Conversation so far:
What was Victorian era burlesque?
Victorian burlesque, sometimes known as "travesty" or "extravaganza", was popular in London theatres.
What were some elements of these shows?
parody in which a well-known opera, play or ballet was adapted into a broad comic play, usually a musical play.

Question: Were these shows popular with the public?
Self-contained rewrite: Were the Victorian theatrical burlesque shows popular with the public?