 The theatre failed because it was unlicensed, and this put it into competition with London's patent theatres.Presenting plays by subscription was one method of evading the Acts, but tickets could not be sold at the theatre.This was circumvented by selling them at neighbouring shops; and at one point the public were admitted free on purchase of an ounce of rose lozenges for four shillings (stalls), or half an ounce of peppermint drops for two shillings (the pit) from the neighbouring confectioners.