SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,authname,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Ackman Public Advertiser This day only Paid "/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Ackman Public Advertiser This day only Paid ")') GROUP BY eventid ORDER BY weight() desc, eventdate asc OPTION field_weights=(perftitleclean=100, commentpclean=75, commentcclean=75, roleclean=100, performerclean=100, authnameclean=100), ranker=sph04

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We found 6110 matches on Event Comments, 1324 matches on Performance Comments, 587 matches on Performance Title, 0 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.
Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Paid 3 day's salary list at #81 19s. 3d. per diem,-#245 17s. 9d.; Advanc'd Miss Mansell & Mr Dimon 5 guineas each, #10 10s.; Mr S. French, six days, #1 10s. J. Stevens on note, #3 3s.; Mt Byrne, Mt Bannister, Mt Lamercier, Miss Wilkinson, Miss Rolt, & Mrs Brathwaite salary short-paid, #6 4s.; Mr D. Garrick in full of last season #260 8s. 4d. (Treasruer's Book). Receipts: #199 5s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Romeo And Juliet

Afterpiece Title: The Institution of the Garter

Event Comment: [The French Company advertised that it would not perform this day in honor of the birth of the Princesse de Galles, but would present on 24 Nov. Moliere's Tartuffe and Arlequin Nulla. The General Advertiser also carried the following long note from Lord Trentham on the following day]: To the worthy inhabitants of the City and Liberty of Westminster, Gentlemen: His Majesty having been graciously pleased to appoint me one of the Commissioners for executing the Office Lord High Admiral, by which my seat in Parliament is vacated; and the shortness of time not permitting me to apply personally to you, I take this method of entreating your votes and interest to be re-elected your representative in Parliament, which will ever be acknowledged by Gentlemen, your oblig'd and humble servant, Trentham. N.B. the Election comes on Tomorrow the 24th instant at Covent Garden at nine o'clock in the Morning. N.B.B. Whereas it has been maliciously reported, in order to impose on the worthy inhabitants of the City and Liberty of Westminster, and to prejudice me in their opinion at this time, that I was active in the disturbance at the French Playhouse last Tuesday night; I do declare upon my honour, that I was neither in the Pit nor Gallery where the Disturbance happened during the time of the performance, nor drew my sword, nor made use of any weapon, either to strike or terrify any of the spectators; nor was I even present at the first and chief disturbance at that playhouse; nor have I been at any Representation at that playhouse since the first Night of the Performance, as has been falsely suggested. Trentham" In a few days will be publish'd A Particular Account of the Disturbance in the Haymarket Theatre, on Tuesday and Wednesday the 14th and 15th Instant; in which the behaviour of a noble Lord will be fully vindicated. By one of the French Comedians

Performances

Event Comment: Boxes #15 12s. 6d. Macklin's fifth came to #16 9s. Paid Woodfall's Printing Bill, commencing 22 Sept. last and ending 10 Jan. #128 11s. Paid Ledlay for 7 1!2 doz. wax candles #11 12s. 6d. Paid Pattinson, tallow chandler #14 17s. 6d. Paid Besworth for making ghost's dress for Hamlet #6 18s. Paid for a wig for Cable in Thomas and Sally 3s. 6d. (Account Book). On Saturday Evening during the play of the Married Libertine...several riots ensued, occasioned by a number of Jews assembled for that purpose in the two shilling gallery; but they were soon quelled (Public Ledger, 10 Feb.). Receipts: #143 4s. (Account Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Married Libertine

Afterpiece Title: Love a la Mode

Dance: As17610202

Event Comment: [The first payroll of the season was met this night. It includes 91 actors, actresses and dancers, plus 36 named servants to the theatre and 4 groups (women dressers, charwomen, guards, and barbers). The pay period covered was for 3 days. It came to #168 2s. 6d. The highest paid actor for this period was Ross at #8 5s.; the highest paid actress, Mrs Yates at #8 6s. 6d.; the highest paid dancer, Fichar at #3. The lowest paid in each category were: actors: C. Smith and Hollingsworth at 7s. 6d. apiece; actresses, 11 who receiv'd 10s. each (Mrs Ferguson, Evans, White, Allen, Cockayne, &c.); Dancers: 11 who receiv'd 15s. apiece (male) and 2 (female) who receiv'd 12s. 6d. apiece. The highest paid servant listed was Stables at 15s., and the lowest the charwomen.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: None

