Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Pope. Mainpiece: Not acted these 6 years. In I a Grand Banquet Scene. A Procession from the Abbey at the Coronation of Queen Anne Bullen. The Piece to conclude with the ceremony at the Royal Christening. [Holman's 1st appearance as King Henry was at this theatre, 24 May 1793.] Morning Chronicle, 27 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Mrs Pope, Half Moon-street, Piccadilly. Receipts: #391 0s. 6d. (299.15.6; 2.9.0; tickets: 88.16.0)

Event Comment: "...Richard III, which I saw performed at Drury-lane theatre at the beginning of the present season...The dresses of the characters which here make their appearance are in the usual half-and-half mode, made up from portraits of Charles I's reign, and from unrestrained fancy. Richard's habit, indeed, shews a faint hint, at the costume of his day; but how modernized! A fancy cap and feather,with a milliner's white-ribband rose, sewed thereon. A deep ruff, of that make not known until the reign of James I From the neck depends a ribband With the George: this decoration never seen in paintings till about the fashions of the abovementioned monarch's court. On his legs and feet, white silk stockings, white shoes, and red roses. These latter ornaments unknown before Elizabeth or James I's modes of dress prevailed; at any rate, they should have been white ones to have accorded with the party-badge in his cap." Writer signing himself "An Artist and an Antiquary" in Gentleman's Magazine, Apr. 1800, p. 319. Receipts: #225 16s. 6d. (178.3.6; 47.12.0; 0.1.0)

Event Comment: Evelyn, Diary: I saw in Southwark at St Margarites faire...we saw also Monkyes & Apes daunce, & do other feates of activity on the high-rope, to admiration: They were galantly clad alamode, went upright, saluted the Company, bowing & pulling-off their hatts: They saluted one another with as good grace as if instructed by a Dauncing Master. They turned heales over head, with a bucket of Eggs in it, without breaking any: also with Candles (lighted) their their hands, & on their head, without extinguishing them, & with vessells of water, without spilling a drop; I also saw an Italian Wench daunce to admiration, & performe all the Tricks of agility on the high rope, all the Court went to see her: (likewise here was her Father) who tooke up a piece of Yron Canon of above 400 pounds weight, with the haires of his head onely

Event Comment: Pepys, Diary: I took them [Mrs Pepys and Deb.] to the Nursery, where none of us ever were before; where the house is better and the musique better than we looked for, and the acting not much worse, because I expected as bad as could be: and I was not much mistaken, for it was so. However, I was pleased well to see it once, it being worth a man's seeing to discover the different ability and understanding of people, and the different growth of people's abilities by practise. Their play was a bad one, called Jeronimo is Mad Again, a tragedy. Here was some good company by us, who did make mighty sport at the folly of their acting, which I could not neither refrain from sometimes, though I was sorry for it.... I was pretthly served this day at the playhouse-door, where, giving six shillings into the fellow's hand for us three, the fellow by legerdemain did convey one away, and with so much grace faced me down that I did give him but five, that, though I knew the contrary, yet I was overpowered by his so grave and serious demanding the other shilling, that I could not deny him, but was forced by myself to give it him

Event Comment: The Diary of Robert Hooke: at Bartholomew fair with Grace. Shows 2 1!2 sh. (ed. H. W. Robinson and W. Adams [London, 1935])

