The 18th century was a vibrant period for theatre, marked by the rise of new genres and styles. In Europe, particularly in England and France, plays began to focus on realism and human emotion, moving away from the exaggerated forms of earlier centuries. Notable playwrights like Molière and David Garrick contributed to this evolution, emphasizing character development and social commentary. Theatres became more accessible to the public, with the construction of grand venues such as the Drury Lane Theatre in London. This era also saw the emergence of opera and ballet as popular forms of entertainment, blending music and dance with theatrical performance, further enriching the cultural landscape of the time.