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Macklin. Mainpiece: Not acted these 3 years. [See 27 Jan. 1770.] Afterpiece: For this night only this season (playbill). Charges #64 5s. Profit to Miss Macklin #19 4s., plus #43 from 172 Box tickets. Paid Whitefield one fourth year's salary due Lady Day last #25. Paid Mr Barber for a suit of regimentals embroider'd with gold, #12 12s. Paid Lowe and Lucas (linnen drapers) #13 19s.; Paid Evans for Spermecita candles as per bill #12. Paid Barrett (wax chandler) #3 4s. (Account Book). [Miss Macklin considered this a poor benefit, and on 6 May 1772 wrote to her father about the troubles she met in getting it underway. Woodward would not play in the farce since it did not belong to the theatre and since he had not be asked before she put his name in the bills. Kniveton labored hard and did quite well as Sir Archy. Ann Pitt so ill she could not do Lady Wrangle, but Mrs Hull sat up two nights, learned the part and acted it creditably (Harvard, Memoirs of Charles Macklin, Vol. II, pt. 2, after p. 55).] Receipts: #83 9s. (Account Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Refusal Or The Ladys Philosophy

Afterpiece Title: Love a la Mode

Dance: End: A Dance in which will be an Allemande,-Hamoir, Miss Hamoir

Event Comment: Benefit Woodward. [Receipts: #81 3s. 6d., plus #59 9s. from tickets. Charges #63.] Paid Servandoni #10 10s. Paid Price a bill for carpenter's work at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre last week #2 19s. 9d. Tickets to be had of Woodward at his lodgings in King St. (near the Churchyard Gate) Covent Garden; at the Bedford Coffee House; at the Salutation Tavern in Nicholas Lane; and of Page at the stage door. Tomorrow The Distress'd Mother and Miss in her Teens, the part of Fribble by Garrick.--General Advertiser. Daily Advertiser: By Particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. [On 13 April Woodward published a letter of thanks to the former schoolfellow who sent him this speech, promised to present it, and assured him that no copy would be made. See Theatrical Clippings, Folger Library.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Julius Caesar With The Death Of Brutus And Cassius

Afterpiece Title: Orpheus and Eurydice

Entertainment: Between Play and Afterpiece: An Alarm to Britons-the Spirit of King Henry V (After the manner of Shakespeare's Chorus) usher'd in with Trumpets, Kettle Drums and other Warlike Instruments

Event Comment: Receipts: #59 14s. Paid Dall [Scene painter] on acct of his salary, #1 10s.; Paid Austin [Dall's assistant] six days salary 12s.; Paid Besford (porter) a week's salary 12s.; Paid Mr Warring in full for assisting to examine Mr White's acct #10 10s. [Dall and Austin received the amounts recorded here each week. No further records of these payments will be made except for special variations.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Constant Couple Or A Trip To The Jubilee

Afterpiece Title: A Duke and no Duke

Event Comment: Reddish spoiled last scene by being imperfect (Potter, Theatrical Review). Paid three days salary at #81 8s. 11d. per diem--#244 6s.; Paid Mrs W. Barry's half salary 17s. 6d.; Paid Messrs. Reddish, J. Palmer, and Waldron short paid last week #1 (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #229 6s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Gamester

Afterpiece Title: Harlequins Invasion

Cast
Role: Joseph Harrow Actor: Ackman
Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 16 years. [See 19 April 1751.] New Scenes, Machines, Decorations &c. The Characters dress'd in The Habits of the times. This Masque is very well got up with New Scenes & Decorations particularly a Representation of the Grand Naval Review design'd by Mons DeLoutherberg & vastly well Executed had great Applause the piece is very dull (Hopkins Diary). [Macmillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid five day's salary at #86 13s. 10d. per diem, #433 9s. 2d.; Miss Younge 6 days not on the list #1; Mr Courtney 3 days not on list 7s. 6d.; Mr J. French on Act #10 (Treasurer's Book). The Songs, Chorusses, &c. in the Masque (in the order they are now performed) to be had at the Theatre. The Music by Dr Arne and other masters (playbill). Receipts: #158 12s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Alfred

