The Observator was a newspaper found in London in the 18th century. From 1702 to 1707 the paper was edited by the same person John Tutchin. However in 1707 when Tutchin died, George Ridpath took over editing until 1709-1712. The last publication of the paper was on July 30,1712. Like many newspapers in this time the Observator was keen on publishing scandal and naughty things that went on with the upper class and publishing them for all of London to read about. The paper was published semiweekly and usually covered plays, gossip, and news events around London. Some of the news that would be covered while Tutchin was alive would be political news. Tutchin was an avid Whig party member and would frequently publish his opinions in The Observator. As the paper was written in dialogue form it was easier for people to read especially the strong opinions of Tutchin and the political parties he followed. The theater had some effects on the paper because of the satire that theater brings to the audience. Although, theater is seen as a leisure activity there are many political agendas that work with (and behind the scenes of) the theater. Although, there was some mention of the theater usually only a small place was reserved for commentary on theater life.

Popular Theater in 1702: 1702 was a popular year for theater. According to The London Stage plays were set to start at 5:30 instead of 5:00 this year. They experimented with a slight time change for plays, which was a big deal for Dorset Garden because they were extremely particular about opening and ending times for the theater. However, this caused confusion with the Drury Lane productions and their start times. To promote events the theater would host the Daily Courant was established in 1702. Their purpose was to advertise to the people the different plays that were ongoing so that they could find more people to enjoy the theater. According to The London Stage the year of 1701-1702 was filled with plays on the topic of war. “Drury Lane offered a topical "New Vacation Epilogue." The wars of the first decade produced such prologues as that on 8December 1702 "All in Honour of the Officers of the Army and Fleet, and to Welcome them Home from Flanders and Vigo." - London Stage Not only are new topics being brought to the theater but old topics are also getting a second glance. In 1702 the theater companies of England are sceptical to the morality of plays. Looking back at the previous productions is causing the reconsiderations. However, the death of King William (in the peak season for drama) closed down the theater for mourning of the lost king. Sir John Perceval says

"None will suffer by the King's death but the poor players, who are ready to starve; neither are they to act till the Coronation. ... I accidentally met yesterday the boxkeeper, who swore to me he had not drunk all day, for . . . none will trust them so much as for a pot of ale."

As the political tides turn and the kingdom is to receive new administration this can be either very good for the drama companies or it can be detrimental to them. If the next in line for the throne is against the theater it could be the end, but if they are not opposed than the theater could possibly thrive. The theater would come to see changes after Queen Anne took the throne.

Theater Season between 1701-1702 There were many plays produced in the season of 1702 including some rather famous plays. September 1701 there were two concerts given which included voice and instrumental. October 1701 produced the very famous play The Country Wife.In November 1701 Antiochus the Great was produced. December of 1701 was a busy year which included: The Funeral, The Generous Conqueror,Tamerlane,Altemira, and a vocal concert. The start of the year 1702 started with The Modish Husband, a replay of The Funeral, and two concerts. February 1702 brought The Inconstant, The False Friend, and another concert. As March 8, 1702 brought the death of King William and all theater was suspended until the coronation of the next monarchy, Queen Anne. In May 1702 the theater continues to produce entertainment starting with The Comical Gallant, Crispin And Crispianus, and many concerts. In June 1702 the productions The Beau's Duel,Bartholomew Fair,The Sea Voyage, and Oedipus were performed live. July 1702brought Oroonoko and Bury Fair to the crowds of England. August brought a returning play Bartholomew Fair and a few new plays The London Cuckolds,The Jovial Crew, and Rope DANCING.

Oedipus: This play is a very popular play even today. Originating from Greek mythology it has been a play that has been translated many times and is popular from times reaching back to 1678 (in England). As plays required licensing it takes time between applying for the permit and actually seeing the play in the theater. By 1702 there had already been six editions produced in England alone. The way that England approaches the arts is interesting because they openly support their current country but also have very strong ties to ancient Greece and Rome. Yet, some things must still be edited especially since they take into account the morality and this play directly challenges issues of morality.

Conclusion: Looking at 1702 as a whole the people are walking a fine line between the old ways of society and the new ways. They hold on to their ancient roots in the greek with plays such as Oedipus. Yet, they also hold on to debates about morality and what issues should be shown on stage. As they gain a new monarch this challenges the status quo and makes the people wonder if the country will change politically or remain similar to when King William was on the throne. The newspaper The Observator shares its concerns with political views especially from the viewpoint of the Whigs party. Overall the country moves closer to the England we know today.

Work Cited:

Burney newspapers collection., Daniel Defoe, John Tutchin, and John Tutchin. Observator (1702). London: printed by J[ohn]. How, and sold by B[enjamin]. Bragg, at the Blew-Ball in Avemary-Lane, 1702.

The Observator [London] 27 July 1702: n. pag. 17th & 18th Century Burney Collection Newspaper. Web. 7 July 2015.

The Observator [London] 27 November 1702: n. pag. 17th & 18th Century Burney Collection Newspaper. Web. 7 July 2015.

The Observator [London] 17 April 1702: n. pag. 17th & 18th Century Burney Collection Newspaper. Web. 7 July 2015.

The Observator [London] 8 October 1702: n. pag. 17th & 18th Century Burney Collection Newspaper. Web. 7 July 2015.

The L ondon Stage, 1660-1800: a Calendar of Plays, Entertainments & Afterpieces, Together With Casts, Box-receipts And Contemporary Comment. [1st ed.] Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press.