Event Comment: Benefit Milward. Not Acted these Seven Years. At the Desire of several Ladies of Quality

Event Comment: The Provoked Husband and Rival Candidates was given out for Tuesday. On Sunday Morning Mrs Yates sent word she was ill and could not play--sent to Miss Younge, and she sent word that she was ill in bed--King sent word he had a sore Throat, and could not play--so that we could do no Play but the Committee and Rival Candidates. On Monday the Managers met, but nothing was settled. At twelve o'clock Mrs Baddeley sent word she had a sore Throat, and could not play in the Riv[al] Can[didates] (Hopkins Diary). The Hypocrite and The Christmas Tale are obliged to be deferred. "[Smith] has a good figure, is gentlemanlike, and decent in everything he undertakes. When we allow that, we have said all; he wants both feeling to be affected, and powers to convey his feelings, if he had them. In fine, in spite of all the partiality of his friends, or the ignorant prejudices of those who never judge but at second hand, his performance of Richard was little more than a strong union of judgement and industry, unaided by nature. He should woo genteel Comedy oftener; and not that coy sister of hers, who certainly holds Smith at the point of her lance" (London Magazine, Oct. 1776, p. 511). Receipts: #186 18s. 6d

Event Comment: Benefit for Cross, and Burton. Rec'd cash #36 15s., plus #116 6s. from tickets. Total #153 1s.; Paid Norton 6 Chorus #1 10s.; Paid Mr Dolmain (Embroiderer) #3 (Treasurer's Book). Tickets to be had of Mr Page at the Stage Door. Tickets deliver'd out by Grandchamps will be taken. Publish'd this day, the third edn. of Colley Cibber's Apology for his Life at 6s. With an Historical view of the stage during his own time, to which is now added A short account of the Rise and Progress of English Stage: also a dialogue on old plays and old players. Printed for R. Dodsley (General Advertiser). Receipts: #154 (Cross); charges, #63 (Treasurer's Book)