Afterpiece Title: Miss in Her Teens

Event Comment: Rec'd Remainder of Sinking Fund #561 15s.; Mr Bank's 1 yrs rent to Lady Day last #3; Box Office Keeper's cash returned Watson #10; Archeveque #15; Remainder of S. Barry's Bag #75 14s. 2d. (Treasurer's Book). Paid Salary List #525 12s.; half yrs. Cleansing & Lighting to Lady Day last for St Martin's #12 3s.; Mr King's extra salary #3; Manager's gift to the sufferers by fire in King Street not belonging to the theatre (#10 10s., but Mr Kennedy's Bt. under charged #3 12s. deducted) #6 18s.; Mr Millidge, printer 15s.; Mr J. French on acct #5 5s.; half yrs Land and Window Tax for Covent Garden Parish to Lady Day last-#2 18s. 6d.; Church rate for 1 yr ditto 10s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: No Performance

Event Comment: On the last of these days [Wednesday and Friday] the Jury will be discharged, the Process concluded, and the Judgment given. The Inquisitor will be deliver'd up to the public, when it is not doubted but the goodness of his Head and the Integrity of his Heart will be amply rewarded by a discerning munificent people. The Inquiry will be closed with an Address to the Public, gratefully acknowledging their indulgence and impartiality during the whole course of the trial

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Writ Of Inquiry

Event Comment: AAsh Wednesday. Publish'd this day. Price only 1s. Letters which have passed between John Beard Esq Manager of Covent Garden Theatre, and John Shebbeare, M.D. Wherefore I thus entreat with due Submission, Between the Bard and me you'd make decision, The whole now on your Approbation waits. Prologue to the Perplexities, sung by Mr Beard. Printed for G. Kearsly N.B. This Pamphlet is entered at Stationers Hall, whoever pyrates any part of it will be prosecuted. [This pamphlet of 50 pages is given a four-column review in the Gentleman's Magazine for March (p. 124). The controversy was over a play which Shebbeare submitted to Beard and which the latter finally rejected after holding it two seasons. Beard's letters are quoted. The reviewer is severe upon Shebbeare: Upon the whole for anything that has hitherto appeared, the managers of both theatre have rather been to blame for receiving some pieces that they should have rejected, than for rejecting any they should have received. No piece has yet been printed, by the rejection of which the managers have betrayed their trust, or neglected their duty to the public. There may be such pieces in manuscript, but, if there are, the most effective way of avenging the author on the manager is to print them, for the voice of the public would instantly and effecturally do justice to the writter...by compelling the representation.' Shebbeare was Joseph Pittard?]

Performances

Mainpiece Title: None

Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill assigns Frederick to Murray, but on the playbill in the New York Public Library Theatre Collection his name is deleted and a MS annotation substitutes Francis's.] Boxes 3s. Pit 2s. Gallery 1s. To begin precisely at 7:00. The Public are respectfully informed that the Company will perform here but four or five Weeks longer, being engaged elsewhere. The Theatre is not only very commodious, but also remarkably cool. The Days of performing will be regularly Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Wonder A Woman Keeps A Secret

Afterpiece Title: The Lying Valet

Song: After the Monologue, by Miss Cranford

Monologue: 1785 06 17 End of mainpiece an Occasional Address to the Audience by Wright

