The nineteenth century marked the emergence of a countermovement that challenged the prevailing trend of expurgation in theatrical productions of Shakespeare's works. Key figures in this movement, such as actor-managers Robert W. Elliston, William Charles Macready, and Samuel Phelps, sought to restore the integrity of Shakespearean texts on stage. In 1823, Elliston revived the tragic conclusion of King Lear, while Macready, in 1838, reintroduced the character of the Fool, who had been conspicuously absent for decades. Notably, Elliston’s 1821 revival of Richard III caused a stir, with a critic from The Times mistaking it for an entirely new adaptation rather than a return to Shakespeare's original vision, and criticizing it as dramatically inferior to Colley Cibber's popular version. Phelps later completed Elliston’s mission by almost entirely phasing out Cibber’s rendition of Richard III.

While some embraced textual restoration, other actor-managers took liberties with Shakespeare's works, tailoring them to fit personal interpretations or to align with audience sensitivities. For instance, in 1885, William Kendal's adaptation of As You Like It transformed the character of Jacques, making him appear more agreeable. Similarly, Henry Irving's version of Macbeth omitted significant scenes, including the murders of Banquo and Fleance and Lady Macduff’s death scene, altering the play's impact.

The push for authenticity gained momentum in 1843 when Parliament abolished the theatrical monopoly that had restricted play performances to two specific London theaters since the Restoration. Prior to this legislative change, non-licensed theaters had circumvented restrictions by incorporating extraneous elements such as pageantry, dance, and song into Shakespeare’s plays to satisfy public demand for spectacle. With the monopoly's dissolution, numerous theaters began presenting Shakespeare's works "straight," showing a newfound dedication to the original texts and enriching the theatrical landscape with productions that were more faithful to the Bard's intent.