Event Comment: Journal of the Earl of Anglesey, 25 Jan. 1671@2: At eight of the clock The King's playhouse took fire, and most of that side of Russell Street and many other houses thereabout were burnt down, and we in Drury Lane and all about in great danger; but the Lord had mercy, and by great industry and blowing up houses the fire was overcome: I had no rest, but sat up almost all night, even till six in the morning. The Lord pardon sin, which brings judgements (HMC, 13th Report, Part VI [London, 1893], p. 270. The Bulstrode Papers (I, 217): About 8 hapened a sad and violent fire, which begun in the King's Theater, and in a few howers burnt down that...severall were hurt and killed, amongst which was Mr Bell, one of the actors in that house. For a poem, On the Unhappy Conflagration of the Theatre Royal, January 25th, 1672, see Fitzgerald, A New History of the English Stage, I, 137

Event Comment: The King's Company. Newdigate newsletters (Folger Shakespeare Library), 15 Nov. 1681: This being ye Q.s birthday ye K.s players acted Alexdr ye great after wch was a ball & entertainment given to ye Ct. (Wilson, Theatre Notes from the Newdigate Newsletters, p. 80). Luttrell, 15 Nov. 1681: The 15th, being the birth day of her majestie, was kept with ringing of bells, bonefires, &c.; and at night there was a play acted at Whitehall before the king and queen, where the court appeared in great splendor (A Brief Relation, I, 144). The Earl of Arran to Ormond, 15 Nov. 1681: I am going to a play at court (HMC, Ormonde MSS., New Series, VI, 230). L. C. 5@144, p. 246, 22 Nov. 1681: Whereas Jeoffrey Ayleworth, Thomas ffarmer, Thomas ffinall & Richard Tomlinson foure of his Mates Musitians have neglected their dury in attending at ye play acted before his Mate at Whitehall on Tuesday night last for which I have suspended them (L. C. to the Treasurer of the Chamber, in Boswell, Restoration Court Stage, p. 100)

Event Comment: Benefit Cunningham. At the Desire of the Hon. Bell Ara Moleck, and the worshipful Fraternity of Free-Masons. A Concert, etc. [customary notice]. Prices 3s., 2s., 1s. Although there was such ill Decorum the last time the Beggar's Opera was exhibited there, particular care will be taken to have it now in the most regular manner

Event Comment: [Full column in Daily Advertiser describing Barry's and Mrs Macklin's acting techniques.] Barry from the Theatre in Dublin, perform'd the part of Othello, at Drury Lane, before a numerous and polite audience; and met with as great Applause as could be express'd.--General Advertiser, 6 Oct. Thomas Gray to Horace Walpole: You have probably been there since I left you, and consequently have seen the Mr Barry you desired some account of; yet as I am not certain of this and should be glad to know whether we agree about him, I will nevertheless tell you what he is, and the impression he made upon me. He is upwards of six feet in height; wdll and prortionably made, treads well and knows what to do with his limbs; in short a noble graceful figure. I can say nothing of his face but that it was all black, with a wide mough and good eyes. His voice is of a clear and pleasing tone, something like Delane's, but not so deep-mouthed, not so like a passing bell. When high strain'd it is apt to crack a little and be hoarse, but in its common pitch, and when it sinks into any softer passion, particularly expressive and touching. In the first scene, especially when he recounts to the Senate the progress of his love and the means he used to win Desdemona, he was quite mistaken, and I took a pique against him; instead of a cool narration he flew into a rant of voice and action, as though he were relating the circumstance of a battle that was fought yesterday. I expected nothing more from him, but was deceiv'd: in the scenes of rage and jealousy he was seldom inferior to Quin in the parts of tenderness and sorrow far above him. These latter seem to be his peculiarly; his action is not very various, but rarely improper, or without dignity, and some of his attitudes are really fine. He is not perfect to be sure, but I think may make a better player than any now on the stage in a little while. However, to see a man in one character, and but once, is not sufficient, so I rather ask your opinion by this, than give you mine.--Horace Walpole's Correspondence with Thomas Gray, II, 6-7

Event Comment: GGeneral Advertiser: This day is publish'd at 6d. An Apology to the Town, for Himself and the Bottle. By J. Nick-all. N.B. Mr P- was mistaken in the name. To which is prefix'd an exact representation of the scene of Harlequin's Escape into the Bottlev , introduc'd into the Pantomime of Apollo and Daphne, or the Burgomaster Trick'd, the Character of Harlequin by Mr Phillips. Printed for B. Dickenson, the corner of Bell Savage Inn, Ludgate Hill

Event Comment: Benefit for Will Hill. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire of his friends. N.B. The Gentlemen are desired to meet Mr Hill after the Play at the Rose Tavern, Temple Bar. [He had advertised since 15 April that "Gentlemen and Ladies who intend to honour him with their presence," should take tickets at: the Thatched House, St. James's St; Jack Bridell's, the One Tun in the Strand; Half moon in Holborn; Rose, Temple Bar; King's Head, in the Poultry; Castle, Lombard St; Bell, East cheap; King's Head, Tower Hill, Rummer, Bishopsgate St; West India and Jerusalem Coffee Houses near the Royal Exchange; Chapman's, Swordcutler, in Exchange Alley; and at Will Hill's Lodgings, Mr Geves's in Abchurch Lane.

