Event Comment: Mr Grist made his first appearance upon any Stage in the Character of Othello his figure is well enough, a good Voice and powerful, when he knows how to manage it-he is Awkward-but it was a very good first appearance, and if there is proper care taken of him, he may make an Actor (Hopkins Diary). Paid 2 extra flutes #2 10s.; 1 suit Brocade cloaths #12 12s.; Mrs Brereton, 4 nights not on list, #3 6s. 8d. Receipts: #220 4s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 4 years. [See 5 Jan. 1771.

Event Comment: Portia by Mrs Siddons being her first appearance upon this Stage a good figure rather handsome--wants Spirit and ease her Voice a little course very well receiv'd (Hopkins, Diary). Paid Mr Wrighten on note #100; Mr Garrick 2 nights for Bon Ton and Little Gipsey, #238. Receipts: #197 (Treasurer's Book). Books of the Songs and Chorusses of the Afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. [This note appeared on all subsequent bills advertising the Jubilee this season.] The most accomplished actress can display little other abilities in this part [Portia] than a correct elocution, and a knowledge of the author. The lady of last night being thus circumstanced [her first appearance] it is impossible to pronounce what the nature or extent of her powers may enable her to execute when placed in a situation that calls them forth. But from the speciman she gave there is not room to expect anything beyond mediocrity. Her figure and face, although agreeable, have nothing striking, her voice (that requisite of all public speakers) is far from being favourable to her progress as an actress. It is feared she possess a monotone not to be got rid of; there is also vulgarity in her tones, ill calculated to sustain that line in a theatre she has at first been held forth in; but as these observations are formed when the lady laboured under the disadvantages of a first attempt in the metropolis, her future efforts may perhaps entirely remove them (Middlesex Journal, 30 Dec. Quoted in Hampden, Journal)

Event Comment: The Provoked Husband and Rival Candidates was given out for Tuesday. On Sunday Morning Mrs Yates sent word she was ill and could not play--sent to Miss Younge, and she sent word that she was ill in bed--King sent word he had a sore Throat, and could not play--so that we could do no Play but the Committee and Rival Candidates. On Monday the Managers met, but nothing was settled. At twelve o'clock Mrs Baddeley sent word she had a sore Throat, and could not play in the Riv[al] Can[didates] (Hopkins Diary). The Hypocrite and The Christmas Tale are obliged to be deferred. "[Smith] has a good figure, is gentlemanlike, and decent in everything he undertakes. When we allow that, we have said all; he wants both feeling to be affected, and powers to convey his feelings, if he had them. In fine, in spite of all the partiality of his friends, or the ignorant prejudices of those who never judge but at second hand, his performance of Richard was little more than a strong union of judgement and industry, unaided by nature. He should woo genteel Comedy oftener; and not that coy sister of hers, who certainly holds Smith at the point of her lance" (London Magazine, Oct. 1776, p. 511). Receipts: #186 18s. 6d

Event Comment: The Doors to be opened at 5:15. To begin at 6:15 [see 30 Apr. 1777]. Receipts: #172 16s. 6d. (172.2.6; 0.14.0)

Event Comment: The Duenna [announced on playbill of 29 Nov.] is obliged to be deferred on account of Leoni's illness. Afterpiece: Never acted here. Receipts: #131 7s. (129.7; 2.0)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Lessingham. Mainpiece: Not acted these 2 years. The Characters dressed in the Habits of the Country. Afterpiece [1st time; C 2, ascribed to Charles Stuart. Author of Address unknown]. Public Advertiser, 24 Mar.: Tickets to be had of Mrs Lessingham at her House, the corner of Percy-street, Rathbone Place. Receipts: #224 1s. 6d. (151.19.6; tickets: 72.2.0) (charge: #65 13s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Bransby & Burton. Public Advertiser, 19 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Bransby, No. 10, New Pye-street, Westminster; of Burton, Duke's-court, Bow-street, Covent Garden. Receipts: #196 1s. 6d. (61.11.0; 24.17.6; 0.0.0; tickets: 109.13.0) (charge: #64 9s.)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: The Characters dressed in Spanish Habits. [Henderson's 1st recorded appearance as Leon was at Bath, 4 Feb. 1777.

Event Comment: [Henderson's 1st appearance as Richard was at Bath, 20 Oct. 1772. Mrs Massey was from the Norwich theatre.

Event Comment: Benefit for Palmer. Mainpiece: Never performed here [so stated on playbill of 18 Aug.]. Public Advertiser, 13 Aug.: Tickets to be had of Palmer at his house in Bow-street, Bloomsbury. [Henderson's 1st appearance as Don John was at Bath, 23 Oct. 1773.

Event Comment: [For Henderson as King Richard see hay, 7 Aug. 1777.] Afterpiece: The Music composed by Dibdin. With New Scenes and Dresses. Books of the Songs, &c. to be had at the Theatre. [The text erroneously assigns: Gillian-$Mrs Wrighten; Floretta-$Miss Walpole, but see Public Advertiser, 8 Oct., which in a review, gives the correct assignment; see also 6 Oct. 1778.] Receipts: #260 7s. (241.14; 17.17; 0.16)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 2 years. [Henderson had 1st acted Shylock at Bath, 21 Dec. 1774; and 1st in London at hay, 11 June 1777.] Paid Printers Bills to the 11th Inst. #32 8s. Receipts: #234 6s. 6d. (209.7.0; 23.19.6; 1.0.0)

Event Comment: London Chronicle, 17 Oct.: In Act IV Macklin 'very properly declined the orator, but pleaded from his feelings and the predetermined purpose of his heart.' [Mrs Barry, as Mrs Dancer, had 1st acted Portia at Crow Street Theatre, Dublin, 9 Dec. 1761, and at dl, 24 Mar. 1768.] Receipts: #205 8s. (204.19.6; 0.8.6)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: The Characters new dressed in the Habits of the Country. Receipts: #160 3s. (159.1; 1.2)