Event Comment: MMrs Cowper did Sylvia, for her first appearance here (she came from Bath, Richmond &c.)-Toll. Afterpiece as originally perform'd (Cross) [i.e., without the burlesque scenes of The Fair (see 6 Nov. 1752).] This piece [Harlequin Ranger] was now acted as originally written. It is surprising that Mr Garrick should be the first to introduce Pantomime Entertainments (this season) especially as his own universal talents are seconded by a good company of performers. We suppose he does it to gratify the taste of the town; but such Smithfield exhibitions should certainly be banish'd from all regular theatres; and as Mr Woodward is an excellent comedian, it would be more eligible in him if he chuses to wear the motley dress any more to appear in the character of a speaking Harlequin, after the manner of the Italian Comedy; and indeed it is not a little surprising that nothing of this kind has yet been admitted upon our stage (Gentleman's Magazine, Oct., p. 493, from Grays' Inn Journal, 13 Oct. 1753.). Receipts: #120 (Cross)

Event Comment: Soon as Mr Garrick appear'd, a great Clap, with some hissing upon wch he said-Gentlemen it is impossible to go on with these hisses, I don't know what offence I am guilty of-they clap'd greatly-& he proceeded-Let one Gentleman speak for the rest & I'll give an Answer-there was a moments pause, & then a general cry of-Go on with the Play &c., all ceased-& all continu'd quiet (Cross). Receipts: #190 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Rainton, Hawksby, Peacop &c. Tickets (Cross) Tickets delivered for The Fair Quaker will be taken, and those deliver'd by Mrs Bradshaw, Miss Farquhar, and Miss Smith (Public Advertiser). Receipts: #90 (Cross)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Written by the late Mr Farquhar. Receipts: #79 19s. (Account Book). [At this point Account Book, Egerton 2270, showed a deficit of #27 19s. 7d., which was wiped out by bringing over a balance of #290 5s. 6d., form the Journal, &c. No 21, Folio 186, a record which seems not now to be extant. This transfer of funds allowed Rich to meet the payroll of #251 17s. the following day.

Event Comment: Benefit for Lewis, Redman, Gardner, Widow Collins. Tickets deliver'd by Rawlins, Mrs Gould, Mrs Griffiths, Mrs Paddic, Mrs Gwinn, a Gentlewoman under Misfortunes, &c. will be taken. Afterpiece: Not acted these 2 years. [See 22 April 1760.

Event Comment: Full Prices. Afterpiece: A Pantomimic dance by Love (Biographia Dramatica). Much followed and brought several crowded houses, and the success chiefly owing to the reports our newspapers were, at that time, daily filled with, of the French wild Beast that was devouring (and yet pursued by) children. This wild beast was happily introduced in this pantomime, pursued by boys led on by a Frenchman. At last the Beast made his Re-entry, and ran across the stage with the poor Frenchman in his mouth, to the great joy of the Pit, Box and Galleries (Victor, History of Theatres, III, 72). Dorilas for the first time by Mr Cautherly--very decent, but wanted spirit. This pantomime is fathered by Mr Lowe [?]--went off with applause, --Mr Garrick made most of the Business to it, which is very good (Hopkins Diary). [Letter from C. V. Theatricus on ladies' removing their hats in the theatre. A Gentleman had requested it and a debate ensued in the Public Advertiser, as to whether he wished to see the play better or to gaze more audaciously on many pretty faces. Long letter also from G. F. Theatricus to the Public Advertiser, commenting on the excellence of Powell, Mrs Yates, Holland, the Palmers, Cautherly and Bensley for their performance in Venice Preserved, Romeo and Juliet, and Mahomet respectively.

Event Comment: Benefit towards the Increase of a Fund, established by the Performers of the Theatre Royal Covent Garden for the Support of Decayed Actors and their Families. This Fund having been begun by voluntary contributions among the performers, improved by a proportionable Weekly Deduction on their salaries, and intended as a reciprocal Provision for them their widows and children, in sickness and infirmity, it is humbly hoped and appeal to the Generosity of the Public will not be taken amiss. Such of the Nobility, Gentry, &c. who are pleas'd to favour this Undertaking, are desired to send for places, Box or Pit tickets, to Mr Sarjant, at the Stage Door. Mainpiece [by John Banks]: Not acted these 20 years. Occasional Prologue, written by Hull [printed in the Jester's Magazine, May 1766, p. 241]

Event Comment: Benefit for Thompson, Wilkinson &c. Tickets deliver'd for the Inconstant, by Whatley, and others will be taken. @ Thompson .. 7 45 #5 11s. #2 15s. 6d.@ Wilkinson 37 18 22 #14 3s. #7 1s. 6d.@ Whatley .. 6 25 #3 8s. #1 14s.@ Mrs Griffith .. 23 25 #5 19s. #2 19s. 6d.@ Flight .. 9 45 #5 17s. #2 18s. 6d.@ Ellis .. 2 38 #4 2s. #2 1s.@ Reed .. 4 16 33 #6 15s. #3 7s.@ Roberts .. 3 104 49 #21 15s. #10 12s. 6d.@ Dixon .. 5 51 22 #11 2s. #5 11s.@ Robson .. 5 117 78 #26 12s. #13 6s.@ Norbury 8 43 54 #13 17s. #6 18s. 6d.@ Bassan 14 36 41 #13 #6 18s. 6d.@ Bushell .. 6 16 #2 10s. #1 5s.@ Fransdorf 4 39 33 #10 3s. #5 1s. 6d.@ Stephenson 20 106 106 #31 10s. #15 15s.@ Miller 5 44 59 #13 15s. #6 17s. 6d.@ Walker .. 14 47 #6 16s. #3 8s.@ Shuter .. 14 4 #2 10s. #1 5s.@ Total 105 655 742 #198 14s. #99 7s.@ [No charges. The House took half value of tickets.] Receipts: #32 1s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Both pieces By Comaand. 5th time (Treasurer's Book). Paid Mr Loutherbourg on Acct #41 13s. 4d.; 2 Bills for gauze &c. for Mrs Robinson #12 2s. 6d.; Mr Griffith on note #15 15s.; Properties 19s. 3d.; Housekeeper's Bill #11 19s. 6d. Receipts: #261 8s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: 2nd piece [1st time; MF 2, by Prince Hoare]: The Music principally composed by Shield [and selected from Paisiello]. The Overture by W. Parke. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. 3rd piece: Representation of the Indian Manner, &c., as 26 Oct. 1795. Account-Book, 22 Feb.: Paid Hoare in full for Lock & Key #210. Receipts: #197 10s. (195.6; 2.4)

Event Comment: Benefit for Thompson, Williamson, Rees & Sloper. In 4th piece a Representation of the Indian Mannerv, &c., as 26 Oct. 1795, but added to Allegoric Scene: With Britannia seated on the Globe of the Earth attended by Fame, and Neptune in his Watery Car, attended by Sea Nymphs. Receipts: #353 3s. 6d. (63.0.6; 4.9.0; tickets: 285.14.0)