In this fascinating collection, leading scholars examine the final decade of the nineteenth century; one of the most exciting and productive in the history of the British theatre.

Introduction Richard Foulkes; 1. J. L. Toole's theatre of farce: ancient and modern Michael Read; 2. Criteria for comedy: Charles Wyndham at the Criterion Theatre George Rowell; 3. Pineroticism and the problem play: Mrs Tanqueray, Mrs Ebbsmith and 'Mrs Pat' Joel H. Kaplan; 4. The Only Way and the other way: a Dickens adaptation for the 1890s Jim Davis; 5. Toga plays David Mayer; 6. Svengali: mesmerist and aesthete George Taylor; 7. Indecency and vigilance in the music halls Tracy C. Davis; 8. Painting and theatre in the 1890s Shearer West; 9. The architectural response Hugh Maguire; 10. Louis Calvert: a Shakespearian in the nineties Richard Foulkes; 11. Benson's Shakespeare Ralph Berry; 12. Travelling theatres in the 1890s Josephine Harrop; References; Index.