Event Comment: Mainpiece: A Comedy [by William Kenrick] never performed before. [The play failed to succeed. Kenrick accounts for the failure in his Preface to the 1773 edition by reference to the Macklin affair (See 23 Oct., 30 Oct. and 18 Nov.) He quotes from the Public Advertiser (22 Nov.): "On Saturday last a new comedy called the Duellist was performed, for the first time, at Covent Garden Theatre. Previous to the curtain being drawn up, the following written handbill was dispersed about the house. 'Mr Macklin has been pursued by a malicious party to such a pitch of rancour, that at last they have succeeded so far in their cursed designs, as to get him discharged this theatre, and thereby have deprived him of the means of a livelihood; therefore if the public have any spirit, they will not suffer the new play to begin till Mr Colman promises that Mr Macklin shall be engaged again.' This handbill found its way into the green-room, and had a very visible effect on the performers, as was plainly evident from their confusion. The piece was received with great marks of approbation, and given out again for Monday, which was attended with some hissing, but that was greatly overpowered by the general applause of the audience. The overture to Thomas and Sally being attended to with silence, the greatest part of the author's friends quitted the theatre; which being taken advantage of by a party in the gallery, a riot ensued, and the entertainment was not suffered to go on till another play was given out for Monday." Kenrick agrees with this account, then analyses several other objections which he dismisses, to wit, in the play (a) too lengthy a satire on lawyers, (b) an indelicate passage in Latin (omitted from the printed version); in the audience, a conspiracy of Garrick and Bickerstaffe against him; and lack of a claque of his own friends to carry through their suport of him. Macklin's name appears on the playroll this night, but only for a accumulated 4 days of pay #8 16s. (Account Book).] Receipts: #221 3s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: A New Tragedy by Robert Jephson. New Scenes and Dresses. This Tragedy having been read by the Author's Friends in most of the great Family's in Town & puff'd up in Such a Manner that the Expectations of the Audience were so much rais'd that it fell far short of what they imagin'd-the four first Acts are heavy & want incident & Plot, the Writing is Clear & Nervous-the 5 Act has more incident & Plot but Writing not so Nervous: No Play had ever more Justice in the getting of it up Mr G. was not Sparing of his Labour & Attendance nor was any Expence deny'd for the Cloaths & Scenery both of which were Superb and it receiv'd with very great applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid Mr Wright per order #6 5s.; Mr Wallis on note #2 2s. (Treasurer's Book). [The Westminster Magazine for Feb. outlines the plot of Braganza, and comments favorably: "Upon the whole, Braganza, met with general and deserved applause; and we cannot help congratulating the Public on the acquisition of a truly dramatic Genius." The author, Colonel Jephson, was Aid-de-Camp to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Walpole wrote to Mason: "Braganza was acted with prodigious success. The audience, the most impartial I ever saw, sat mute for two acts, and seemed determined to judge for themselves, and not to be the dupes of the encomiums that had been so lavishly trumpeted. At the third act they grew pleased and interested; at the fourth they were cooled and deadened by two unneccessary scenes, but at the catastrophe in the fifth they were transported. They clapped, shouted, hussaed, cried bravo, and thundered out applause." Commends Mrs Yates, and hopes this will spark a new era in dramatic writing. Sweepingly condemns that of last fifty years.] Receipts: #250 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Yates. House Charges #65 5s. [Profit to Yates #118 16s. 6d.] Not performed for 20 years. Revived with alterations. Paid B. Johnson's Head Bill #2 5s. 6d. Paid #2 2s. for licensing Dido (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #184 6d. (Treasurer's Book). About 5 went into the Pit at Drury Lane to see the False Friend reviv'd with alterations, for the benefit of Yates. It engages the attention, but was very well performed. Don John by Holland; Don Pedro by Powell; Lopez by Mr Yates, the drinking Servant by Baddeley; Leonora by Mrs Barry (whom I never saw before); Isabella by Miss Plym and Jacintha by Mrs Yates. I think an Abigail an odd character for her, but no doubt she was willing to play anything for her husband's benefit. After the dance of the Vintage, Mr Yates spoke by way of Interlude a new piece on his being in France called the "Modern Traveller," containing some strokes on the affectation of French Fashions, &c. We had the Farce of High Life Below Stairs with minuet by Mrs Yates and a French Valet, which I do not remenber to have seen when I saw this Farce (before) (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: