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: Miss Robins made her first appearance upon the Stage in the part of the Country Girl an agreeable figure as a Woman & also in Breeches-she has a particular Cuddenish wa with her wch is not amiss in this Character, but I am afraid it will be a disadvantage to her in any other. Mr G. took great pains with her, & a long time in Training her before he brought her out he wrote & introduc'd a Song in the part and a New Prologue to introduce her & alter'd the Epilogue. all which & the Lady were very well receiv'd (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] The Songs introduced in the Comedy [mainpiece] will be printed, and given at the doors of the Theatre. [The Westminster Magazine for December remarked of Miss Robbins' performance and reception, "The first was spirited and characteristic; the latter very favorable, and in our opinion deservedly so. She is no beauty but has strong expression. Her voice is pleasing, and her articulation was extremely distinct and proper."] Receipts: #149 16s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This New Ballad Farce of the Cobler is wrote & Compos'd by Mr Dibdin-Some of the Music is very pretty-It was greatly hiss'd & with much Difficulty got thro' it (Hopkins Diary). Paid Mr Slingsby's draft on the managers #30; Cropley (linen draper) #32 6s.; Mr Chettell (timber merchant) #259 12s.; Mr Racket (taylor) #21 9s.; Mr Hopkins, prompter's Bill, #18 14s. (Treasurer's Book). [Afterpiece damned in a paragraph in the Westminster Magazine, Dec.] Receipts: #165 11s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: A drunken man and a livery servant were both very troublesome in the first gallery [according to an account in the Morning Chronicle, 11 Dec., which continued]: It is a very great insult to respectable citizens and gentlemen of moderate fortunes, who from principles of economy choose to sit in the first gallery, that they admit too men in liveries. Their prices of admission have been raised within these thirty years, and every art practised for interest of the managers; and in these times, when every necessary and convenience of life is considerably enhanced, it is a matter of prudence in persons of the middle rank of life to prefer the gallery to the pit. But this is no reason why livery servants should be allowed to place themselves by the wives and daughters of private gentlemen and reputable tradesmen, to whom they often behave with great insolence and indecency. [It is desirable] to know why a constable does not make his appearance in the back row of the first, as well as the second, gallery, being frequently as much wanted in the one as the other (John Hampden Diary, p. 122)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By ParticUlar Desire. The Farce greatly hiss'd (Hopkins Diary). Paid Mr Slingsby's draft on the managers #14 13s. 6d. Receipts: #259 5s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This Comedy is written by Mr Cumberland but I think inferior to his other Productions was tolerably well receiv'd but a most excellent Epilogue was Written by Mr G. & Spoken by Mrs Abington which gave a great Lift to the Play Uncommon Applause to the Epilogue (Hopkins Diary). [Macmillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid Mr Lauchery per order #1 1s. (Treasurer's Book). [From the Westminster Magazine, Dec. 1774: We cannot think Mr Cumberland has courted the Comic Muse in this play so successfully as in the West Indian, and the rest of his comedies. His language is unexceptionably good; he is often as witty as Congreve, as easy as Vanbrugh, and as satirical as Wycherly. But language alone will not do. The plot is ill conducted.] Receipts: #243 6s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This Pantomime is a Medley patch up from several old ones was very well receive'd & applauded (Hopkins Diary). With New Music and an Overture. Receipts: #222 1s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: With New Scenes and Dresses. This Tragedy was Written by Dr Franklyn very heavy. Was pretty well receiv'd & had Considerable Applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Rec'd stopages #15 10s.; Paid salary list #567 11s.; J. French on acct #20; Mr Blanchard per Mr Beckett #5 5s. Receipts: #225 2s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This Comis Opera is Written by the Revd Mr Bate. It is very Pleasant & the Music pretty. It is admirably Perform'd & was receiv'd with very great Applause (Hopkins Diary). The Music of the Afterpiece by Mr Carter. New Scenes, Dresses, Decoartions for afterpiece. Paid for