Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Beaumont and Fletcher, reviv'd. Afterpiece: Not acted these three years. [See 8 Aug. 1761.] Mr Powell made his first appearance this Night in Philaster. His Reception was very great, he play'd the part amazingly well, & Seems to have Requisites to make a very Capital Performer. N.B. Covent Garden Theater begun to play every Night (Hopkins). Philaster by Mr Powell. Prodigious applause (Cross Diary). This play [Philaster] was wrote by Beaumont and Fletcher, and is now altered by Mr Colman. Mr Powell, a young gentleman clerk to Sir Robert Ladbrook, made his first appearance in the character of Philaster.--A greater reception was never shown to anybody,--he was so very much frightened, he could not speak for some time, and, when he did, the tears ran fast down his cheeks,--but he soon recovered himself, and went through the part with a great deal of nature and feeling,--Continued claps and huzza of bravo! &c. &c. Upon the whole I think him possessed of every requisite necessary to make him an ornament to the stage.--N.B. Mr D. Garrick instructed him in this part--when I see him in another shall be able to judge better of his capabilities.--Miss Pope appeared this Night in the character of Maria in the Citizen,--by endeavoring to be very fine she overdid it,--and it was plain to see she wanted her master. N.B.--Covent Garden began to play of our nights--the first time they ever begin first since Mr Garrick was manager (Hopkins Diary--MacMillan). Receipts: #258 11s. 6d. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: In 4th Act, when Olivia draws her Sword, Mr Obrien ran up to the Centry P S & frighten'd the poor Man, that he fell flat upon the Stage,--which greatly diverted the Audience (Hopkins). In the fourth Act Mr O'Brien run up to the Centry, when Olivia draws her sword, and frightened the poor soldier that he fell down flat upon his back to the great mirth of the Audience (Hopkins Diary--MacMillan). Receipts: #81 7s. 6d. (MacMillan)

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: VViscomica to the Printer of the Public Advertiser: As burlettas have been laid aside some years, and they are a species of entertainment I am particularly fond of, as there is vivacity in the music, and great humour and satire in the performance, I was much pleased with the thoughts of being as well entertained as I had heretofore been; and more so when I found I could gain admittance to so good a place for hearing, for the trifling sum of three shillings; a place in which I never dared to shew my face before, not being on a footing with the riotous company that used to be admitted there, to attend their several masters' call; a nuisance, from which I rejoice the managers have at length, after so many hints and solcitations, found out a method to deliver their audience. I remember to have seen a darkish way down a flight of steps to a dismal winding staircase, which I was told led to the footman's gallery, and, supposing that the road I was to take on this occasion, was very agreeably undeceived by being shewn up about halfway to the five shilling gallery, and by a turn through an arch introduced to a new and convenient staircase leading to this region of the gods, where I was surprised to find myself arrived before I thought I was half-way up. The managers have indeed made this place very neat and commodious, by rendering the descent much less steep, lowering and matting the benches, painting and lighting the whole place; so that I found myself as much at my ease there, as in any other part of the house, and much better situated than I had expected; likewise, by their following Mr Garrick's example, in removing the pendant lustres, and lighting after the foreign manner, you have a full view of the whole stage; by which the magnificance appears greatly increased. The performance was beyond my expectations, as I think the performers excel any in their way which have appeared in this country; but I need not expatiates upon a subject the town in general have been, or I dare say will be, as good judges of as yours, &c

Event Comment: Benefit for the Middlesex Hospital. House Charges #84. [Profit to Hospital #10 11s. The Treasurer's Book does not break down charges as minutely as does the Covent Garden Account Book. They are lump sum affairs. Nor does Victor include ticket receipt analysis.] Paid George Garrick for use of the managers #169; B. Johnson's Head Bill #1 11s. 9d. Philips for men's cloaths #10 10s.; Costain for old point lace #1 15s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #94 11s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Shuter. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Afterpiece: By Particular Desire of several persons of Distinction, to be added for that night only. Neville MS Diary: Covent Garden Theatre after being shut up for the season was open'd tonight as a high favour to Shuter...Before [the farce] the Gods having call'd for the Music to play Roast Beef, would not suffer the play to begin till their request was complied with. They pelted Davies and Hull, who appeared first, with orange skins, crying Off, Off'...Glad Shuter had a good house. He is an excellent comedian and is said to have a good heart. [The income for this night not listed in the Account Books. On 10 June however, the treasurer received from Shuter #10 'for the renters for the night of his benefit," and #1 13s. 9d. for oyl that night. On 20 July the treasurer received from Shuter #43 15s. for tickets for his first benefit, and #1 4s. 1 1!2d. in money, along with #20 for his second benefit." On July 22, the treasurer paid "to sundry Creditors of Mr Shuter as per Receipt Books #245 4s. 1 1!2d., and to Mr Wilford by order of Shuter #60, and to Beard #26 16s." N.B. On Wednesday 1 July The sum of #60,000 was this day paid down for the purchase of the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, pursuant to agreement. The patentees are Messieurs Colman, Harris, Rutherford and Powell"--Gentleman's Magazine, p. 379.

