SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "J and P Knapton"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "J and P Knapton")') GROUP BY eventid ORDER BY weight() desc, eventdate asc OPTION field_weights=(perftitleclean=100, commentpclean=75, commentcclean=75, roleclean=100, performerclean=100, authnameclean=100), ranker=sph04

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We found 2026 matches on Event Comments, 1158 matches on Performance Comments, 111 matches on Performance Title, 12 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.
Event Comment: The United Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@147, p. 125. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 350. Peregrine Bertie to the Countess of Rutland, 28 Jan. 1685@6: Last night was acted, the Chances at Whitehall, and to-night should have been a musicke meeting at Yorke Buildings, which I am jest now told is to bee put of till next weeke. The French Opera will begin the weeke after the next (HMC, 12th Report, Appendix, Rutland MSS., Part V, Vol. II, p. 102)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Chances

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of this Performance is stated as 16 Feb. (L. C. records) or 17 Feb. (Peregrine Bertie), but as Lent began on Wednesday 17 Feb., the performance probably occurred on Shrove Tuesday. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@147, P. 125. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 350. Peregrine Bertie to the Countess of Rutland, 17 Feb. 1685@6: To night will be the last play at court, they tell mee 'tis the Mocke Astrologer (HMC, 12th Report, Appendix, Rutland MSS., Part V, p. 105). John Povey to Sir Robert Southwell, 18 Feb. 1685@6: Sir, the enclosed had been sent last post, had it not been detained late by a play at Court which ended our Carnival. The night before the King and Queen were entertained by the Lord President at a ball or masque in Lady Portsmouth's lodgings. The Masquers were twelve couples whose habits were of several nations' and prescribed by a picture sent to each of them from the Queen, and the least habit cost !bove a hundred Pounds, and some above three hundred pounds, besides jewels of which Mrs Fox and some others had above thirty thousand pounds value each (Savile-Finch Correspondence, Add. Mss. 28,569; I owe this quotation to Professor John Harold Wilson)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: An Evening's Love; Or, The Mock Astrologer

Event Comment: The United Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@147, p. 125: The King & Queene & a Box for ye Maydes of honor. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 351. General Patrick Gordon, 6 May 1686: I saw the Scots Batallion exercized in the Hide Park before the King and Queen, and saw the comedy, Rehearsal, acted (Passages from the Diary of General Patrick Gordon of Auckleuchbies [Aberdeen, 1859], p. 133)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rehearsal

Event Comment: The warrant for the export of the goods of the French comedians who acted in the late summer is dated this day. See Calendar of Treasury Books, 1685-1689, p. 2082, and Boswell, Restoration Court Stage, p. 128. During October #200 was paid to John deSureis for himself and eleven companions, the French comedians who had been at Windsor (Boswell, Restoration Court Stage, p. 128)

Performances

Event Comment: Luttrell, A Brief Relation, II, 316: The players have begg'd pardon of the lords abused there, and have leave to act again on Monday. [The order for reopening is in L. C. 5@150, p. 345 (Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 361).] Newdigate Newsletters, 19 Dec. 1691: We heare that the Play house will be againe opened this Night or on Monday & will Continue to Act as formerly and tis S. the Sentinell who discharged his Musquet was tryed by a Court Martial and acquitted (Wilson, Theatre Notes from the Newdigate Newsletters, p. 82)

Performances

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known. The January issue of the Gentleman's Journal, wnich did not appear until some time in February, stated: Mr Congreve...hath written a Comedy, which will be acted in a little time, and is to be call'd, The Old Batchelor (p. 28). The Gentleman's Journal, February 1692@3 (issued in March 1693): The success of Mr Congreve's Old Batchelor has been so extraordinary, that I can tell you nothing new of that Comedy; you have doubtless read it before this, since it has been already printed thrice. And indeed the Wit which is diffus'd through it, makes it lose but few of those Charms in the Perusal, which yield such pleasure in the Representation. Mr Congreve will in some time give us another play; you may judge by this how acceptable it will be (p. 61). In addition, a reference in the Epilogue indicates that it was produced during Lent, ano since the third edition was advertized in the London Gazette, No. 2856, 23-27 March 1693, early March seems the most likely date for the premiere. According to The Female Wits (ca. 1696), The Old Batchelor was acted fourteen days successively. John Barnard of Yale University states that Narcissus Luttrell's copy of The Old Batchelor in the Newberry Library bears the notation: "10d Mar. 16 1692@3." BM Add. Mss. 4221 (341) Memoirs Relating to Mr Congreve Written by Mr Thomas Southern (in Macdonald, Bibliography of Dryden, p. 54n): When he began his Play the Old Batchelor haveing little Acquaintance with the traders in that way, his Cozens recommended him to a friend of theirs, who was very usefull to him in the whole course of his play, he engag'd Mr Dryden in its favour, who upon reading it sayd he never saw such a first play in his life, but the Author not being acquainted with the stage or the town, it woud be pity to have it miscarry for want of a little Assistance: the stuff was rich indeed, it wanted only the fashionable cutt of the town. To help that Mr Dryden, Mr Arthur Manwayring, and Mr Southern red it with great care, and Mr Dryden putt it in the order it was playd, Mr Southerne obtained of Mr Thos. Davenant who then governd the Playhouse, that Mr Congreve should have the privilege of the Playhouse half a year before his play was playd, wh. I never knew allowd any one before. The music for the play was composed by Henry Purcell. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XXI (1917), iii-v

