Already an actor and manager, John Rich inherited a share of the Lincoln's Inn Theatre from his father in 1714, and used it to stage lavish productions designed to overwhelm the senses. His success with John Gay's A Beggar's Opera allowed him to open the new theatre at Covent Garden in 1732. Rich introduced pantomime to English stage, playing the part of Harlequin himself, under the name of Lun; the innovation allowed him to compete with the established theatre at Drury Lane. A successful and important impresario in his day, he is remembered for spectacular productions and confrontations with actors and rival theatres.
From the description of John Rich letter to the Managers of the Theatre in Drury Lane, circa 1772. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 62385436