Event Comment: Neville MS Diary: Shuter is a comical dog, a disturbance arising among the gods, he was obliged to stop and looking up to the Gallery asked, Well, are all affairs settled above?" During the noise Filch went off after singing--the gods encored the song. Shuter said You have frightened him so that he has lost his voice" but beckoning to Weston to return and sing. Weston steals Doll Trapes scarf in a new manner; he makes her drop it, etc. and pretending to do something about his knee, till she is out of sight, takes it up, saying I take it with all my spirit. When Macheath went to trial, Shuter cried, "Clear the way there--knock down that old woman with the apples.

Event Comment: The Author's Night. N.B. As the time limited by Mr Foote's Patent is now expiring the Company will perform every night of the week, (Saturday excepted). Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Barry and Mrs Dancer. Tuesdays and Thursdays Mr Foote (Public Advertiser). Set down as much as I can remember of the additions to the Orators. In the evening finished a copy for the Printer of the General Evening Post of an answer to a flattering letter which appeared in that paper some time ago. It is in praise of the Duke of York and other wretches, who not knowing how to spend enough of the Nation's money have fitted up a Theatre in St James Street on which to exhibit their own folly and profusion (Neville MS Diary). [Neville's piece appeared in the Post 8 Sept.

Event Comment: MMiss Morris was a pupil of Mr Colman's--She was very much approved by the public in the character of Juliet. On the sixth night of her appearance on the stage she was taken ill, and died before the end of this season. See the Bill for her Benefit (Hopkins MS Notes). Afterpiece: Not acted these 6 years. [See 19 May 1762.] [The Occasional Prologue, by Colman, is Larpent MS 288, which introduces Miss Morris as Juliet, and stresses the qualms and fears of a new performer.] Receipts: #227 19s. 6d. (Account Book). Lloyd's Evening Post, 28-30 Nov.: Sir: The managers of both theatres have of late, in order to put a stop to the Public complaint against a dearth of actors, given trials to several stage candidates that seemed to have any promising requisite. Such experiments have not proved fruitless. The most brilliant and interesting of which was the young lady's appearance on Covent Garden Theatre last night, in the character of Juliet. So great was her terror, on presenting herself for the first time before a crowded audience, that, deprived of all her powers, she fell down on the stage in a swoon. The first act in consequence, was all terror on her side, all compassion and anxiety on that of the audience. But having had time between the first and second Acts to recover from her panic, she shone forth in the Balcony Scene the most pleasing promise of a young tragic actress that has been seen for half a century past, and continued so throughout. Her person is genteel, her tone of voice insinuating, variable, and melodious; her recitation is just and sensible; very affecting in the pathetic parts; condescending, free, and polite are the familiar speeches with the Nurse. She is happily devoid of all stage whine, and tragedy Cant. The manner she has been rudimented in does great honour to her instructors, who have so judiciously prevented the so excellent actor of this verily a Shakespeare's Juliet, from being sophisticated by the studied tricks, and false ornamenting of mistaken modern and degenerate art

Event Comment: long letter published in the Public Advertiser by Delectante specifying a six point program for eliminating the confusion and the "riots that regularly follow the breaking up of a full house at the Opera": I) exclude servants from the lobby; 2) all chairs to come down Market Lane from Charles Street to take up and go off by Pall Mall; 3) no chairs to be allowed at other doors and passages; 4) a pent house to be built to protect those waiting from the rain; 5) all carriages to come to the door in the Haymarket, with horses heads towards Cockspur street; 6) constables to attend and assert themselves in regulating the traffic.

