*p1786 05 13 king's Virginia. Announced, but not performed. "On Saturday night the opera was that King's scene of confusion and distress that no serious opera, with all its cantabile faintings, rapes, battles and murders ever produced. On the drawing up of the curtain it was not a Roman legion in marshal array that caught the eye. No, it was a corps of the sons of the feather and fashion—British bucks—British beaus . . . Off! Off! was the cry from every part of the house. To this admonishing shout they were all Atlases ... By no efforts could the opera be put in train. The manager and his friends exerted themselves in vain to appease the fury ... This scene of tumult and disorder continued for upwards of three hours and a half, when the audience retreated, some discontented, and others more pleased than ever they were at a regular entertainment" (Morning Herald, 15 May).