Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; MD 3, by
Prince Hoare.
Larpent MS 1126; not published; synopsis of plot in
Monthly Magazine, May 1796, p. 320]: With
new Scenes, Dresses, Decorations, &c.
The Musick principally composed by
the late
Mr Storace [who had died on 19 Mar.], with a few Selections from
Paisiello,
Haydn and
Sarti. [
Grove, under Storace, states that
the music was completed and prepared for
the stage by
Kelly and
Sga Storace.]
The Scenes designed and executed by
Marinari and assistants.
The Dresses by
Johnston,
Gay and
Miss Rein. Books of
the Songs to be had in
the Theatre. "It was exceedingly tedious
the first night, not being over till eleven o'clock. Since, it has been prudently cut down, and yet has lost nothing. A prologue, written on
the very morning of representation, deploring
the loss of
the composer, was spoken (perfectly) by
the last unfortunate
Benson [for whom see 9 June. It was written by Hoare (
Universal Magazine, May 1796, p. 362), and Was perhaps spoken only on
the 1st night; it is not listed on any playbill]" (
Monthly Magazine, May 1796, p. 320). "In short, possessing all
the science of
Harrison,
the melody of
Incledon, and
the pleasing articulation of
the late
Mrs Kennedy, we have no hesitation in pronouncing [
Braham]
the first public singer of
the present day. He was three times encored. His action is indifferent, and his dialogue scarcely audible" (
Morning Herald, 2 May). Receipts: #297 14s. (258.10.6; 38.19.6; 0.4.0)