Event Comment: Benefit for Palmer and Shuter. Last time of acting mainpiece this season. Tickets of Hobson at the stage Door. At Sadler's Wells near Islington will this day be opened a Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music, divided into two parts; the vocal parts to be perform'd by Hemskirk, Bell, Mrs Yates, and Mrs Hooper. Between the two parts of the concert will be introduced several curious Performances, among which will be a fine representation of the Italian Shadows, which have not been performed in England these 30 years. The whole to conclude with a Grand piece of Fireworks, decorated with machinery and paintings entirely new, Each person to be admitted for a pint of Wine. To begin at 5 o'clock (General Advertiser). Receipts: #170 (Cross)

Event Comment: [The theatres this night met competition from (I) an Assembly at the king's Theatre in the Haymarket, tickets 26s. each, to admit one Gentleman and two ladies. (2) another Assembly at the Five Bells Tavern, behind the New Church, in the Strand, where was opened the Temple of Taste, where will be exhibited a grand concert of Music. Also an attempt towards the Introduction of a new rational entertainment, consisting of an Occasional Prologue by a Gentleman; a panegyric on the Utility of Public Speaking, in which the Design is particularly illustrated; Propositions made from a Gentleman in the Chair, to be debated by the company, such as the Gay and Polite may be supposed to understand, and speak upon with success; to conclude with an Original Epilogue; the whole interspers'd with several grand concertos, Overtures, and Full pieces of Musick. This design, which has for its object the interest of Knowledge, Eloquence and Politeness, needs no Apology, and can be opposed by those, with whom to be at variance, is Virtue. No subject of so Sacred Nature as Religion, will be there canvass'd nor anything that can give Occasion to Indecency, or unmannerly reflection on any Undertaking or Party.-In this attempt all Men of Taste are interested, as they will have an opportunity not only of being pleased, but giving pleasure by considering every subject with candour, and reasoning upon it, with Eloquence and propriety. To this entertainment, the Ladies are likewise invited, who have an unexceptionable right to be present at all Attempts, calculated for the promotion of knowledge, and as their appearance will naturally secure polite behavior, so they may reap some advantage from the Circulation of ideas, which is such an Assembly must necessarily take place. The price of entrance-half a crown each. To begin precisely at seven. The room which is very commodious, will be elegantly illuminated. The SUBJECT for the first Night's Debate will be, "If the Custom of Portioning Daughters was entirely suppress'd, would it not be a good Expedient towards the promotion of Matrimony and the felicity of that state." It continued on four Wednesday nights. Then seems to have died.

Event Comment: Both pieces By Command of his Majesty. [The Assembly at the Temple of Taste in the Five Bell's tavern (see 20 Feb.) received a puff this day: 'On Thursday Night there was a brilliant appearance of Ladies and Gentlemen, at the opening of the Temple of Taste, who express'd much Satisfaction at the entertainment they met with, which was not only instructive, but extremely polite and pleasing; if any Complaint was made, it was that (nothwithstanding is lasted full three hours) instead of being tir'd with the Performance, as at many Publick exhibitions, they seem'd to think they had too little of it; As we are always glad to embrace any Opportunity of shewing our zeal for the Service of the Publick, we can but applaud an Undertaking than which nothing appears more rational and better calculated for the general good" (General Advertiser).

Event Comment: Benefit Decay'd and Antient Masons. The Brothers are desir'd to meet at the Day of Performance at the Five Bells Tavern in the Strand, at 4 p.m. Tickets to be had of Mr Lauder at the Theatre

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Pritchard (Cross). Mainpiece: Not acted these 30 years. This day publish'd. Price 1s. Reflections upon Theatrical Expression in Tragedy. [By Roger Pickering. This is a defense of the theatrical profession, "which in all countries is considered low and contemptible." Author's thesis: "A master of theatrical expression in all its extensive significancy must be possess'd of such accomplishments, as to set the profession above all contempt." Garrick is mentioned as best example. True tragic expression "requires Genius, Education, Reading, Experience...and a solidity of thought which never accompanies abject morals" (p. 11). Includes an interesting treatise on acting-sections on figure, voice, ear, memory, management of feet and legs. Comments on costume: "Taste in dress demands that an actor be conversant in the mode of dress ancient and modern, in other countries as well as in our own...Alexander and Cato were not masters of the snuff box, nor Greek women of French heels." The appendix asks why all our plays are not dressed in character in point of time and place, and why they do not contain at least one "scene" proper to the country. The author (p. 61) sees need for variety in acting same role, especially when a play has a continuous run of several nights. He calls (p. 77) for creation of appropriate mood for the play by selection of proper music between the acts. Wants a softening of the prompter's bell. Concludes by damning contemporary audience manners, especially those of the stage loungers (pp. 79-81).] Receipts: #314 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Hull. Books of the afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. Afterpiece: Founded on the plan of the old Ballad of that name. The songs adapted to old English, Irish and Scotch tunes. [Shuter's Prologue is Larpent MS 218, wherein he enters in character of a Ballad singer, interrupting the music as the overture comes to a close. He sings snatches from some ten old ballads, stopping in the midst of each to comment on the superiority of modern circumstances which parallel those referred to in the old ballads. As the bell rings he introduces the afterpiece.

