Kitchen Sink Drama

Kitchen sink drama (also known as kitchen sink realism) was the new wave of realist, socially aware British drama of the 1950s and early 1960s. The genre focused around a small group of playwrights determined to write about social issues and problems that they themselves could identify with. Their plays produced a harsh, honest depiction of the situations of many working-class Britons and contrasted hugely with the popular escapism of the middle class-focused “well-made plays” beloved by the previous generation. As such, the themes and settings of these plays made a strong, often shocking impact on audiences. This guide will look at the themes explored in kitchen sink dramas and the key playwrights who took up the mantle of the working class community.

Terminology

• Lord Chamberlain's Office: From 1737 to 1968, the Lord Chamberlain had the power to decide which plays would be granted a licence for performance. This meant that he (and his department) had the capacity to censor theatre.
• Realism: A theatrical movement developed alongside naturalism, which aimed to be more truthful to real life through texts and performances.
• The Establishment: The dominant social group, or élite who control a polity, an organization, or an institution.

Key Dates & Events

• 1956 - The English Stage Company acquired the Royal Court Theatre in London.
• 1956 - John Osborne’s Look Back in Anger premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, directed by Tony Richardson.
• 1958 - Shelagh Delaney first wrote to Joan Littlewood, including the original manuscript of her first play A Taste of Honey.
• 1960 - A Taste of Honey premiered on Broadway, starring Angela Lansbury and Joan Plowright.
• 1961 - Shelagh Delaney adapted her play, A Taste of Honey, for the big screen, directed by Tony Richardson. The film went on to win four BAFTA Awards.
• 1966 - Bill Naughton’s 1963 play Alfie was adapted for film, with the title role played by Michael Caine.
• 1968 - The Theatres Act 1968 abolished stage censorship in the United Kingdom.