The spoil'd child: A farce, in two acts, as performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

A lively farce opens in the bustling dining room of Old Pickle’s country house, where a teasing sibling duo quarrels over the mischief of a spoiled boy. The sister, determined to curb his antics before they become habit, implores her brother to enforce a stern punishment, while he defends the child’s whimsical ways with affectionate sarcasm. Their colorful exchange sets the stage for a comedy of errors, hinting at the chaos that will ripple through the household as the young troublemaker tests the limits of parental patience.

The play begins with a witty prologue delivered by Mrs. Jordan, who playfully critiques the theater’s conventions and warns the audience of the “spoilt children” both on‑stage and in society. As dinner is prepared and the characters take their places, the audience is invited to watch a charming clash of discipline and indulgence, promising clever dialogue, exaggerated personalities, and plenty of opportunities for laughter in the first act.