These diagrams in table form (see below) indicate a possible scenic solution using my LIF model of early Restoration theatre staging. The diagrams show backshutter/relieve scenes on an act by act basis. They are not intended as recoveries of period solutions, but they demonstrate how the model works to accommodate scenic demand in the plays. Most plays are stageable using three grooves per act, but occasionally scenic demand in an act exceeds this number and an individual shutter pair would need to be removed from its grooves and a new shutter pair inserted mid-act. Whether mid-act (rare) or at the end of acts, such shutter replacements would take place behind the scene in view. Most shutter replacements could have been effected during the short act breaks during which ‘Act-music’ played. A similar procedure is to be imagined for side-shutter (wing) changes, though these are not shown in these diagrams (for more information see Here).

Read the diagrams from S to N, i.e. from an imaginary audience position looking at the stage with three backshutters in front of a discovery/relieve space. They should be read alongside the associated scenery plot.

These diagrams will be added slowly to this site, but not with the same regularity as other pages. If you have a request for a diagram for any play on this site please let me know using the contact details on the About page.

• The Adventures of Five Hours (LIF 1663)
• The Indian Queen (BS 1664)
• The Indian Emperour (BS 1665)
• She Wou’d If She Cou’d (LIF 1668)