Event Comment: The United Company. The exact date of the first production is not known, but the play was entered in the Term Catalogues, February 1691@2, and mentioned in the Gentleman's Journal, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 February 1691@2). In all probability, it was first acted not later than January 1691@2. The music to one song, As soon as the Chaos, was composed by Henry Purcell. See Purcell, Works, Purcell Society, XX (1916), xvii. Two songs--Bonny lad prithee lay thy pipe down, with music by Tollet; Great Jove once made love like a bull, with music by Mountfort--are in The Banquet of Musick, The Sixth and Last Book, 1692. Dedication, Edition of 1692: Having at last so well acquitted it self on the Stage (tho' the thronging, imperfect Action, and worse than all, the faulty length, which I will never be guilty of again, render'd it little Diversion the first day). A Letter to Mr D'Urfey [by Charles Gildon], Edition of 1692: If there be any fault in this Play, 'tis that which few are guilty of; that is, there are too many good Characters, too full of Humour, a very Pardonable failing, which only proceeds from Variety, the life of Pleasure and Wit, tho' that gave it the disadvantage of seeming too long the first days Acting, tho' the Stage's being throng'd with Spectators, did not a little contribute to the imperfect Acting of it, which accidental Misfortunes concurring with the Endeavours of an opposite Faction, must needs have damn'd it, had it not by the Force and Vigour of its own Worthy, rais'd it self the second day with the general Applause of all that saw it....But the Marriage-hater went further, and in spight of all the disadvantages it labour'd under of Action and Audience, pleas'd on, after several times Repetition. See also Poeta Infamis; or, A Poet not worth Hanging (1692) for a variety of comments upon this play. London Mercury, 26 Feb. 1691@2: Query 4. Whether in Justice he [D'Urfey] is not obliged to present Mr Dogget (who acted Solon to so much Advantage) with half the Profit of his Third Day, since in the Opinions of most Persons, the good Success of his Comedy was half owing to that admirable Actor? Query 5. Whether, if there be any Wit in bringing a Person upon the Stage with an extravagantly broad-brimmed Hat, and a Muff of the same Size, so it will not be a very easy Matter for the next Poet that writes a Play, to Out-hat and Out-muff his Predecessors, and consequently to Out-wit him? Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42: Mr Dogget perform'd the part of Solon Inimitably. Gentleman's Journal, p. 454, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 Feb. 1691@2): I send you the Marriage-hater match'd, a new Comedy by Mr Durfey; it hath met with very good success, having been plaid six days together, and is a diverting Play. Gentleman's Journal, January 1691@2: Now I speak of Music I must tell you that we shall have speedily a new Opera, wherein something very surprising is promised us; Mr Purcel who joyns to the Delicacy and Beauty of the Italian way, the Graces and Gayety of the French, composes the Music, as he hath done for the Prophetess, and the last Opera called King Arthur, which hath been plaid several times the last Month [presumably December 1691]

Event Comment: A prologue entitled Haynes His Reformation Prologue, Spoke in Black (beginning Thus Cloath'd with shame, which is one step to Grace) was printed in 1692. Luttrell's date of acquisition is dated 2 Jan. 1691@2. This copy is in the possession of Mr. Louis Silver of Wilmette, Illinois, who has graciously permitted me to list it and the date

Event Comment: Gentleman's Journal, November 16@2: In my first Journal I gave you a large account of the Musick Feast on St Cecilia's day; So, to avoid repetitions, I shall onely tell you that the last was no ways inferiour to the former....The following Ode was admirably set to Music by Mr Henry Purcell and perform'd twice with universal applause, particularly the second Stanza, which was sung with incredible Graces by Mr Purcell himself. [See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, VIII, and Orpheus Britannicus, 1702, 1706, 1711. The Ode appears to have been written by Nicholas Brady.

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but Dryden, on 12 Dec. 1693, reported that it had then been acted eight times. If these performances were consecutive, the premiere probably occurred in November; but the fact that the play was advertised in the London Gazette, 4-7 Dec. 1693, suggests tnat the premiere was near the end of October or early in November. Henry Purcell composed the overture and act tunes. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XVI (1906), xxxi. Two of the songs whose music he composed are in Thesaurus Musicus, 1694: Cynthia frowns when e're I woo her, sung by Mrs Ayliff; and Ancient Phillis has young Graces, sung by Bowman. See also 12 Dec. 1693 and 22 March 1692@3

Event Comment: [By John Dennis. Premiere.] Preface: [The last scene was omitted] on the account of Length....The Play indeed receiv'd all the Grace and Ornament of Action in most of the principal Parts, and in all the Womens. But that of Sakia by Mrs Barry was acted so admirably and inimitably, as that no Stage in Europe can boast of any thing that comes near to her Performance

Event Comment: He gives his humble Duty to the Quality and Service to his Friends and Acquaintances, hoping they will grace his first Night, at 6 p.m. 1s. N.B. All this is perform'd by Mr Anthony Aston, his Wife and Son of 10 Years only, and will continue Nightly, Bills being stuck up of the whole Entertainment, which varies each Night

Event Comment: Benefit Bridgwater. At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. Afterpiece: A new Ballad Opera. [By Charles Johnson. Apparently not published.] The Rehearsals of The Ephesian Matron having obliged Mr Bridgwater to a close Attendance, he humbly hopes his Friends will excuse his not being able personally to wait on them

