Event Comment: A Free Benefit for
Ryan. Mainpiece: Not acted these 4 years. [See 3 April 1756.] Written by the late
Mr Hughes. [For Afterpiece, see note.] Receipts: Door, #87 7s. Tickets #121 17s. (boxes 267; pit 286; gallery 122). (Account Book). [
Ryan had advertised his benefit on 15 March to be
The Siege of Damascus and a new Dramatic Satire called
The Anniversary, being a Sequel to
Lethe. On 16 March the following letter appeared in the
Public Advertiser: "Upon reading Ryan's advertisement of a New Dramatic Satire, I was extremely pleas'd with a Description of the motive that occasioned it. He being last week at dinner with a set of particular friends, they inquired what Play
and Farce he had chose this year for his Benefit. He inform'd them the
Siege of Damascus and Lethe. Lethe, replied a Gentleman is very pleasing, but your friends have seen it,
and you must fall into the fashion of having a new additional Scene; for a little bit of novelty may give assistance to its merit,
and prove to your advantage. Why, then, said a facetious Gentleman, who sat very near him, Pray sir, do you write him one; 'twill cost you little trouble,
and, you know, you are very
capable. No more
capable than yourself, Good Sir, answered the other; but to show I am full as willing, if you'll attempt to please his friends with one, upon my word I'll use my best endeavor to do the same, in writing of another. We need not fear Severity, for none will blame a friendly inclination to serve a man, who, I believe everyone wishes well. "Twas agreed, but
Ryan judiciously observed, 'twould be a shame that two Gentlemen, each
capable of writing to give an audience satisfaction, should condescend to make mere Lacqueys of their pens,
and send them forth to hold the tail of
Lethe; therefore if they should once begin, let them each write only one Hour longer,
and they might raise a Structure of their own. They kindly undertook it,
and in a Week sent him the piece he has now advertised."