Event Comment: Benefit for King. [This was Smith's last appearance on the stage, from which he had officially retired on 9 June 1788.] Broadside in Kemble playbills announcing this benefit: Mr King most respectfully informs the Public that his Night is fixed for Friday the 18th of May, when will be presented The School for Scandal. Mr King has the pleasure to add that Mr Smith, who was so long and so worthily applauded by the Public, and was the original performer of Charles Surface in the above, distinguished Comedy, at the particular request of Mr King, backed by a strong assurance from many admirers and encouragers of the Drama that it will not only add to Mr King's emolument but highly gratify the Town, has kindly consented to return to the Theatre for one night, and resume his favourite Character. "We had been told that Smith pourtrayed the Manners of a finished gentleman with more delicacy and characteristic propriety than any actor of his day; but this did not appear to us to be his particular excellence; he stands too wide to be graceful, and his deportment gains no advantage from a perpetual application of his hand to the lower part of the waist. These habits are far from elegant. His Charles, however, is a favourable specimen of that sort of acting which commonly falls under the denomination of the old school: light, airy, and natural; which excites applause without any anxious endeavour to produce it; which suffers the points to tell of themselves, and does not place them as so many traps to ensnare the injudicious part of the audience" (Monthly Mirror, May 1798, p. 299). "He was received with the most heart-felt gratulations by an audience who did not expect any apology for such acting, though he saw fit to deliver one at the conclusion of the play" (Monthly Visitor, May 1798, p. 72). Times, 4 May: Tickets to be had of King at his house, New Store-street, Bedford-square. Receipts: #674 6s. (388.0.6; 55.17.6; 2.0.0); tickets: 228.8.0) (charge: #212 5s. 6d.)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Scandal

Performance Comment: As17970919, but Charles Surface-Smith (who performed the Character originally [on 8 May 1777]; being positively his only appearance); Snake-Caulfield; Lady Sneerwell-Mrs Sparks; Trip-_.

Afterpiece Title: Sylvester Daggerwood

Afterpiece Title: The Son in Law

Song: In III 1st piece: song-Dignum

Performances

Mainpiece Title: A Grand Selection 0 Of Music From The Works Of handel

Afterpiece Title: Grand Selection 1

Afterpiece Title: Grand Selection 2

Performance Comment: Fifth Fifth Concerto (Martini)-; In sweetest harmony-Mme Mara; O fatal day-Chorus (Saul); Softly sweet-Master Elliot; accompanied on the violoncello-C. Ashley (Alexander's Feast); He was despised-Sga Galli, who is in her 77th year and in the greatest distress, and most humbly hopes for the protection of the Public on the occasion (The Messiah); Disdainful of danger-Incledon, Page, Bartleman (Judas Maccabaeus); Oft on a plat-Incledon; Let me wander-Mme Mara; Or let the merry bells-Chorus (L'Allegro).

Afterpiece Title: Grand Selection 3

Music: As17990215

Event Comment: Never acted. [See Genest's comment (IV, 618) derived from Cumberland and the London Magazine-its appeal to the fashionable circles, its damnation at first performance because of the hanging of Harlequin in full view, and its modification thereafter. See 18 June and Horace Walpole to George Montagu [Arlington Street] July 28, 1761: I came to town yesterday through clouds of dust to see The Wishes, and went ac- [I, 381] tually feeling for Mr Bentley, and full of the emotions he must be suffering. What do [you] think in a house crowded was the first thing I saw! Mr and Madam Bentley perked up in the front boxes and acting audience at his own play--no, all the impudence of false patriotism never came up to it! Did one ever hear of an author that had couraee to see his own first night in public? I don't believe Fielding or Foote himself ever did--and this was the modest bashful Mr Bentley, that died at the thought of being known for an author, even by his own acquaintance! In the stage-box was Lady Bute, Lord Halifax and Lord Melcomb-I must say the two last entertained the house as much as the play-your King was prompter, and called out to the actors every minute to speak louder-the other went backwards and forwards behind the scenes, fetched the actors into the box, and was busier than Harlequin. The curious prologue was not spoken, the whole very ill-acted. It turned out just what I remembered it, the good parts extremely good, the rest very flat and vulgar-the genteel dialogue I believe might be written by Mrs Hannah. The audience was extremely fair. The first act they bore with patience, though it promised very ill-the second is admirable and was much applauded-so was the third-the fourth woeful-the beginning of the fifth it seemed expiring, but was revived by a delightful burlesque of the ancient chorus-which was followed by two dismal scenes, at which people yawned-but were awakened on a sudden by Harlequin's being drawn up to a gibbet nobody knew why or wherefore-this raised a prodigious and continued hiss, Harlequin all the while suspended in the air-at last they were suffered to finish the play, but nobody attended to the conclusion-modesty and his lady all the while sat with the utmost indifference-I suppose Lord Melcombe had fallen asleep [p. 382] before he came to this scene and had never read it. The epilogue was about the King and new Queen, and ended with a personal satire on Garrick-not very kind on his own stage-to add to the judge of this conduct, Cumberland two days ago published a pamphlet to abuse him. It was given out for tonight with more claps than hisses, but I think it will not do unless they reduce it to three acts." [p. 383]. Correspondence with George Montagu. Ed. W. S. Lewis & Ralph Brown. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1941), I, 381-83] Note: (I, 381n): Bentley's play of The Wishes or Harlequin's Mouth Opened, was offered to Garrick and Rich the beginning of 1761, but wasrefused by both. His nephew Cumberland showed it to Lord Melcomb, who carried it to Lord Bute, with a compliment in verse to that Lord by Mr Cumberland. Lord Bute showed it to the King, who sent Bentley #200 and ordered the new summer company to play [it]. There was a prologue, flattering the King and Lord Bute which Foote refused to act. Two days before it was played, Cumberland wrote an anonymous pamphlet, addressed to Mr Bentley, and abusing Garrick, who had refused to act Cumberland's tragedy of Cicero's banishment, which he printed this year [1761], unacted. The Wishes were played for the first time July 27th, 1761; the 2d 3d and part of the 4th, acts were much applauded, but the conclusion extremely hissed. The Epilogue concluded with a satire on Garrick. It was acted five nights. About the same time he wrote a tragedy called Philodamus, which he was to read to Garrick, but the latter was so angry at their treatment of him, that he declared against seeing Mr Bentley" (MS account by HW of Bentley's writings, in the collection of Lord Waldegrave at Chewton Priory)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Wishes Or Harlequins Mouth Opened

