What is christopher rich?

Christopher Rich

Christopher Rich (c. 1657 – 1714) was an English lawyer and theatre manager. He is primarily known for his often controversial and financially driven management of the Drury Lane Theatre and Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre in London during a turbulent period in English theatrical history.

Key aspects of his life and career include:

• Legal Background: He was initially a lawyer, which likely influenced his approach to theatre management, emphasizing contracts and financial arrangements.
• Managerial Style: Rich was notorious for prioritizing profit, often at the expense of actors, playwrights, and artistic quality. This involved cutting salaries, delaying payments, and generally driving hard bargains. His style of management was often considered tyrannical.
• Rivalries: His policies led to significant conflict with leading actors like Thomas Betterton and playwrights, contributing to the actors' rebellion in 1695 and the formation of a rival acting company.
• The Actors' Company: After actors left Drury Lane to form their own company, Rich managed to retain control of Drury Lane with non-star performers, until it was eventually shut down in 1709.
• Financial Acumen: While unpopular, Rich was undeniably astute in business. He understood the financial dynamics of theatre and sought to maximize profits, even if it meant sacrificing artistic integrity.
• Later Years: Despite being ousted from Drury Lane, Rich eventually built a new theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields. This was later inherited by his sons.

His legacy is one of a shrewd but unpopular manager who helped shape the commercial landscape of English theatre in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Although his management practices were often criticised, he played a significant role in the development of theatre.