Subtitle

The use of subtitles (i.e. secondary, or additional titles) to the name of a theatrical work is as old as theatre itself, particularly prevalent in comic writing.

To take a 19th century example: Often subtitled, or alternatively titled, in various ways, e.g. The Cockney's Trip to Corsica, The Cockney in Corsica, A Cockney in Corsica. These titles have also been used as main titles, at times with A Thumping Legacy as the subtitle. This flexible usage is found not only in England, but also in America and the colonies during the 19th century, notably so in New Zealand and South Africa.

First performed in London as A Thumping Legacy in 1843 (and in Leeds with the subtitle The Cockney's Trip to Corsica on 16 June of the same year) and published in 1843 by T.H. Lacy (London), G. Berger (London) as well as Samuel French (London and New York) - all as "A Thumping Legacy; an original farce, in one act".

Subtitles have often been used instead if the main titles, or the titles are switched and the subsidiary title becomes the main title. Thus the play in various ways, e.g. The Cockney's Trip to Corsica, The Cockney in Corsica, A Cockney in Corsica. These titles have also been used as main titles, at times with A Thumping Legacy as the subtitle.

This flexible usage is found not only in England, but also in America and the colonies, particularly noticeable during the 19th century, also in the colonies of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, as can be seen from this encyclopaedia. The usage declined in the 20th century.

The foregoing is also a general aspect of the variety found in the naming of particular theatrical works. Besides the multiple titles used because of the lack of copyright laws (e.g. to cover up plagiarism), there are the specific changes wrought when a work transferred to another country, most notably perhaps the USA, (This is still true today with regard to novels, films, etc.)