Performance Comment: Actors only: O'Brien, Baddeley, Davis, Weston, Miller, Blakey, Marr, Foote, Watkins, Gardiner, Miss Haughton, Miss Ambross, Miss E. Ambross, Miss Elliott Prologue-; Epilogue-; Pantaloon-Baddeley; Harlequin-O'Brien; Doctor-Weston; Mezzetin (Harlequin's Valet)-Blakey; Pierrot-Davis; Distress (a Poet)-Foote; Isabella (Pantaloon's daughter)-Miss Haughton; Colombine (her maid)-Miss Elliott; Manto (a fairy)-Miss Ambrose (Genest, IV, 618); Also Parts-Marr, Watkins, Gardiner (Winston MS 9); Party per pale-Millar; Maid-Miss E. Ambrose (St James Chron. 28-30 July).

Dance: Master Rogier, Miss Capitani

Event Comment: t foot of Bill]: Whenever a Pantomime or Farce shall be advertised, the advanced prices shall be returned to those who do not choose to stay; and on Thursday next will be published the Manager's reasons for his conduct in the present dispute. Winston MS.: Fleetwood, the manager, and servants driven from doors & all rushed in. Genest, IV, 137-38: A country gentleman was taken from an upper box and carried before a magistrate. This step when known by the audience occasioned much mischief. Acting the play not allowed. General Advertiser, 22 Nov.: An Address to the Public, dl Theatre 20 November. As the extraordinary disturbances which have lately happened at this theatre greatly affect the diversions of the publick, as well as the property of the manager, he thinks it incumbent on him to justify his conduct by giving a fair statement of the case....The reasons of complaint assigned, he apprehends, are the exhibition of Pantomimes, Advanced Prices, and Insults on the audience--as to the first, he submits it to be considered that however distasteful such pieces may be to the delicacy of some judgments, yet there are others to whose taste they are suited; as the playhouse may be considered as the general mart of pleasure, it is only from the variety of entertainment, the different tastes of the public can be supplied--of this the receipts of the house are a sufficient evidence, it being notorius, how necessary the addition of such pieces is towards procuring the best play a numerous audience. With regard to the advanced prices, the Manager hoped he should in some measure be justified by the great increase of the charges of the theatre which, notwithstanding any reduction that has been made, are still at least a fourth part greater than usual--but as in this point he has already submitted, he conceives it can no longer remain the subject of their displeasure, especially as by an advertisement handed about the theatre it was said that every objection would cease, when the manager consented to return the advanced prices to those, who did not choose to be tortured with entertainments. As to insults on the audience...last week upon some persons flinging the sconces and candles on the stage a quarrel arose, in the confusion of which a Gentleman was secured, but by whom the Manager knows not, nor ever gave any order, or was any acquainted with the affair till after he was discharged, for the truth of which he refers to the affidavit annexed. As to the accusation of several bruisers (as they are termed) being employed on Saturday night to insult Gentlemen, the Manager declares, that there was none but the Peace Officers, Carpenters, and Scene-men (which on account of the Entertainments are very numerous) and other servants belonging to the theatre; nor did they appear till urged by the tumult, by tearing up benches and threat'ning to come on the stage and demolish the scenes; nor could the Manager apprehend this legal precaution to prevent mischief and defend his property would ever be construed as an infringement on the liberty of an audience, especially when it is considered, what great damages he sustained some years ago on an attempt of the like nature--if any such persons appeared in the pit, the Manager presumes, they must have