Theatre

Blowing up the Pic Nic's; - or - Harlequin Quixotte attacking the puppets (D12786) shows an attack by professional actors, led by the playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan, on the amateur performers of the Pic Nic Society. Sheridan, often in heavy debt, felt that the performances of these wealthy amateurs amounted to unfair competition. The tricolour cockade in his hat reflects his earlier support for the French Revolution, but may also symbolise his antagonism towards the wealthy and titled performers on stage. As always, Gillray seems to treat the professional and amateur actors equally satirically.