Abstract
This paper gives a concise history of the English theater scene in the 18th century and focuses on the second half, around 1770, when Mary Robinson acted. The paper discusses women in show business and talks about the challenges they faced and what it took to be successful. The paper uses "Mary Robinson's Memoirs" to examine her acting career.

From the Paper
"To switch was rare, and most players were loyal to one theater during their entire career, as was Mrs. Robinson. Articles bound them to one theater and their contracts had to be agreed on well in advance of an opening night (Hogan xcix). It was hard to be an actor, and woman had an even harder time in the business because they were excluded from management because of gender inequality in society."

Tags:drury, lane, london, Covent, Garden