'The Old Prices Riots'

During 1809, riots took place following the opening of the new Covent Garden Theatre after a devastating fire the previous year.

'The Old Prices Riots', as the revolt came to be known, lasted for sixty-one nights and centred on the theatre's increased ticket prices and reduced space for the general public. John Philip Kemble, the theatre's manager, eventually gave in to public pressure and reinstated the former tickets prices.

This is a one of a number of preliminary drawings which Thomas Rowlandson drew in preparation for an engraving entitled 'This is the House that Jack Built'. The engraving collates different views of 'The Old Prices Riots'.

In this sketch the artist has focused on the balconies inside the theatre's auditoirum. Some of the theatre boxes are so small that they are labelled 'pigeon holes'; these are contrasted in size with the more spacious 'boudouirs let to the Great' below.

Rowlandson was the foremost caricaturist of his day. Inspired by topical issues, as well as everyday events, Rowlandson satirised a range of subjects - and people - in his works.