Licences of Matilda & Rival Candidates #4 4s.; Mr Baddeley on note #10 10s.; Miss Berkley #2 2s. on note (Treasurer's Book). [A long rewiew of the plot of the afterpiece appeared in the Feb. Westminster Magazine, concluding: "In point of dialogue, poetry or music, it is inferior to few, if any, of the modern attempts of a similar kind; amongst which number, however, we desire to be understood not to include the ribald, unmeaning, sing-song compilations of the monotonous Mr Dibdin. The Fable, indeed, is too light and trival to endure the severity of a critical analysis; but it is at least sufficiently important to serve as a vehicle for the music; and the catastrophe has peculiar vivacity and theatrical spirit. Upon the whole the author has fully answered the end he proposed of introducing a deserving young composer whose name, it seems is Carter, to the public and who more than promises to be a composer of taste and genius. In this his first performance he both received and deserved the greatest encouragement and applause. Mr Weston spoke a humorous Epilogue accompanied by a large dog named Dragon, which had a very good effect, but as it was poor Dragon's first time of appearing on the stage, he, like all young performers of true feeling, seemed a good deal frightened...but having conquored his fears, and recovered himself a little, he performed his part very chastely and to the entire satisfaction of all present." Epilogue ends with a satirical remark upon Sg Rossignol, the "bird imitator" at Covent Garden. See 6 Jan. cg.] Receipts: #204 17s. 6d. (Treasurer's 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: Mr Reddish being a little out of his Senses he could not play Morcar in Matilda therefore notwithstanding the Bills were up for it we were oblig'd to change it to the West Indian & about Two o'clock we put up fresh Bills for West Indian and as Mrs Abington was not in humour to play at so Short Notice we were oblig'd to borrow Miss Barsanti to play Miss Rusport (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Rec'd Mrs Johnson's rent one year to Lady Day 1774 #6 (Treasurer's Book). Tragedy of Braganza is oblig'd to be deferr'd till Thursday on account of Mrs Yates's indisposition. Receipts: #161 17s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for King. The Play was very Imperfect. Bon Ton is a Comedy in Two Acts. Written 15 or 16 years ago Mr G. out of Friendship for Mr King gave it him to get up for his Benefit-It was verY well perform'd & receiv'd with the highest Applause (Hopkins Diary). Mainpiece: Not acted these 16 years. [See 29 Jan. 1759.] Part of Pit laid into boxes. Paid 4 days salary, list #377 4s.; J. French on acct #5 5s.; Mr Carter in full for Music for Rival Candidates #42 (Treasurer's Book). [Rather unfavorable review of Bon Ton in Westminster Magazine for March. Ascribes it to Burgoyne, with touches form Garrick.] Receipts: #291 2s. 6d. Charges: #66 7s. 6d. Profits to King: #224 15s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit Reddish. Mainpiece was originally written by Mr Jones, Author of the Earl of Essex, but not quite finish'd it is now altered by Dr Hiffernan--very bad (Hopkins Diary). Paid Salary List 4 days #378 10s. 8d.; J. French on Acct #5 5s. Receipts: #219, 4s. 6d. Charges: #70 11s. 6d. Profit to Reddish: #148 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Ranger-Diary). Benefit for Vernon. Paid $Mr Barthelemon">Mr Vernon-much Applause (Hopkins Diary). Benefit for Vernon. Paid $Mr Barthelemon for composing The Election &c. #30; Gratuity to Ralph Harwood #5 5s. Receipts: #196 18s. 6d. Charges: #67 4s. Profit to Vernon: #129 14s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mrs Yates would not play for Mr Slingsby altho' her name has been advertis'd from the beginning--Mrs Hartly of Covent Garden was ask'd to do the part, She refus'd it as it was to be done there for a Benefit the week after at Last Mr Reddish said Mrs Canning Should do it, & Such a performance I think was never Seen in Drury Lane Theatre very bad indeed many hisses (Hopkins Diary). Benefit for Slingsby. [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid 1 yrs. Subscription to St George's Hospital to Lady Day 1776, #10 10s. Receipts: #270 10s. Charges: #68 8s. Profits to Slingsby: #202 2s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Matilda deferr'd Reddish Ill. Matilda was advertis'd for this Night but Mr Reddish came Yesterday as Mad as a March Hare, Said he had all the Terrors of the Damn'd upon him, & that he had not had a Wink of Sleep all Night. Call'd the Great Gods & the dear Woman (Mrs Canning) that lay by his Side