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British kitchen sink drama is a genre of British theatre that emerged in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of working-class life in post-World War II Britain. The term "kitchen sink" comes from the idea that these plays showed the everyday struggles and hardships of ordinary people, often set in the kitchen, the heart of the home. Some of the most well-known British kitchen sink dramas include Look Back in Anger by John Osborne and A Taste of Honey by Shelagh Delaney.

Kitchen sink drama is a form of realism, a theatrical style that aims to represent life as it is, without romanticizing or idealizing it. Realism in theatre emerged in the late 19th century and was a reaction against the exaggerated, melodramatic style of the previous era. Kitchen sink drama takes this realism a step further by focusing specifically on the struggles and challenges faced by working-class individuals and families.

Kitchen sink drama originated in Britain in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It was a response to the dominant style of theatre at the time, known as "well-made plays," which were formulaic and often focused on upper-class characters. Playwrights like John Osborne and Shelagh Delaney sought to break away from this traditional style and depict the lives of ordinary people in a more authentic way.

Kitchen sink drama often explores themes of social class, family dynamics, and the struggle for personal and economic fulfillment. The characters in these plays are often working-class individuals who are disillusioned with the social and economic constraints of their lives. The plays also feature realistic dialogue and settings, often set in small, cramped apartments or homes.

Some of the most influential plays in the kitchen sink drama genre include Look Back in Anger by John Osborne, A Taste of Honey by Shelagh Delaney, and The Entertainer by John Osborne. Other notable playwrights in this genre include Arnold Wesker, Nell Dunn, and Alan Sillitoe.

Kitchen sink drama had a significant impact on British theatre, breaking away from the traditional styles and subject matter and introducing more diverse and realistic stories and characters. It also paved the way for more socially and politically engaged theatre, as these plays often tackled issues of class, gender, and race.

Kitchen sink drama faced criticism for its focus on the working class and its portrayal of their lives as bleak and hopeless. Some critics argued that these plays were overly pessimistic and did not accurately represent the diversity of British society. Others saw the genre as a refreshing and necessary change from the traditional forms of theatre.

Many kitchen sink dramas have been adapted into films and television shows, bringing these stories to a wider audience. Some notable adaptations include the film versions of Look Back in Anger and A Taste of Honey, as well as the popular TV series, Coronation Street, which has been running since 1960 and is often cited as an example of kitchen sink drama on television.

Although kitchen sink drama originated in Britain, its influence can be seen in other countries as well. In the United States, the genre is often referred to as "kitchen sink realism" and can be seen in plays like A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry. In Australia, the play The Summer of the Seventeenth Doll by Ray Lawler is considered a kitchen sink drama.

Kitchen sink drama continues to be a popular genre in modern theatre, with revivals of classic plays as well as new interpretations of the style. Some recent productions include a 2014 revival of A Taste of Honey at the National Theatre in London and a 2017 production of Look Back in Anger at the Royal Court Theatre.