Private Theatricals

Five young men, named Mills, Goring, Riley, King, and Bromley were charged with performing a play in an unlicensed place. The defendants, on been charged at the bar, excited much amusement, each being dressed in the costume of the character he played on the preceding night. A variety of theatrical dresses, together with helmets, swords, daggers, &c. were produced, all of which had fallen into the hands of the Police. Mills, it appeared, who was by trade a glue-maker, took a barn in the neighbourhood of Mill-pond-bridge, Rotherthite, where himself, the other defendants, and a number of amateurs, were in the habit of performing. The neighbours, however, having complained of the noise that was created, the Police received instructions to take the offenders into custody. Mills said he had given up his trade of glue-making for the sock and buskin, and he hoped soon to have an engagement at one of the minors.
Mr. Chambers—What was the Play last night?
Mills—The Play was Blue Beard, which was to have been followed by The Devil to pay, had not the Police disturbed us.
Mr Chambers—What character do you take in Blue Beard ?
Mills—Why, to tell your Worship the truth, I went out of the usual line, last night, and played one of the legs of the Elephant in the piece [laughter].
Mr. Chambers remarked that Mills, as manager, had descended very much in playing so very low a part as the leg of an Elephant in this own Theatre. Upon which Mills said that they were obliged to make shifts sometimes; but, added he, "your Worship, I can play Richard, Othello, and almost Mr. Kean's principal characters, and I can assure your Worship that it would astonish you to hear the applause I meet with." The Magistrate, however, ordered him to find bail.—Bromley, who played the fiddle in the Theatre, was also ordered to find sureties to keep the peace.