to Witness the Truth of this Assertion & behav'd like a Man in Despair (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble delicately omits reference to Mrs Canning.] Paid salary list 4 day #378 10s. 8d.; J. French on acct #5 5s.; Mr. J. Johnston Music bill #10 1s. Receipts: #180 3s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: House. Mr Reddish Still continuing a little Mad or So--Mr Cautherly plaid the Duke & very well was applauded (Hopkins Diary). Last time but one of performing before Easter. Paid Carpenter's Dinners &c. at Black Lyon #6 6s.; Tabor & Pipe 10 nights (1st inst. incl.) #5 5s.; Rec'd of Mr Rowland 1 yrs. rent to Lady Day last (#1 16s. Land tax deducted) #41 4s. Receipts: #180 3s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: House (Hopkins Diary). Last time of performing the Mainpiece this season. Mrs Smith's Benefit notice (see 22 April) changed to Love in a Village and the Deserter, with a note that tickets deliver'd for Cymbeline would be taken. Receipts: #137 4s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Matilda deferr'd Reddish ill. Afterpiece: Performed for the last time this Season. Mr Reddish was to have play'd in Matilda to Night but Sent word late last Night that he could not play Mr Brereton Play'd Posthumus & very well had great Applause-House (Hopkins Diary). Rec'd stopages #16 17s. 6d. Paid salary list #566 6s.; J. French on acct #5 5s. Receipts: #88 13s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mrs Baddeley who play'd the Lady in Comus got out of the Enchanted Seat before her time & made a great Laugh the Farce was much hiss'd at the End (Hopkins Diary). [The Masque (never performed there) is the version reduced to two Acts by George Colman.] Benefit for Cautherly. Paid Mr J. Aickin in part of #60 in lieu of Benefit (remiting #10 to his credit) #50. Receipts: #197 11s. 6d. Charges: #68 17s. Profits to Cautherly: #128 15s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Brereton. Music of the Afterpiece (entirely new) composed by Dibdin. Mr Brereton-Jaffier, Much Applause. The Quaker is Mr Dibdins Production he has sold it to Mr Brereton. The Music is pretty & Novel it was very badly perform'd--when it is properly Cast & got up with care it will do very well (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] [The Reviewer for the Westminster Magazine for May gave a paragraph to Dibdin's afterpiece: "The words will not add to Mr Dibdin's reputation as a writer, nor Will the music increase his fame as a composer, the latter, however, possessed more merit than the former. The Finale was in new stile and pleased. Upon the whole this piece, like the rest of Mr Dibdin's performances, proves that this would-be author, is resolv'd in spite. Of Nature and the Stars, to write."] Receipts: #105 19s. 6d. Charges: #69 18s. Profits to Brereton: #36 1s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: House (Hopkins Diary). Being the last time of performing both pieces this season. Afterpiece: By Particular Desire. Receipts: #154 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Waldron and Mrs Greville. Farce (in 2 Acts) Never performed before, and for that night only. This Farce was written by Mr Waldron-Some Applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid Mr Wegg's rent half year to Lady Day last #57; Duke of Bedford ditto #164 2s. 10d.; One yrs Paving, Cleansing & Lighting to ditto #39 7s. 6d.; Mr Moody for Mr Philips #13 13s.; St Martin's Charity School, 1 year, 1774 #2 2s. (Treasurer's Book). [The Westminster Magazine for May gives the following cast for the farce: Reuben-$Waldron; Blunt-$Moody; Sharp-$Dodd; Flimsy-$LeMash; Joseph-$Burton; Mrs Reuben-$Mrs Davies; Betty-$Miss Platt. It then bluntly tells the plot and concludes: "The whole is beneath criticism."

Event Comment: Mrs Bradshaw & Mrs Johnston great Applause to the Farce (Hopkins Diary). Benefit for Mrs Bradshaw and Mrs Johnston. Afterpiece: Written by Henry Fielding, not played for 25 years. [Actually last played there 19 May 1759.] Music compiled from the works of the most eminent composers. Rec'd from Sinking Fund (2nd) #525, from Stopages #14 2s. Paid salary list #564 16s.; J. French on acct #5 5s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #114 2s. 6d. Charges: #66 12s. 6d. Profits to Mrs Bradshaw and Mrs Johnston: #47 10s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Love, Mrs Cross, Mrs Millidge. Tickets deliver'd for This Night will be taken. Mr Smith-Leon Bad (Hopkins Diary). Receipts: #117 1s. Charges: #64 13s. 6d. Profits to beneficiaries: #52 7s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)