come in with the multitude, after his doorkeepers were drove from their posts, and the house was open to all; which was evident from several hundred persons more being present at the disturbance than were at the performance that night, who then came to a determination to prevent any performance on the Monday. After this impartial account of his conduct, the manager appeals to the judgment of the publick what foundation he has given for the outrageous disturbance on Monday night; and cannot help thinking, the real injuries he has sustained, too severe a punishment for an imaginary offence, having lost several hundred pounds already, by people being terrified from frequenting the theatre. A total exclusion is now insisted on, the Manager to resign his property, the Publick to be deprived of their diversions and the players of their subsistence; And all this after every concession, becoming one gentleman to ask, or another to make, has been submitted to. [Affidavit of Constable followed. See Genest, IV, 139-40.] The following three pamphlets came out expressing points of view concerning Fleetwood and his policy and management: I. The Disputes between the Director of d.l. and the Pit Potentates, 20 Nov. As a Letter to a Friend it tells the resolution: not to have old Pantomimes (so execrably bad that they were damn'd when new) imposed on them, unless the manager would take no more than common prices; reports how Fleetwood stocked the pit with Men of doughty valor...disguised in the habits of Gentlemen, to throw out all who protested; protests the system of casting employed whereby 2nd rate actors appeared in good parts; discusses hardship cases of certain actors (Mrs Roberts, Mrs Horton, Mrs Mills) and asks why Theophilus Cibber is not on the stage. 2. An Impartial Examen of the Present Contests, by Mr Neitherside, 1744: harks back to Fleetwood's finacial policies of the previous year, deploring his relations with the actors and with manager of cg; scourges him for miscasting his plays around one prominent actor, rather than giving a balanced performance; deplores his paying Mrs Cibber, Mrs Clive so much; revives the 1743 dispute which led to secession; dislikes the casting for 2 Nov. of Love's Last Shift; suggests better casts for many plays; scores the Licensing Act for reducing players to slavery; hopes for resumption of balanced performances. 3. Stage Policy Detected, or some Selcet Pieces of Theatrical Secret History Laid Open, in a Letter to a Certain Manager, 1744: takes apart Fleetwood's Defense, statement by statement, giving him the lie at each point. Suggests the real money from the house comes from Pit and Box, which are protesting his pantomimes; shows full attendance at Rehearsal and Macbeth with no afterpieces. Especially dislikes the hired bruisers, and the cast of the Alchemist for 6 Nov

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Provoked Wife

Dance: Muilment

Event Comment: To the Author of the General Advertiser. Sir: Having read an advertisement of a performance call'd Concerto Spirituale, for the Benefit of Mr Geminiani, on Friday 6 April next, I could not avoid making a few remarks to the public on the occasion, which, if you will favour with a place in your Paper it may perhaps be of service to his undertaking, and will greatly oblige, Sir your humble Serv't, J. B. When Mr Geminiani came first over here, the great excellence of the Violin was unknown in this kingdom, and the great improvement our countrymen have made on that instrument is entirely owing to him. The valuable works he has produc'd in the instrumental way, are greater indications of his merit, as an author, than any I can offer in his behalf; this is the only Benefit he ever made, therefore I persuade myself that the Public (who are justly famous for their Generosity on such laudable occasions) will give him the encouragement his Merit deserves

