Introduction

This ordinance was issued a few days after the beginning of the English Civil War period, when the Puritans had gained the upper hand. They eventually won the war and executed Charles I in 1649. The theatres stayed closed in England until the restoration of Charles II to the English throne in 1660.

Order for Stage Plays to Cease (2 September 1642)

Whereas the distressed state of Ireland, steeped in her own blood, and the distracted estate of England, threatened with a cloud of blood by a civil war, call for all possible means to appease and avert the wrath of God appearing in these judgements; among which fasting and prayer having been often tried to be very effectual, have been lately and are still enjoined; and whereas public sports do not well agree with public calamities, nor public stage plays with the seasons of humiliation, this being an exercise of sad and pious solemnity, and the other being spectacles of pleasure, too commonly expressing lascivious mirth and levity; it is therefore thought fit and ordained by the Lords and Commons in this Parliament assembled that, while these sad causes and set times of humiliation do continue, public stage plays shall cease and be forborn; instead of which are recommended to the people of this land the profitable and seasonable considerations of repentance, reconciliation and peace with God, which probably may produce outward peace and prosperity and bring again times of joy and gladness to these nations.


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