New Overture and Pieces of Music Between the Acts. Music by Barthelemon. New Scenes, Habits and Decorations. The Scenes designed by DeLoutherberg, and painted by Messrs French, Royer, and Greenwood. Books of the songs and Chorusses to be had at the Theatre. This piece is got up in a most Superb manner. The Scenery is beyond description fine -& the whole Performance tho' the most complicated upon the stage went off with uncommon Applause. Mrs Abington played finely--Mr Slingsby & Sga Hidou danc'd for the first time & were Amazingly well Rec'ed. The Ballets are very Grand (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Rec'd stopages #17 18s.; Paid salary list #567 16s.; J. French on Acct #5 5s. (Treasurer's Book). Mainpiece: Never performed before, by John Burgoyne. [The review in the Westminster Magazine, Nov. 1774, tells the plot, and concludes: "After some superb exhibitions of transparent scenery, several characteristic airs, and elegant dances, Mr Oldworth...proclaims Maria his only daughter and gives her to Sir Harry. After a dance of Cupids, Hymen, &c....offering them eternal wreaths, the Druid of the Oaks, freed by the present powers of Beauty from that sequestered habitation to which by mystic spells he had long been doomed, appears to ratify their union, and astonishes the spectators by his magic influence, in a glorious vision of that felicity the virtues of the happy pair had so justly insured. An admirable vaudeville, and a grand dance, conclude the dramatic entertainment....Had it not appeared obvious that the whole was intended as a mere vehicle for the splendid spectacle, we do not suppose, in spite of the managers Orders and Puffs, that the author's labors would have been tolerated. The very excellent scenery, however, of the ingenious Mr Loutherbourg preserved this piece from that damnation, which as a dramatic production, it justly merited."] Receipts: #263 14s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Wrote by one Mr Crisp. A Gentlewoman, who never appear'd upon ye Stage before did Marcia (Mrs Graham) & had deservidly great applause, the whole play went off, with General Approbation. Mr Carey had his fiddle broke by an apple playing the first Music--the Prologue & Epilogue much lik'd--both wrote by Garrick (Cross). Gentlewoman-Mrs Graham, afterwards Mrs Yates (Winston MS 8). Tuner Letter the 2nd pub. at 6d.--29 pages

Event Comment: Comedy from Moliere and Cibber. Hopkins Diary: This comedy [Hypocrite] is the Non Juror altered, and two new characters introduced,--went off very well,--some few hisses,--but the play will do.--The alterations are by Mr Bickerstaffe. [Full account of the mainpiece, but without critical observation, appeared in the Lloyd's Evening Post, Nov. 18-21.

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 26 years. [See 13 April 1748.] Dressed in The Habits of the Times (playbill). This play is altered by Mr G was well perform'd a New Prologue & Epilogue all receiv'd with Applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs sligntly in wording.] Paid Properties #1 11s. 11d.; Housekeeper's bill #4 13s. Receipts: #153 13s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: In the Gazetteer 25 Feb. appeared a long editorial by "Rectus": "Though the performing oratorios in the time of Lent,is highly censured by many, yet I must own that I think the far greater part of them become enemies to those solemn performances, rather because their ears are more unfit for music than their minds are for the pretended immorality that attends such exhibitions." [The writer wishes not to cry down every entertainment he cannot relish himself and adds], "I have long endeavoured to find out the reason why plays should not be performed on Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent as well as on those days all through the rest of the season. I have never yet been able to find out that Lent makes the least difference in people's way of living." [He wonders, however, why the non-sacred oratorios such as Acis and Galatea and Alexander's Feast have been allowed performance. He then registers a mild complaint about the management of the Oratorios because they do not include sufficient solo instrumental entertainment between the parts.] "This custom was wholly dropped last year, and I complained greatly of it in a letter which you did me the favour to insert. I was greatly surprised to find Mr Pinto, who then led the band, was either not permitted or not paid to play a solo, as well as Mr Hay, who played one every night the preceding season. Mr Stanley's illness not permitting him then to play, that omission was overlooked, though it might have been supplied by a performer on some other instrument. This season the managers have thought proper to treat their audience with one solo or concerto every night, but why not have two?" [He liked Barthelemon's solos, but lamented that Stanley sat idle, and he offered final advice that the managers should alternate the solo instruments for "pleasing variety." The admission price demands it.