Event Comment: At Miller-Mills-Oates Booth, over against the Hospital Gate

Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Haywood the Muse, Author of Love in Excess, and many other entertaining Pieces. 6:30 p.m. Daily Advertiser, 23 May: We hear that her Grace the Dutchess Dowager of Marlborough will be at the Theatre in the Hay-Market this Night

Event Comment: Prologue written by Macklin: (Cooke, Memoirs of Charles Macklin, pp. 150-51.) From scheming, pelting, famine, and despair, Behold to grace restored an exil'd Play'r: Your Sanction yet his fortune must compleat, And give him privilege to laugh and eat. No revolution plots are mine again; You see, thank Heaven, the quietest of men. I pray that all domestic feuds might cease; And beggar'd by the war, solicit peace; When urg'd by wrongs, and prompted to rebel; I sought for freedom, and for freedom fell; What could support me in the sevenfold dame? I was no Shadrak and no angel came. Once warn'd, I meddle not with state affairs; But play my part, retire and say my pray'rs. Let nobler spirits plan the vast design, Our green-room swarms with longer heads than mine; I take no part-no private jars foment, But hasten from disputes I can't prevent; Attack no rival brother's fame, or ease; And raise no struggle, but who most shall please. United in oursdlves, by you approv'd. Tis ours to make the slightest muse belov'd; So may the stage again its use impart, And ripen Virtue, as it warms the heart. May discord, with her horrid trump, retreat, Nor drive the frighted Beauty from her seat; May no contending parties strive for sway, But judgmemt govern, and the stage obey

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Acted but once these five years. Mr Dexter has given us in the character of Oroonoko the greatest first essay that perhaps any stage has produced. He has great feeling, and equal expression; a fine figure, a vast deal of grace in his deportment and uncommon tenderness in his manner, and a voice formed by nature for expressing it (Inspector No 201, in Daily Advertiser and Literary Gazette). Receipts: #140 (Cross)

Event Comment: By Command of the King (Cross). This day a new tragedy, entitiled Constantine the Great was read here to the actors for the first time. This piece is written by the reverend Mr Francis, from whose valuable translation of Horace it may be inferred that he is such a judge of all the graces of Language and every beautiful turn in writing, that it is not to be doubted but he will give the public a production abounding in elegancies. [See 23 Feb.

Event Comment: At the Desire of several Persons of Quality. By Authority....By Bayes's New-raised Company of Comedians....All other parts [of mainpiece] to be attempted by the new Company; Most of whom never appeared on any stage before. Particularly, the part of Miranda , by a Young Gentlewoman. Being positively her first Essay in a Theatrical Capacity. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. To begin at 6:30 P.m. [No concert formula.

Event Comment: PPublic Advertiser: The Uncommon Applause of the new Entertainment...has excited the curiosity of a great many of the Nobility and Gentry that had never seen Marybone before. Sga Seratina and Mr Reinhold have distinguished themselves surprisingly; and though this Entertainment is performed in the English Language, clearly proves, that it is in the Power of an Englishman, to excel even the Italians in that kind of performance; Sga Seratina (though an Italian) expresses the English Dialect with all the Graces, and proper Expressions, which that kind of performance requires. [Books of the performance to be had at the Bar 6d. each.

Event Comment: [This year was published The Companion to the Playhouse; or, An historical account of all the Dramatic Writers, and their works that have appeared in Great Britain and Ireland to the year 1764. Composed in the form of a Dictionary. for the more readily turning to any particular author or performance. Two vols. Dedicated to Garrick. (Who receives eleven and one-half columns of comment, more than any other dramatist.) This is the beginning of the Biographia Dramatica. This year was published Essays on Important Subjects intended to establish the Doctrine of Salvation by Grace, by John Witherspoon (President of Princeton). Vol. II, contained a Serious Enquiry into the nature and effects of the Stage," being an attempt to show that contributing to the support of a Public Theatre is inconsistent with the character of a Christian (112 pp).

