The Master of the Revels was the holder of a position within the English, and later the British, royal household, heading the "Revels Office" or "Office of the Revels". Originally he was responsible for overseeing royal festivities, known as revels, and he later also became responsible for stage censorship, until this function was transferred to the Lord Chamberlain in 1624. However it seems the Master of the Revels, who normally reported to the Lord Chamberlain in any event, continued to perform the function on behalf of his superior until the English Civil War closed the London theatres in 1642. The office continued almost until the end of the 18th century, although with rather reduced status.
Read more about Master Of The Revels: History, The Revels Office, List of Masters of The Revels
Famous quotes containing the words master of, master and/or revels:
“The beasts, the fishes, and the winged fowls
Are their males’ subjects and at their controls:
Man, more divine, the master of all these,
Lord of the wide world and wild watery seas,
Indued with intellectual sense and souls,
Of more pre-eminence than fish and fowls,
Are masters to their females, and their lords:
Then let your will attend on their accords.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Good Master Mustardseed, I know your patience well. That same cowardly, giant-like ox-beef hath devoured many a gentleman of your house. I promise you, your kindred hath made my eyes water ere now.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)
“Our revels now are ended. These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)