SOURCE: Willson, Robert F., Jr. “Bayes Versus the Critics: The Rehearsal and False Wit.” In ‘Their Form Confounded’: Studies in the Burlesque Play from Udall to Sheridan, pp. 81-110. The Hague, Netherlands: Mouton, 1975.

In this excerpt, Willson discusses the historical context of Buckingham's play.

1.

In evaluating Buckingham's inspired farce, we again must turn to historical context, as in the case of The Knight, Dream, and Roister Doister. The Restoration brought with it a revived interest in the theatre and the arts in general. Escaping from Puritan repression and feeling the influence of Louis XIV's worldly court, the English aristocracy took part in a vital quest for pleasure and entertainment of all kinds. As a reflection of the court's desire to foster some competition yet at the same time retain a degree of control over drama and dramatists, Charles granted patents to Killigrew and Davenant to form new acting...