On MaPepys and his wife went to see the Mayden Queen by Dryden. Samuel Pepys Diary, Monday, February 23, 1663 "Creed and I walked out to see what play was acted to-day and we find it "The Slighted Mayde".we saw it well acted, though the play hath little good about it, being most pleased to see the little girl dance in boy's apparel, she having very fine legs, only bends in the hams, a I perceive all women do." Why, Nell Gwynn danced on stage and SHOWED HER LEGS. One famous actor, Edward Kynaston, or Teddy in Parmar's book, was complimented by Pepys as being 'the loveliest lady that ever I saw in my life." Now females were pushing their way into the theater. Men had traditionally played female roles. (Starting at the top with Charles, The Merry King himself!) Bawdy and sexy and profligate things were happening.
With the restoration of the monarchy, and Charles II on the throne, the country made up for all those years of enforced Christian perfection. Pepys loved the theater (read excerpts of his diary about his theater going here.) Under Oliver Cromwell's government the theaters had been closed. "And so to bed." (how Samuel Pepys ends his diary entries)
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