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Young. Afterpiece: Not acted in 20 years. Music by Dr Arne. [See John Lockman's Reflections concerning Operas, &c." in his introduction to his edition of Rosalinda (London, 1760), p. iv: 'A gentleman, well known for his musical compositions, is of opinion, that the reason why the Opera Rosamond tho' adorned with all the graces of lyric poetry, does not please from the stage, so much as might be expected, is owing to a circumstance that forms a beauty in the drama itself; I mean the suppos'd poisoning of Rosamond at the end of the second act, and her appearing no more upon the stage. Whilst this sheet was at press, I was told that Mr Arne has reduc'd this opera into one act, and set the whole anew; and so managed matters, that Rosamond appears throughout the whole drama. Tis said that the music of this new Rosamond is as delightful as that of another performance of Mr Arne's which now affords the town so agreeable an Entertainment."

Event Comment: Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places may be taken from Johnson at the Stage Door. No money will be taken at the stage door. None will be refunded after Curtain is drawn up. To begin at 6 o'clock. [Footnote not further noted. Garrick on his return from the continent first introduced a method of illumination by lights not visible to the audience, thus replacing the huge chandeliers (Genest, V, 86). Published this season, A Critical Balance of the Performers at Drury Lane last Season, a broadside sheet at 1s., printed for C. Moran. This scale of the following twelve values war applied to 43 actors and actresses: (A score of 20 under each heading was perfect.) Figure; Grace; Spirit & Ease, Sensibility & Truth; Dignity & Manners; Expression & Pantomime; Low Humor; Genteel Humor; Elocution and voice; Dress; Dumb show; Noise. Beside each actor was listed his outstanding parts. (See Copy in Huntington Library.)

Event Comment: Author's Day. [Publication of the play announced in the Public Advertiser this day, along with the following "puff" by Censor Dramaticus: "Sir: I have just given the new comedy, the Double Mistake, its first reading, and must confess I never was better pleased at a first reading than at present: It is chaste, sententious and genteel in its dialogue, interesting in its plot, the characters all of consequence, strongly marked and happily kept up, and even the virtuoso entertaining without being tiresome. I heartily wish it success, and congratulate the author on such a production, which shows that virtuous principles in high life render the persons that possess them doubly charming, and add real grace and dignity to their appearance in public life....I hope I may be believed when I say I have not the most distant knowledge of the author, and that impartiality shall ever be, and ever was my constant plan in observations of this kind."

Event Comment: Paid salary list 3 days at #72 4s. 1d. per diem #216 12s. 3d.; Mr Weston on his note #5 5s.; Mrs Abington 3 first days not on list #2 10s. (Treasurer's Book). [From a long review in the Public Advertiser 3 Oct.: Two new performers in parts very difficult to execute-Mr Cautherly a pupil of the greatest master of the art of acting that ever graced the English stage (if not European)...has this summer convinced us that he is susceptible of the most refined instructions of his great patron and tutor. Of the Lady, I can say nothing prior to her appearance 30 Sept. as I am noways acquainted with her history any more than that by declaration of common report; she is the spouse of the brother of that Mr Barry who has so greatly pleas'd the town this summer at the Opera House." [Comments on her figure, voice and countenance well adapted to express the stronger passions.] She seemed to be so much in love with Romeo as to forget she represented a young and inexperienced virgin unused to men...The first scene of consequence is the Masquerade scene, which was as to business very badly conducted; but this, I doubt not will be rectified another night, they were discovered in disorder and they went off in confusion. It appeared a tumultous assembly rather than a Masquerade of nobility in an Italian Palace. Romeo stayed so long behind the crow that he was oblig'd to run to his station opposite Juliet to be in time for "Cousin Benvolio, do you mark that lady." [A long and detailed review of the stage action act by act.] In the Garden scene an unlucky accident happened to Cautherly...his nose ran with blood and he was oblig'd to keep his handkerchief to his nose all through, which was a great loss to the audience...The Apothecary is the best figure I ever saw, and spoke more sensibly than I ever heard an apothecary speak in my life. Mr Castle has rescued that character from ridicule, and worked by pity what buffoonery used to run off with-applause." Receipts: #145 11s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book.

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Elliot. This Comedy is intended to be perform'd only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Charges #64 5s. Balance to Miss Elliot #24 9s. 6d. [No tickets seem to have been delivered.] Paid a bill for the Funeral of Mrs Cable #3 8s., and for the funeral of Grace Gould, #4 8s. (Account Book). [The latter had long been a servant in the theatre, and this year was Wardrobe Mistress.] Receipts: #88 14s. (Account Book)