Event Comment: This New Comedy [Mainpiece] written by Mr Cumberland receiv'd with the greatest applause imaginable particularly Mr Moody's part. He play'd finely--it will have a great run (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, Decorations, &c. (Winston MS 10). [A six and one-half column review of the plot appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine for Feb. 1771.

Event Comment: Mr Grist Osmyn . Some part of it very well he was not quite perfect--few Hisses (Hopkins Diary). [Advertisement that the plays are advertised in Public Advertiser and Gazette only.] Paid 2 additional flutes 2 nights #1. Receipts: #159 10s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Play never acted. 'Tis hoped no gentleman will take it ill that he cannot possibly be admitted behind scenes this night (General Advertiser). This play was wrote by Mr Whitehead Tutor to my Lord Jersey,--it was receiv'd with Extravagant applause--& it was Agreed Mr-(Cross). Paid Mr Ackman for writing voice parts in Don Severio #1 1s.; Salary list #305 6d. Norton 6 chorus #1 10s. (Treasurer's Book). [Of some interest is the fact that a ship plying between London and Dublin was named the Roman Father, perhaps in response to the popularity of this play. See note of its safe arrival in Crookhaven in General Advertiser 25 Oct. 1750.] Receipts: #190 (Cross); #191 7s. 6d. [Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mr Moody Dr Cantwell 1st time--very bad (Hopkins Diary). Theatrical Review, 27 Nov.: Dr Cantwell was, this evening, played by Mr Moody on account of Mr King's illness, and, as we apprehend, it was undertaken on a short notice, we think he executed it with great propriety and justness. [Potter interprets the moral impact of the play considering it an improvement over Cibber's Non-Juror, its source.] Receipts: #108 14s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Tragedy, never before acted, by Dr T. Franklin. Published at 1s. 6d. [See A Letter from the Rope Dancing Monkey in the Hay-Market to the acting Monkey of Drury Lane on the Earl of Warwick (London, 1767) which damns the play as a flat and insipid plagiarism from de la Harpe's tragedy Le Conte de Warwick, Paris, 1764. Especially severe on Colman's Prologue and Garrick's Epilogue.] Rec'd stopages #4 11s. 6d.; Paid salary list #440 4s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #165 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This Comedy was written by Mr Kelly as soon as the Curtain was drawn up they began to hiss--a party was made against it--because he was suspected of Writing for the Court party. Much hissing. Mr Garrick call'd for. No play &c. Cry'd out, at last the play was got thro' with much hissing and Groaning When the play was given out again One Party was for it no more and Kelly's party was for it again so that no play at all was given out (Hopkins Diary). [See Criticism in "British Theatre" article, London Magazine, March, also an extended account of the attack upon the piece. This occurs also in the Town and Country Magazine, which mentions that since the curtain was not drawn up for the farce the audience received a refund.

