English theatres during this time used dipped candles to light chandeliers and scones. After the refurbishing of the theatres, it was found that the “main source of light in Restoration theatres to be chandeliers” which were “concentrated toward the front of the house, and especially over the forestage”. New playhouses were built in England and their large sizes called for more elaborate lighting. Charles II, who would later become King Charles II witnessed Italian theatrical methods and brought them back to England when he came to power. During this theatrical famine, great developments were being made in theatres on the European mainland. While Oliver Cromwell was ruling Britain, all stage production was suspended in 1642 and no advancements were made to English theatres.
At an unknown date, candlelight was introduced which brought more developments to theatrical lighting across Europe. As theatres moved indoors, artificial lighting became a necessity and it was developed as theatres and technology became more advanced. Early Modern English theatres were roofless, allowing natural light to be utilized for lighting the stage. Natural light continued to be utilized when playhouses were built with a large circular opening at the top of the theatre. They would build their theatres facing east to west so that in the afternoon they could perform plays and have the natural sunlight hit the actors, but not those seated in the orchestra.
The earliest known form of stage lighting was during the early Grecian (and later the Roman) theatres.
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