A DISTURBANCE AT THE THEATRE, TIVERTON, 1837.

The racegoers had flocked to Tiverton and many went to the evening performances at the theatre.  There had just been a parliamentary election and feelings were running high.  The Western Times, 2nd September 1837, reported:

"The theatre was opened on the two race nights, and we are happy to say was well enough attended to remunerate Mr. Davis, the manager, for the very excellent manner in which he catered for the entertainment of the public.  The pieces selected were light, as best fitted for holiday time, and were very well performed,

"A disturbance took lace on the first evening just before the commencement of the interlude, in consequence of the violent conduct of a man in the pit, whom we afterwards understood to be a saddler in Exeter, who had been drinking too much Sxotch ale.  He first called for three cheers for the Queen.  In consequence of the mational anthem having been played by the orchestra;  this was of course responded to by the whole assembly.  Lord Palmerston, the steward of the races, having just entered the theatre, three cheers were proposed for him - these were given most heartily, except by a few youths wo took it into their heads to hiss, , and the tory saddler then called for three cheers for Mr.Parker. some one called "three cheers for a fool" which made Mr. Parker's friends very angry, and he got up on the stage & began to show fight, amidst cries of "turn him out, turn him out." 

"The manager upon this came from behind the scenes and requested the gentleman would carry his politics elsewhere;  the said gentleman would neither take himself off or be quiet, and at length a universal cry  arose of "turn him out" and he was taken by the arms and legs, and thrust out into the street.  The performance then proceeded.  We were much pleased with the very spirited and gentlemanly manner in which the manager behaved throughout this disagreeable occurrence." 

Viscount Palmerston was a member for Tiverton , there were two of them, and was secretary of state for foreign affairs.  The Queen was the eighteen year old Victoria who had only been queen for three months.  I don't know who Mr Parker was, (some or other tory politician) but I shall edit him in when I find him.