In the reign of which king were women first allowed to act on a theatre stage?

During the reign of King Charles II, women were first permitted to perform on the theatre stage in England. This marked a significant cultural shift in the 17th century, as prior to this, all female roles were portrayed by male actors, often boys whose voices had not yet changed. The restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought about a flourishing of the arts and an increase in theatrical productions. King Charles II was known for his patronage of the arts, and his return to the throne led to a new era in theatre, which included breaking away from strict puritanical rules that prevailed during the Interregnum.

This change was significant not just for theatre but also for societal views on women and their roles in public life. The introduction of women on stage contributed to the development of theatre as a more dynamic and engaging medium, enhancing performances and giving rise to notable actresses who became prominent figures of the time.

Choices that suggest other kings do not align with this historical context; for instance, during the reigns of Kings James I and Henry VIII, women were still barred from the stage, and actors on stage continued to be exclusively male. King George III's reign occurred much later and did not play a pivotal role in this particular development concerning