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Story January 26, 1739

The Virginia Gazette

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

What is this article about?

In London on October 12, an audience at the New Theatre in the Hay-Market rioted against French actors performing 'L'Embarras des Richesse,' hissing, pelting them, and driving them out in support of imprisoned English players. The French ambassador left amid the uproar.

Clipping

OCR Quality

95% Excellent

Full Text

London, Oct. 12. When the French Strollers attempted to act L'Embarras des Richesse last Monday Night at the New Theatre in the Hay-Market, the Noise in the House began between 4 and 5 o'Clock; the Cry on one Side of the Galleries was, No Soupe Maigre, and the other Side answer'd in a different Tone, Beef and Pudding, and the general Cry was, Pray remember the poor English Players in Goal; no French Strollers. The French Embassador was in the Box, but went out as soon as the Noise, &c. began, and vast Numbers left the House thro' Fear, tho' their Places were immediately supply'd; but notwithstanding this Uproar, the Strollers began to play, and continu'd acting by Piece meal (being continually interrupted) near one Act; but there was such a Hissing, Cat-calling, &c. that scarce a Word was to be heard ; then they attempted a Dance, and to please the Audience, one of the Mademoiselles fairly shew'd her A --, but it being Foreign Goods, gave no Content ; for they continu'd hissing and pelting them in such a Manner, that the Strollers were drove out of back Windows into Suffolk-street, crying out, Morbleu, Morbleu; and several of the Audience were forc'd to go out the same Way, for the Mob in the Hay-Market, at first pelted with Dirt, even them that cry'd down the Strollers, imagining (by the Fulness of the House) they were for encouraging them ; happy therefore was he that could prove himself a TRUE ENGLISHMAN, then he escap'd unmolested. We hear a Noble Lord has waited on the French Embassador, to assure him no Affront was intended, either against him or the French Nation, by the Behaviour of the Gentlemen against the French Strollers on Monday Night last at the Hay-Market. A Contribution is raising among several of the Nobility for the French Strollers, who we hear will speedily embark for Boulogne, on their Way home; tho' Some Papists pretend to give out they will act again.

What sub-type of article is it?

Extraordinary Event Historical Event

What themes does it cover?

Social Manners Misfortune

What keywords are associated?

Theater Riot French Strollers Anti French Protest Hay Market English Players

What entities or persons were involved?

French Strollers French Embassador English Players

Where did it happen?

New Theatre In The Hay Market, London

Story Details

Key Persons

French Strollers French Embassador English Players

Location

New Theatre In The Hay Market, London

Event Date

Last Monday Night

Story Details

Audience disrupts French actors' performance with cries supporting English players in jail, leading to hissing, pelting, and the actors fleeing through back windows; French ambassador exits; noble lord assures no national affront; contributions raised for strollers to return home.

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