Thomas Betterton and Restoration Shakespeare adaptations (1660–1710)

1. Theatres reopen under Charles II’s patents

   Aug 21, 1660Labels: Charles II, Letters Patent

   • Britannica
   • King s Co

2. Betterton joins Davenant’s Duke’s Company

   Jun 18, 1661Labels: Thomas Betterton, Duke's Company

   • Duke s Co
   • Orlando

3. Davenant’s Shakespeare “mash-up” opens Restoration trend

   Feb 18, 1662Labels: William Davenant, The Law

   • Law
   • Britannica

4. Dryden–Davenant premiere an altered Tempest

   Nov 7, 1667Labels: John Dryden, The Enchanted

   • Shakespeare Birthplace
   • Enchanted Island

5. Betterton helps lead Duke’s Company after Davenant

   Apr 7, 1668Labels: Thomas Betterton, Duke's Company

   • Britannica
   • Duke s Co

6. Dorset Garden Theatre opens as a spectacle venue

   Nov 9, 1671Labels: Dorset Garden, Duke's Company

   • Dorset Garden
   • Downes excerpt

7. Davenant’s Macbeth adaptation published with Betterton cast

   Jan 1, 1674Labels: Davenant's Macbeth, Thomas Betterton

   • Christie s
   • Britannica

8. Tempest parody shows adaptation culture is mainstream

   Nov 19, 1674Labels: The Mock, Thomas Duffett

   • Mock Tempest
   • Enchanted Island

9. Dryden’s Troilus adaptation credits Betterton’s input

   Apr 1, 1679Labels: John Dryden, Troilus and

   • Cambridge Core
   • Troilus Dryden

10. Tate’s King Lear premieres with Betterton as Lear

    Jan 1, 1681Labels: Nahum Tate, Tate's King

    • History of Lear
    • Tate

11. Purcell’s Fairy-Queen premieres from Midsummer adaptation

    May 2, 1692Labels: Henry Purcell, The Fairy-Queen

    • Fairy Queen
    • Britannica Betterton

12. Betterton leads 1695 breakaway company at Lincoln’s Inn Fields

    Apr 30, 1695Labels: Lincoln's Inn, 1695 company

    • Grub Street
    • Love for Love

13. Betterton dies, closing a Restoration Shakespeare era

    Apr 28, 1710Labels: Thomas Betterton

    • Britannica
    • Duke s Co