Event Comment: [This New Comedy (by Mrs Elizabeth Griffith) seems not to have been performed this night, according to the author's Preface to her Edition of 1772. Shuter had been unattentive and absent from many rehearsals]: At length though late [in the season] a day was appointed for the representation, and on that morning Mr Shuter appeared at rehearsal, pretty much in the same state as before, and confessed himself incapable of performing his part, that night. Upon which the play was oblig'd to be further postponed, and handbills were sent about at noon, to advertise town of the disappointment....A further final day was afterwards determined on, but the audience being out of humour at their former disappointment, called Mr Shuter to account for it, on his first appearance; which threw him into such confusion, that he was not able to get the better of it, throughtout the whole performance...in the hurry of his spirits the actor not only forgot his part, the deficiency of which he endeavoured to supply with his own dialect, but also seemed to lose all idea of the character he was to perform; and made the Governor appear in a light which the author never intended: that of a mean, ridiculous buffoon. [Mrs Griffith concluded her preface by relating how her friends stood by the piece, but two or three in the gallery, when it was given out again objected and threw an apple at the chandeliers, which so perturbed the management that the play was withdrawn. She therefore published it by subscription, prefixing the names of about 440 subscribers, persons of the first quality, including James Boswell, Edmund Burke, Col. Burgoyne, the Duke of Devonshire, David Garrick, Mrs Montague, William Richardson, and a host of writers, players, and people of fashion. This list provides a pretty good roster of those who filled the boxes and part of the pit of both theatres at the time.] Paid Younger #2 2s. for the license for A Wife in the Right (Account Book). Receipts: #218 12s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 20 years. [See 11 Nov. 1752.] Characters New Dressed in the Habits of the Times. This play is alter'd by Mr Colman and receiv'd with Some Applause, but it don't seem to hit the present Taste a few hisses at the End (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly.] Paid salary list #630 1s. 6d.; Widow Hunter #2 2s.; King's glass bill #3 17s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). [Mainpiece reviewed and contrasted with the original in the Westminster Magazine for Jan.: "Upon the whole we cannot esteem this a striking comedy, even with the assistance it has now received,--the fine manner in which it is got up, and the great expence which the managers have been at in habiting the whole dramatis personae in splendid and characteristic Old English dresses. All the actors except Mr King and Mr Parsons performed but indifferently. Bensley is the worst Old Man we ever saw. He presents the countenace of a sickly old woman; and the uniform goggle of his eye, by which he means to express infirmity and distress is the look of a man in anguish from the colic. Mr Palmer, Mr Brereton, and Mr Davis have a bloated vulgarity about them, which should ever deter the manager from assigning them the parts of cavaliers or men of fashion. Baddeley, as usual, overdid his part, and Mr Yates, as usual, was not very perfect in his."] Receipts: #192 11s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: New Tragedy by John Brown never Acted before (playbill). This author is conceal'd, but is it ye first dramatic piece he ever wrote-Great Applause and deservedly (Cross). Receipts: #160 (Cross)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: A New Tragedy never performed before. This Tragedy was written by Mr Murphy & has great Merit, it is very carefully got up & well perform'd, & receiv'd uncommon Applause Mrs Barry Display great Tragick powers & receiv'd the vast Applause She merited--She will gain great Reputation in the part (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, Decorations. Theatrical Review, 26 Feb.: Mrs Barry rose beyond herself, if we may be allowed the expression, in the laborious Character of Euphrasia....The scenes and decorations were well adapted to the importance of the piece. The representation of the city of Syracusev, with a view of the sea; and the Temple scene, with the mausoleum, in particular are extremely well executed, and do credit to the theatre, and honor to the artists who designed and painted them. Paid two notes for Mr J. Aickin, per order #12 1s. 8d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #251 7s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Yates. Farce damn'd & Half-pence thrown. Mrs Cibber's Son dy'd two Days ago & she never came ot play for Holland, Mrs Yates, or me ye old Game at this Season. Receipts: #150 (Cross)

Event Comment: Mr Inchbald from the Norwich Compy. made his first appearance in Osmyn very bad Figure, Indifferent voice and a very bad Actor. a Small hiss at End of Play (Hopkins Diary). Osmyn, Young Gentleman (Cross Diary). This appears to be the last night of Miss Younge's performing in London this season--She left Drury Lane, and went ot Dublin. Mr Joseph Inchbald became an actor in the York Company of Comedians--He died at Leeds in Yorkshire, where he is buried--I knew him intimately--he was an excellent man, and an admirable actor of old comic characters, and of drunken men--He was at once-poor fellow-the greatest Sloven and in many Particulars of the nicest Delicacy too, that could be imagined (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan)