This book explores the process of reconciliation between the Church of England and the theatre during the reign of Queen Victoria.

List of illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introit; 1. Heralds of change; 2. Censure and censorship; 3. Two professions; 4. Clerical attitudes; 5 Self-improvement; 6. Shakespeare; 7. From Passion Play to pantomime; 8. The ancient universities; 9. Actresses; 10. Headlam, hell and Hole; 11. Henry Arthur Jones and Wilson Barrett; 12. Henry Irving; Epilogue; References; Index.