Cremorne Gardens riot

The Cremorne Gardens riot occurred on February 5, 1879, in Melbourne, Australia, during a performance of a play called "The Ticket of Leave Man." Tensions arose when the audience reacted negatively to a scene that mocked police. Angered by the portrayal, members of the audience, including off-duty police, started to fight among themselves, leading to chaotic scenes in the theater. The incident highlighted social tensions of the time, particularly between working-class patrons and authority figures. The riot is notable for its reflection of class conflict and the sometimes volatile relationship between entertainment and societal issues in 19th-century Australia.