Performances

Mainpiece Title: None

Event Comment: In a letter to the Daily Post. 4 June, the Patentees of Drury Lane-Mary Wilks, John Ellys, Hester Booth, and John Highmore-stated the cast of the Patentees. The gist of their statement is: (1) They operate under a Patent commencing 1 Sept. 1732 which, by Deaths and Legal Assignments, is the property of the four, with Highmore possessing one half, at an expence of #6,000 and upwards. (2) Several of the Players have threatened to desert the service of the Patentees and have contracted with some of the Trustees (the Sharers) to secure possession of the Theatre. (3) Drury Lane is let upon lease from the Duke of Bedford, granted to Thomas Kynaston and Francis Stanhope, Trustees for the Sharers (commonly called Renters) of Drury Lane at the rent of #50 annually upon a Fine of 1,000 guineas paid for the renewal of the lease. (4) The Players, under the Patentees, have acted at Drury Lane for twenty-one years without any interruption form the Trustees upon the sole contract that the Patentees pay the Trustees #3 12s. each acting night, besides the Liberty of seeing Plays. (5) At the beginning of this Season the manager's office received a letter from a few of the Renters demanding an Advance of Rent. Highmore, being new, was concerned, and asked the managers to take care of the matter; and thereafter the signers (the Patentees) had heard of no further discontent among the Renters. (6) To defend themselves against stories of hardship or complaint by the actors, the Patentees point out that the following weekly salaries had been paid: Colley Cibber #12 12s.; Theophilus Cibber #5; Mills Sr, #1 daily for 200 days certain, and a benefit, clear of all charges; Mills Jr #3; Johnson #5; Miller #5; Harper #4; Griffin #4; Shepard #3; Hallam, for himself and his father, the latter of little or no service, #3; Mrs Heron #5; Mrs Butler #3. For these charges and others, the Patentees stand a daily expence of #49 when the theatre is open. (7) Further, the Patentees paid Cibber Jr his wife's whole salary without her being able to act the greater part of the winter, #9 weekly for the two; Mills Jr, in the same circumstances with his wife, #5 10s. weekly for the two; Miller a salary (amounting to #40) for eight weeks before he acted, and a gratuity of ten guineas; Griffin a present of ten guineas; Harper a present, amount not specified; Mrs Heron an increase form 40s. to #5 weekly, although she refused afterward to play several parts assigned her and acted but seldom

Performances

Event Comment: Salary list #300 5s. [increased to #50 11d. per day. Pay raised 5d., and Mrs Lowe added at 15s.]; Paid for 1000 cards for tickets #1 10s.; Paid for 28 extra supers for Macbeth, Richard and Dancers #1 8s.; Paid Mrs Hobson a bill 19s. 9d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #200 (Cross); #169 9s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Suspicious Husband

Song: Master Mattocks

Ballet: TThe Savoyard Travellers. As17491110

Event Comment: Last time of performing till the Holidays. Boxes #72 15s. Paid Macklin one fifth part of #128 15s. being the surplus after #63 allowed for the charge as per agreement--#25 15s. Paid Mr Roubiliac as per bill #30 14s. Paid Stephen Gom, carpenter at Cowley a bill for work done from 6 Dec. 1759 to this day #53 (Account Book). Receipts: #191 15s. (Account Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King John

