Restoration spectacular
The Restoration spectacular, also known as a machine play, was a type of theatre prevalent in the late 17th-century Restoration period. Spectaculars were elaborately staged, comprising such setups as action, music, dance, moveable scenery, baroque illusionistic painting, costumes, trapdoor tricks, and fireworks. They have endured a bad reputation as a vulgar contrast to the witty Restoration drama.
