from the pit; he glanced at it, and, as it is supposed, found it not to be friendly, for he blushed, and huddled it into his pocket. The audience singled him out as the object of their peculiar disapprobation, and in the entire second act, stood up with their backs turned to him. Indeed, through the whole play, they kept a standing position on the benches, with their hats on. A candle was thrown at Mr. Liston, during the performance of the "Quaker." When the magistrates appeared, the indignant cries of" No police in a Theatre" induced those ill-advised men to make their congés, and retire. Constables attempted to clear the pit and galleries; in the former they met with opposition, and evasion in the latter; the tenants of the upper gallery dropping themselves quietly into the under. By degrees, the uproar subsided into the loyal effusion of "God Save the King," when those who remained, retired, and the house was cleared at half-past twelve. The above concise detail of the tumult that occurred on the first night of the re-opening of Covent Garden Theatre, may be taken as a fair sample of the diversions practised therein for sixty-six nights in succession, when peace wast proclaimed by both public and managers; both. parties agreeing to the reduction of the pit-price from 4s. to 3s. 6d. the advancement of the boxes from 6s. to 7s. and the reduction in point of number of the private boxes, together with the non-engagement of Madame Catalani. During this "Theatric War," it may be guessed the wits were not backward in showering down their lampoons on the hapless managers. Kemble, of course, came in for his full share of pasquinades, some of which are certainly worthy of being treasured here; from which we select the two following. SOLILOQUY OF THE MOOR OF COVENT GARDEN. I had been happy if th' united House, Pit, galleries, and boxes,-all had paid Farewell, ye wanton toys of feather'd Cupid Th' ear-piercing whistle, and terrific bell, The plaguy placard, drum, and deaf'ning rattle; From dreams delusive of eternal triumph! Support the managers, but placards wave, And O. P's. shine from every box!—initials hateful: Thrown open. Farewell,-Othello's occupation's gone! ANACREON IN Bow STREET. By the author of " My Pocket Book." As rapt I sweep the golden lyre, 288 THEATRES AND THEATRICALS. Then, if I to the stage belong, O! let me sing the charms of song, The soul of harmony is dead, To shrieking owls are turn'd my doves, My lyre to horns and rattles. THE UNSUCCESSFUL GHOST. AN unfortunate débutant who made his appearance as the Ghost, in "Hamlet," was so rudely treated by the audience, that, in the midst of the scene, he took off his visor, and put the audience in perfect good humour by saying, "Ladies and Gentlemen, it was my hope to please you; if I have failed, I must give up the Ghost." END OF VOL. II. LONDON: Printed by D. S. Maurice, Fenchurch-street. |