Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; B 3, by
Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Prologue by the
Hon. Richard Fitzpatrick (
Public Advertiser, 3 Aug. 1781)]: With a Procession. [This was included in all subsequent performances. For the Sea Fight see 20 Nov.] With New Scenes, Dresses
and Decorations. The Scenery designed by
DeLoutherbourg,
and executed under his direction. The Doors to be opened at 5:15. To begin at 6:15 [same for rest of season, except on 1 May 1780]. "The House was so crowded that there were many disturbances, one so great that
Smith when he had nearly finished 'To be or not to be' was obliged to leave the Stage,
and when the noise subsided, to return
and begin the soliloquy again... As
The Critic took up two hours
and a half in performance, it must of necessity be considerably shortened" (
Morning Chronicle, 1 Nov.). "The scene of the
battle with the Armadav [was] executed in the most masterly manner. The Motion of the sea, the engaging of the ships,
and the destruction occasioned by the fire-ships were happily contrived
and accurately represented" (
London Chronicle, 1 Nov.). Account-Book, 9 Nov.: Paid R. B. Sheridan on Acct. of Critic #320. Receipts: #241 19s. 6d. (222.11.0; 19.3.6; 0.5.0)