George Dillon played John Kemble, actor-manager of Covent Garden Theatre who, like his actress sister Sarah Siddons (Alex Childs), was one of London’s most celebrated figures.
When a fire destroyed the uninsured theatre he thought he was ruined. He eventually managed to bounce back, however, reopenening the refurbished theatre to great fanfare.
But his attempts to recoup money through raised ticket prices raised audience hackles and he had a riot on his hands.
The Old Courtroom audience was invited to pick sides as two actors planted among them set out the case for and against Kemble. “Who minds paying an extra sixpence for such a wonderful experience,” asked Mary Austin (Julie Nash)? “But why should we pay for a rich man’s mistake?” growled Henry Clifford (Steve North).
As the situation became heated, Kemble found himself unable to perform above the audience’s baying and stamping yet was too proud to give in to demands to bring back the old prices.
Bunting’s play neatly and entertainingly demonstrated how such situations polarise people. As the “mob” are ignored, they resort to violence.
Heavies were enlisted to pick off ringleaders, but brutality only stoked the fire. Kemble, desperate not to lose face, forgot those he was fighting also paid his wages.
With sterling performances from all, especially marvellously melodramatic Dillon, it left a hopeful message.
“They’re a rabble. What can a rabble achieve?” Kemble asks his sister at the outset of trouble. If history is anything to go by, quite a lot.
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