Afterpiece Title: Love a la Mode

Dance: The Last New Dance-Poitier Jr, Mlle Capdeville

Event Comment: TThe Jovial Crew, as advertised for this Day cannot be perform'd on account of the indisposition of Miss Brent. Positively the last time of the company's performing this season. Boxes #5 17s. 6d. Paid Younger a bill for writing parts #2 12s. Paid Ross in full to make his sallery #300 for the season: #60. The Account Book indicates a deficit this night of #1240 12s. 4d. after all salaries are paid. This deficit was reduced by #301 18s. 8d. on May 27 by deductions from the annual salaries of 23 actors and dancers for 19 nights on account of "the death of His Late Majesty King George the Second." A little more than 10 per cent was taken from the salary of each: From Miss Macklin's salary of #300, was deducted #31 16s. 10d., &c. The others who were similary taxed were: @Name Salary Deduction@Ross #300 #31 16s. 10d.@Maranesi & Mrs Maranesi[Wife #270 #28 13s. 2d.@Sparks #250 #26 10s. 8d.@Dyer & Mrs Dyer[Wife #250 #26 10s. 8d.@Beard #210 #22 5s. 9d.@Ridout #180 #19 2s. 1d.@Poitier Jr #150 #15 18s. 6d.@Miss Capdeville #150 #15 15s. 5d.@Barrington #100 #10 12s. 3d.@Bencraft #100 #10 12s. 3d.@LaLauze #100 #10 12s. 3d.@Poitier Sr #80 #8 9s. 9d.@Leppie #80 #8 9s. 9d.@Mrs Jansolien #60 #6 7s. 4d.@Mrs Viviez #60 #6 7s. 4d.@Rotchford #50 #5 6s. 1d.@Mrs Marianne #50 #5 6s. 1d.@Hussey #35 #3 14s. 3d.@Mrs Welsch #35 #3 14s. 3d.@Mrs Crawford #35 #3 14s. 3d.@ On 30 May the deficit was further reduced by receipts from 26 actors for advances, one-half value of tickets for their benefit performances, &c., plus #200 from John Rich, in the amount of #506 6s. 5d. (Account Book).] Receipts: #43 7s. 6d. (Account Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Macbeth

Afterpiece Title: The Rape of Proserpine

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Paid Mr Babett for Papier Machee Ornaments 19s. 4s.; Paid Colman & Mrs Powell for Branson's additional salary for the last 3 seasons being advanc'd by them #93 7s. 6d. Paid ditto for 4 years' rent for apartments in their House, due lady Day next #80 (Account Book). Receipts: #124 (Account Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fox

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Skeleton

Event Comment: Benefit for Gardner and R. Smith. Mrs Gardner's Indisposition preventing her from performing this evening, she hopes she shall be excused by her friends. [She was to have played Catherine in Afterpiece according to advance notice of 4 May.] Charges #64 10s. Deficit to each benefiticiary #15 6s. 6d., cover'd by income from tickets: Gardner, #61 1s. (Box 118; Pit 101; Gallery 164); Smith, #64 19s. (Box 35; Pit 264; Gallery 166). Paid half year's Land Tax for the Theatre due Lady day last, #61 5s.; paid ditto for window lights, #6 10s. 6d.; Paid ditto for House in Bow Passage #2 3s. 9d. and for its window lights 15s. Receipts: #33 17s. (Account Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Merchant Of Venice

Afterpiece Title: Catherine and Petruchio

Dance: III: Comic Dance, as17711031; IV: A Tambourine, as17720501

Event Comment: Benefit J. Roberts. By Desire. For the Entertainment of the Ancient and Honourable Society of Non-Common Pleas, Mainpiece: Written by the Author of George Barnwell. Second and Third Pieces: Both written by the Author of Pasquin. To begin exactly at Half an Hour after Six, and all will be over by Half an Hour after Nine. Tickets (containing the Prologue to the Register, by way of Ode to the New Year, with the Musick engrav'd on a Copper Plate) may be had of Mr Henry Roberts, Engraver, at the Star over-against the Vine Tavern in Holborn, and at the Theatre in the Hay-Market. Daily Advertiser, 2 May: Sir, As at every one of our Theatres this Day there is a Benefit for Persons under Misfortunes, 'tis humbly hop'd that the more humane Pursuers o Pleasure will suspend their Curiosity for Vaux Hall for one Day, (out of a hundred) in Favour of so many Unfortunate, who have but the Chance of one single Night to relieve them from Afflictions which perhaps they have long labour'd under. And, as I have somewhere read, So humane Worth to God like Heights they'll raise, For the Preserver shares the Maker's Praise. I believe it is fully known, without troubling you with farther Particulars, that among the Number above mention'd, is included, Sir, Your very humble Servant, John Roberts

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fatal Curiosity

Afterpiece Title: The Historical Register

Afterpiece Title: Eurydice Hissd