Cirrus@Austlit

James Robinson Planché was a British dramatist, antiquarian and officer of arms who over a period of some 60 years wrote, adapted, or collaborated on 176 theatrical works. These ranged across such genres as extravaganza, farce, comedy, burletta, melodrama and opera. Planché was responsible for introducing historically accurate costume into nineteenth century British theatre, and subsequently became an acknowledged expert on historical costume, publishing a number of works on the topic. A number of his works were produced or locally-adapted in the Australian colonies during the nineteenth century.

On 26 April 1821, Planché married the minor playwright Elizabeth St George. One of their daughters, Matilda Anne Mackarness was a sucessful children's author.

Planché often worked in collaboration with Charles Dance.