in any major way in MP IIRC, but these rules, which would have been known by most people, may have had a lot to do with the attitudes to theatre by some in that era/novel:

"That no clerks hired or otherwise in this city or neighbourhood- no person concerned in retail trade- no theatrical or other public performers by profession shall be admitted."

Also, not sure if I can mention parts of MP in relation to this read of The Rivals. If this post is inappropriate, please disregard;-)