Event Comment: TThe Freeholder's Magazine, Jan. (p. 247): A Card to the Managers of Covent Garden Theatre. A Citizen whose circumstances will not allow him often to attend Theatrical amusements, and who wishes to be entertained for his money, desires a nuisance may be removed which has totally deprived him of all satisfaction the few nights that he has been in the first gallery of your house. Of a cool evening the company within generally draw up the wooden shutters of the openings improperly called windows. An when the gentry without, who are admitted at half-price, find them shut, they begin a violent noise with their sticks, while those within as obstinately insist, that being in a violent heat, they will not let them down to the endangering their healths, by sudden letting in the cold air. Thus a riot is commenced, which frequently stops the play. It was the case in the Best Scene in the Orphan, the first night the Court of Alexander was performed. N.B. The orange girls shamefully encourage it. But the covetousness of the managers is the origin of the evil, by suffering intruders at half-price, after the inside of the gallery is completely filled. If this remonstrance fails, you may expect worse effects, from the injured parties. [See performance of 5 Jan.

Event Comment: For the House. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. [Sometime after May, and during 1770 was published Paul Hiffernan's Dramatic Genius in Five Books, dedicated to Garrick (with a 2nd edn., 1772). Book I, delineates a plan for a permanent Temple to be erected to the memory of Shakespeare, in classical taste; Book II, details the invention of the drama, its rise to perfection, and gives a "candid disquisition of the rules laid down by the critics"; Book III, a treatise on the art of acting; Book IV, requisites for dramatic genius, in composition, and in acting; Book V, an essay on Architecture, Painting and the other arts as they relate to theatrical representation. Contains flattering comments on theatrical managers.

Event Comment: Afterpiece: A New Comic Opera. The Music by Hooke, [text attributed to Thomas Bridges. Prologue spoken in the character of Flora by Mrs Gardner. At the conclusion Dido hangs herself in her own garters. She is cut down and gives her hand to Iarbas.

Event Comment: Patty by Mrs Hunt very Indiff (Hopkins Diary). Man fell from gallery into the pit, running down at opening of doors. Broke his ribs--He was able to walk not having any bones broken which was supposed to arise from his catching a chandelier worth #50 which he carried with him (Winston MS 10). Paid chorus 2 night this incl. #4 11s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #140 2s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By Desire. About this time papers say inside of Foote's theatre with Dressing Room Green Room &c. is entirely pulled down to enlarge the stage which is to be nearly twice the size it was. Woodward is to exhibit two new pantomimes next summer. (Winston MS 10). Paid Printer's Bill #9 6s. (Treasurer's Book). [Treasurer's Book also indicates that this night #30 4s. of Orders were given out.] Paid 2 Clarinets 6 nights (18th incl.) #9 9s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #173 2s. 6d. Ordinary charges #84. Extra for Invasion #10 10s. Profit for Author #78 12s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Egerton. Afterpiece: Not acted in 3 years. [See 3 April 1769.] [Genest in Volume of News Clippings (Harvard Library) quotes Edinburg Evening Courant of 29 April: Last night between the play and the farce at Drury Lane Theatre, a disturbance arose which continued for a full hour. Mr Weston it appeared was in debt to the managers a considerable sum of money, on which account they had impounded all the cash received on his benefit night. This the comedian did not like, and therefore yesterday evening sent word that he could not play, that he was arrested and detained in a springing house, but desired that no apology should be made of his being 'suddenly ill' (the usual stage plea) as it would be an egregious falsehood. After the play Mr Vernon came forward and inform'd the audience that Mr Weston 'was suddenly taken ill' and could not perform. Weston instantly started up in the front of the upper Gallery, and inform'd the house that he was not ill, but in the custody of an officer, and if the audience would have patience he'd inform them of the whole affair. A long altercation ensued. The Managers sent on Mr Vernon repeatedly; and after much pro and con Weston came down and played his part of Sneak." The article must have referred to the 24th of April, when Weston play'd Sneak in The Mayor of Garratt. The Managers promis'd the Town a publication of the whole affair."] Paid Mr Brathwait for men's cloaths #33s. Receipts: #200 8s. Charges: #70 12s. Profit to Mrs Egerton: #129 16s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: [The preliminary number of The Westminster Magazine this date heartily condemned Colman's Comus "picked down into a skeleton," his production of King Henry VIII, and the new play Cross Purposes.] Receipts: #172 10s

