The O.P. Riots at Covent Garden

This drawing is one of several preliminary studies for an engraving by Thomas Rowlandson, which focuses on the 'old price' riots at Covent Garden theatre in September 1809.

On 18 September 1809 the theatre reopened with an increase in ticket prices, after it was completely destroyed by a fire in the previous year. Rowlandson completed a hand-coloured etching, which comprised six images with text underneath, on the disorder which ensued, known as the old price riots. It is entitled 'The House the Jack Built' and is in the collection of the British Museum.

This sketch depicts a female singer inside the theatre performing in front of an audience, loosely conveyed. It is annotated: 'This is the Cat engaged to squall, to the Poor in the Pigeon holes over the boxes, let to the Great, that visit the House that Jack Built.'

Rowlandson's drawings and his subsequent engraving highlight the contrasting treatment of prestigious visitors to the theatre and the individuals who took seats in the less desirable 'rabbit hutches' and 'pigeon holes'. The 'old price' riots, which took place between 18 and 23 September, was a topical and contentious issue for satirical artist to address. The episode was concluded when the theatre's stage-manager John Kemble was forced to apologise and reinstate the old ticket prices.