Royal Opera House reopens and the Old Price Riots begin, 18 September 1809 (1809)

The Old Price Riots began in 1809 following the reopening of the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, which had been destroyed by fire in 1808. The conflict arose from rising ticket prices at the newly rebuilt theatre. Protesters staged symbolic acts, including carrying a coffin bearing a mocking message about the 'new price,' to voice their opposition to the increases.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The original Covent Garden Theatre was destroyed by a fire on 20 September 1808, resulting in the loss of most scenery, costumes, and scripts. Rebuilding efforts commenced in December 1808, culminating in the opening of the second Theatre Royal, designed by Robert Smirke, on 18 September 1809. This new venue hosted a performance of Macbeth followed by The Quaker.

Causes of the Riots. The riots were caused by rising prices at the theatre. Previous disturbances had occurred in 1762 when the management of Covent Garden Theatre threatened to raise seating prices, showing that pricing disputes at the venue had a longer history. The 1809 unrest followed the reopening of the rebuilt theatre under a new pricing structure.

Protest Activities. Protesters engaged in symbolic demonstrations to highlight their grievances against the new pricing structure. One notable incident involved the carrying of a coffin into the theatre, bearing a message that the 'new price' had died of whooping cough on 23 September 1809, aged six days. These actions underscored the intensity of the public's opposition to the management's decisions.

Sources

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