Event Comment: Music of Afterpiece entirely new Composed by Dibdin. [An adaptation of Goldoni's Il Filosofo di Campagna.] Book of Songs to be had at Theatre (playbill). The Wedg R. a Comic Opera of Two Acts wrote & composed by Mr Dibdin. The Music very pretty--as the Author was kept a Secret The Town fancy'd that is one of Mr Bickerstaff & call'd out to know who was the Author. Mr Garrick inform'd them that he had no power to declare who the Author was but he could assure them that it was not Mr Bickerstaffs this did not Satisfy them at last Mr Dibdin went on & declard himself to be the Author & made an Affidavit of it & then the Farce went on with Applause (Hopkins Diary). [Account of The Wedding Ring in Westminster Magazine for Feb. 1773.] Paid #4 4s. for licensing The Wedding Ring and Alonzo (Treasurer's Book). [Maria Macklin, in a MS letter to her father, 3 Feb. 1773, commented fully on this night's performance: "Written as it was suppos'd by Bickerstaffe. The music by Dibdin. I went with a party into the Gallery to see the event as there was a great riot expected, & indeed never did I see an audience more inflamed. They would not suffer them to begin the piece. At last Mr King came on with a written paper in his hand, which he said he was desir'd to read in the name of the managers. After a great noise they let him read it. He said just before the play began the managers had receiv'd a letter from Mr Dibdin in which he declared that Bickerstaff was not the author of that piece, that he had made oath of it, and was ready to do the same again, but that for very particular reasons the author could not be given up. Then they stopp'd him & roar'd out that the author should be given up then. He continued as loud as he possibly could, reading on that 'but that if Mr Dibdin did not very soon given up the author he never should be suffered to appear again on that stage or any other.' Very luckily that turn'd them as I believe the House would have come down. The piece then began. Before the end of the first act one of Bannister's songs were encor'd. The other party were against it and would not let it go on. They all stood up and insisted that the author should be known then. After some time the house being nothing but confusion, Dibdin was push'd upon the stage ready to drop with fright, and declared that he was the author himself. Then they were as noisy the other way. Made them finish the piece, but how you may guess in a storm. It is like the Padlock, but the songs not so good." (Brander Matthews, Actors and Actresses, extra illustrated, Vol. I. Harvard Theatre Collection.). Westminster Magazine this month included in parallel columns flattering "Characters of Mr Garrick and Mr Colman," the Rival managers. The article especially praised Garrick's acting.] Receipts: #252 3s. 6d

Event Comment: Receipts: #200 7s. 6d. (Account Book). Mainpiece: With New Dresses and Decorations. [The first of a series of five performances (the last, Merchant of Venice, 18 Nov.) which got Macklin dismissed from the theatre until 1775, when his lawsuit against six persons whom he claimed formed a conspiracy to hiss him from the stage and ruin his livlihood was concluded favorably for him. His performance of Macbeth was favorably treated but with certain misgivings in the Morning Chronicle (25 Oct.), but he was mercilessly criticized in the London Evening Post and St James Chronicle: "In Act II, Sc. i, Shakespeare has made Macbeth murder Duncan; Now Mr Macklin, being determined to copy from no man, reversed this incident, and in the very first act, scene the second, murdered Macbeth." The favorable review (Morning Chronicle) thought he did well in first and last acts, but gave way to stage rant and "vehemence of energetic expression" wanting any variation in tone in between. It also pointed out a certain faulty memory of his lines. His novel stage effects came in for a paragraph of comment: The alterations in the jeux de theatre respecting the representation of this tragedy do Mr Macklin great credit. His change of the scenery is peculiarly characteristical. The Quadrangle of Macbeth's castle, and the door which is supposed to lead to Duncan's apartment (both of which are entirely new) are additions of consequence to the exhibition of the play. The door also through which Macbeth comes to the Weird Sisters, in the 4th act, is a better and more probable entrance than through the common stage portal. The dresses are new, elegant, and of a sort hitherto unknown to a London audience, but exceedingly proper. The Banquet was superbly set out, and it must be confessed that the managers seem to have spared neither cost nor assiduity to ornament and add to the effect of the representation." A favorable letter from a correspondent to the London Evening Post adds: "I must observe, Mr Printer, that from the graceful and characteristic manner in which Macbeth was introduced by the martial music and military procession, from the manner of M. Macklin's acting, from his judicious alteration of the dresses, the disposition of the scene where the King is killed, the cave of the witches in the 4th act, from the improvement of Mrs Hartley's thinking in Lady Macbeth and from her manner of speaking, which seemed plainly to be the effects of some intelligence she had received from Mr Macklin...I thought Mr Macklin deserv'd great praise." See the newspaper comments all gathered and reprinted in an Apology for the Conduct of Charles Macklin, (London, 1773). See also note to 30 Oct. See also London Chronicle, Oct. 23-26 (cf. Odell, I, 453). The Westminster Magazine suggests the performance was pitiable. "Macklin knew what he ought to do, but could not do it." The Scenemen's pay this week was about double the normal cost. (Account Book).] Verse Squibs from St James Chronicle (Oct. 1773) against Macklin: @Macbeth@"Eight Kings appear and pass over in order, and Banquo the last"@Old Quin, ere Fate suppressed his lab'ring breath@In studied accents grumbled out Macbeth:--@Next Garrick came, whose utt'rance truth impressed,@While ev'ry look the tyrant's guilt confess'd:--@Then the cold Sheridan half froze the part,@Yet what he lost by nature sav'd by art.@Tall Barry now advanc'd toward Birnam Woodv@Nor ill performed the scenes--he understood--@Grave Mossop next to Foris shaped his march@His words were minute guns, his action starch.@Rough Holland too--but pass his errors o'er@Nor blame the actor when the man's no more.@Then heavy Ross, assay'd the tragic frown,@But beef and pudding kept all meaning down:--@Next careless Smith, try'd on the Murd'rer's mask,@While o'er his tongue light tripp'd the hurried task:--@Hard Macklin, late, guilt's feelings strove to speak,@While sweats infernal drench'd his iron cheek;@Like Fielding's Kings [in Tom Thumb] his fancy'd triumphs past,@And all be boasts is, that he falls the last.@ Also from St James Chronicle:@The Witches, while living deluded Macbeth@And the Devil laid hold of his soul after death;@But to punish the Tyrant this would not content him,@So Macklin he sent on the stage to present him.

