| Citation |
VGW(HU.767.043
21 May 1767:21 (835)
Edinburgh, Jan. 26. Our theatrical entertainments have of
late been frequently interrupted, on account of a difference
between the managers and one of the players, whom, for
particular reasons, they would not allow to perform. Some
gentlemen, however, having patronized him, repeatedly
insisted that he should be engaged. This the managers
refused; and disturbances generally ensued, which put a
period to the entertainment for the night. The managers at
length, some nights ago, were induced to promise compliance;
which, however, they afterwards thought proper publickly to
retract, and in hand bills, which were circulated by them
and the rest of the players, endeavouring to defend their
conduct. Their arguments, however, did not persuade; a
number of gentlemen had been offended at their behaviour,
and on Saturday evening insisted that one of the players, in
name of the rest, should beg pardon of the audience, for
some reflections in their publications. This satisfaction
however being refused, the gentlemen became so exasperated
that, after begging the ladies to retire, they tore up the
benches in the pit, and having laid them, by way of
temporary bridges, across the orchestra, got on the stage,
cut to pieces the scenes, broke the looking glasses, beat
down the fronts of the side boxes and galleries, and
demolished the theatre in such a manner as to render it
impossible to perform there for some time. The city guard
were sent to the place, but were repulsed; and the
magistrates having demanded the assistance of the military
from the castle, the disturbance was over before they
arrived.
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