Circuit

Circuit, name given in the United Kingdom to a group of towns within a limited area which were served by the same travelling company. The system began early in the 18th century, when the proliferation of companies led to some unfortunate clashes, as when two groups of actors arrived together in Norwich and two companies gave performances of Gay's The Beggar's Opera on the same night in Newcastle. The circuit was usually so arranged that the chief towns were visited several times a year, if possible during race or assize weeks, when large audiences could be expected. These towns usually had permanent theatre buildings, called into being by the circuit system. Smaller towns might be visited only once or twice a year, the actors playing in temporary accommodation. The companies had large repertories, the York circuit company performing as many as 100 plays and after-pieces in a year, while Mrs Sarah Baker, lifelong manager of the Kent circuit, could reckon on a good 80. All the circuit companies became recognized training-grounds for young actors, and in their heyday it was rare for a player to begin his career anywhere else.