The Stage Mutiny

from "Southwark Fair" by William Hogarth
1733

Yale University Library Sotheby 31++ Box 305

This image is from Hogarth's print "Southwark Fair." It appears as the showcloth for Cibber and William Bullock on the left side of the print. Hogarth has based this image on "The Stage Mutiny" by John Laguerre. It depicts Cibber's withdrawal with several other actors from Drury Lane Theatre after John Highmore bought controlling interest in the company. He had bought half of Booth's interest in the theatre. Shortly afterwards Theophilus' father Colley, who had been renting his one-third share in the theatre to his son, sold it to Highmore for around 3000 guineas and 3500 pounds. Theophilus, who believed Colley's share was his birthright, found the management by Highmore and painter John Ellys (appointed by the widow of the shareholder Robert Wilks) too amateur. Incensed at Highmore's cutting their salaries in half, he and a group of rebellious actors left Drury Lane and joined the Little Theatre in Haymarket, all for, according An Apology for the Life of Mr. T— C—, Comedian (1740)—a parody purporting to be written by Theophilus—"the glorious Cause of Liberty and Property." The Drury Lane Theatre declined under its new management, and numerous legal battles ensued until Charles Fleetwood purchased Highmore's and Wilks' portions of the license on 24 January 1734.

The scene takes place in front of the Rose Tavern in Covent Garden. On the tavern's signboard, a monkey holds a flag with the text "I am a Gentleman," a favourite saying of Highmore's. Theophilus, in his famous role as Pistol, is at center with one of his actresses, Mrs. Heron, over the words "Pistol's alive." Mrs. Heron carries a flag that reads "Liberty & Property." On the left is Wilks' widow and her daughter Mrs. Shaw, who waves a flag saying "We'l Starve em out." In front of them Highmore stands, holding a paper with the inscription "it Cost £6000." On the far left is Colley Cibber, with the label "Quiet & Snug." On the right are the comedian William Mills, John Harper as Falstaff, Benjamin Griffin, Joe Miller, and Benjamin Johnson. One of their party carries a flag reading "We eat."

—Allison Muri, August 2014