Event Comment: [G$Genest, V, 119, suggests The Deuce is in Him for afterpiece with King as Prattle and Miss Reynolds as Bell. Treasurer's Book, however, states Queen Mab. Cunning Man-deferred. Mrs Arne Ill. Wonder reviv'd after two years. See 13 May 1765.] Receipts: #103 9s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Paid James Amson for a set of China for Love in the City, #11 2s. 11d. (Account Book). Receipts: #115 13s. 6d. (Account Book). [On 5 March appeared in the Public Advertiser the following squib]: To the Author of Love in the City. @If e'er again thy Muse engage@To laugh at Folly on the Stage,@Let Cockneys 'scape the stroke@Since 'tis with Men of Sense a Rule@That of all Fools, the Bo-Bell Fool@Can least endure a Joke. A.

Event Comment: The Jubilee consists of Dialogue Singing & Dancing. This Entertainment was written & compil'd by Mr G.-and it was receiv'd with bursts of Applause the Procession of Shakespear's Characters &c. is the most Superb that ever was Exhibited or I believe ever will. There never was an Entertainment produc'd that gave so much pleasure to all Degrees Boxes pit and Gallery (Hopkins Diary). The Music by Dibdin. With New Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations. [On all subsequent bills, though some are shortened, the PAGEANT is advertised in large capitals. Larpent MS 298, includes descriptive notes and stage directions, p. 24: "Here follows the Pageant, with Bells ringing, Fifes playing, Drums beating, and Cannons firing. In The Procession every scene in the different plays represents some capital part of it in action...The last Scene is a magnificent Transparent one in which the Capital characters of Shakespeare are exhibited at full length with Shakespeare's Statue in the middle crowned by Tragedy and Comedy, fairies and Cupids surrounding him and all the banners waving at the upper end. Then enter the dancers." The Pageant appeared at the top of the stage and came forward, Reviewed in Freeholder's Magazine, Oct.

Event Comment: Paid the person for performing the Bells 4 nights #1 10s. [in Jubilee?] (Account Book). Receipts: #242 8s

Event Comment: Paid Henry Williams for performing the Bells #1 10s. (Account Book). Receipts: #210 11s

Event Comment: Paid Wm Gard for performing in the Lyon 12 Nights #1 10s. Paid Thomas Singleton for the same #1 10s.; Paid Henry Williams for performing the Bells 4 nights #1 10s. (Account Book). [Epilogue is Larpent MS 306.] Receipts: #194 2s

Event Comment: LLalauze stated he had been 42 years an inhabitant of this country,--retained by Rich 32 years, who promis'd him an annuity of #50 a year whenever he was incapable of performing. This was not in his Will but the Executors allowed it him 3 years. Having sold the property they discontinued it; The new parties engag'd him last year but they would not this season. So Foote gave him the House of 14 Feb. at Haymarket gratis (Winston MS 10). Paid Henry Williams for performing the Bells 4 nights #1 10s. Paid Wm Gard 4 nights in the Lyon 10s.--and Thos Singleton for same 10s. (Account Book). Receipts: #188 13s

Event Comment: Mainpiece: A tragedy [by John Hoole] never performed. Paid Williams for performing the Bells 3 nights #1 2s. 6d.; Paid Gard and Singleton each 7s. 6d. for performing 3 nights in the Lyon (Account Book). [Mainpiece reviewed in the Freeholder's Magazine, March.] Receipts: #227 6s. 6d

Event Comment: Benefit for Woodward. Mainpiece: Not acted these 5 years. [See 7 May 1766.] Charges #74 4s. Balance to Woodward #82 7s. plus income from 190 Box tickets, #47 10s.; Paid Williams 3 nights performing the Bells, #1 2s. 6d., and Gard & Singleton 3 nights for perfoming in the Lyon 7s. 6d. each (Account Book). Receipts: #156 11s

Event Comment: Benefit for Miles. Charges #73 16s. Balance to Miles #47 14s. plus #119 7s. from tickets (Box 226; Pit 331; Gallery 132). Williams, Gard & Singleton rec'd customary Pay for performing the Bell and the lion in the Pantomime [see 15 Feb.] (Account Book). Receipts: #121 10s