Event Comment: This Musical Interlude call'd The Election was Written by Mr Andrews & Set by Mr Barthelemon it is a Local piece & met wth great Applause (Hopkins Diary). What nauseous potions will not music wash down the throat of the public (Biographia Dramatica). [Interlude reviewed in the Westminster Magazine, Oct.: We shall dismiss this musical trifle by observing, that if the writer was serious, he has been ridiciulous: if he meant to be jocose, he should have it upon some expedient to discover his intention.--The Member chanting his patriotic promises was highly laughable. It was preceded by a lively overture of Mr Barthelemon's, who composed the rest of the music; in which, however, we observed no peculiar novelty.'] Receipts: #137 15s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: A New Serious Opera. The Music by several eminent composers under the direction of Giordani. Dances under the direction of Lany. New Scenes by Colomba, with magnificent Dresses and Decorations for the Opera and Dances. Tickets Pit and Boxes put together at Half a Guinea. Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. By Command of their Majesties no person whatsoever to be admitted behind the scenes or into the Orchestra. Doors to be opened at 6, to begin at 7:00 p.m. Vivant Rex et Regina. In order to prevent inconveniencies to the ladies in getting to and from their carriages, they are requested to order their coachmen to set down with their horses heads towards Pall Mall, and to take up with their heads towards Picadilly. The door in Market Lane and the King's door for Chairs only

Event Comment: In Saluting Cherry . She tumbled down upon the Stage--and Miss Jaratt being in certain condition Mr G. could not very easily raise her (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble suggests this as Miss Jarratt's first appearance in Cherry, but she first appeared in the character 20 Oct.] Paid Mr Griffith on note #10 10s.; Mr J. Johnston, Music Bill #19 3s. Rec'd stopages #12. Receipts: #259 6s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Wash &c. left out of the title (Winston MS). The farce went off very well till the second act when Capt. Roper and another Gentleman came into the boxes very Drunk hiss'd and kept a great Noise 'till at last the Pit and Gallery began to hiss them he struck at Somebody in the Pit--the Gentleman that came with Capt. Roper Jump'd out of the Stage Box upon the Stage immediately Several out of the Pit and Boxes follow'd and Some blows ensued and I thought they would have pull'd the House down this lasted about half and hour and then it all grew quiet and we finished the Farce (Hopkins Diary). Paid salary list 5 days #520 5s. 5d.; Mrs Garrick for sundry stage trimmings #7 8s. 6d. Receipts: #197 2s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: House (Hopkins Diary). Garrick's last time of performing Benedict . In the Farce the whole set of Clouds fell down upon the Stage but did no Damage (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly.] King was hoarse. Spleen deferr'd. Receipts: #270 10s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: House (Hopkins Diary). Last time of Garrick's performing Richard . Ladies desired to send their Servants a little after Five to keep places, to prevent Confuson. It is Vanity to endeavor to describe Mr G. Merits they beggar all Descripiton, suffice it to Say he was what he represented (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble conservatively toned down.] Paid Sg Como and Crispi in full #3 8s. 3d. Mr Hurd ditto 7s. 6d. Receipts: #284 10s. (Treasurer's Book)