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Old Batchelor

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Prologue intended for the Old Batchelor [sent to the Author, by an unknown Hand-; Prologue-Mrs Bracegirdle; Epilogue-Mrs Barry; Heartwell-Betterton; Bellmour-Powel; Vainlove-Williams; Sharper-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Sir Joseph-Bowen; Bluff-Hains; Fondlewife-Dogget; Servant-Underhill; Araminta-Mrs Bracegirdle; Belinda-Mrs Mountfort; Laetitia-Mrs Barry; Sylvia-Mrs Bowman; Lucy-Mrs Leigh.
Cast
Role: by an unknown Hand Actor:
Role: Sharper Actor: Alexander
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of this performance, which coincides with the opening of the playhouse in Lincoln's Inn Fields by Betterton's Company, is established by Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 43-44: [Betterton, Mrs Bracegirdle, Mrs Barry, and others] set up a new Company, calling it the New Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields; and the House being fitted up from a Tennis-Court, they Open'd it the last Day of April 1695, with a new Comedy: Call'd, Love for Love....This Comedy being Extraordinary well Acted, chiefly the Part of Ben the Sailor, it took 13 Days Successively. Three songs in the play were published separately: I tell thee, Charmion, the music by Finger, sung by Pate and Reading, is in Thesaurus Musicus, 1696, The Fifth Book. A Nymph and a Swain, the music by John Eccles and sung by Pate; and A Soldier and a Saylour, the music by John Eccles, and sung by Dogget, are in Thesaurus Musicus, The Fourth Book, 1695. Cibber, Apology, I, 196-97: After we had stolen some few Days March upon them, the Forces of Betterton came up with us in terrible Order: In about three Weeks following, the new Theatre was open'd against us with veteran Company and a new Train of Artillery; or in plainer English, the old Actors in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields began with a new Comedy of Mr Congreve's, call'd Love for Love, which ran on with such extraordinary Success that they had seldom occasion to act any other Play 'till the End of the Season. This valuable Play had a narrow Escape from falling into the Hands of the Patentees; for before the Division of the Company it had been read and accepted of at the Theatre-Royal: But while the Articles of Agreement for it were preparing, the Rupture in the Theatrical State was so far advanced that the Author took time to pause before he sign'd them; when finding that all Hopes of Accomodation were impracticable, he thought it advisable to let it takes its Fortune with those Actors for whom he had first intended the Parts. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 10: Ramble: You know the New-house opened with an extraordinary good Comedy, the like has scarce been heard of. Critick: I allow that Play contributed not a little to their Reputation and Profit; it was the Work of a popular Author; but that was not all, the Town was ingag'd in its favour, and in favour of the Actors long before the Play was Acted. Sullen: I've heard as much; and I don't grudge 'em that happy beginning, to compensate some part of their Expence and Toil: But the assistance they receiv'd from some Noble Persons did 'em eminent Credit; and their appearance in the Boxes, gave the House as much Advantage as their Contributions. Ramble: Faith if their Boxes had not been well crowded, their Galleries wou'd ha' fallen down on their Heads. Sullen: The good Humour those Noble Patrons were in, gave that Comedy such infinite Applause; and what the Quality approve, the lower sort take upon trust. Gildon, The Lives and Characters (ca. 1698), p. 22: This Play, tho' a very good Comedy in it self, had this Advantage, that it was Acted at the Opening of the New House, when the Town was so prepossess'd in Favour of the very Actors, that before a Word was spoke, each Actor was clapt for a considerable Time. And yet all this got it not more Applause than it really deserv'd. An Essay on Acting (London, 1744), p. 10: The late celebrated Mr Dogget, before he perform'd the Character of Ben in Love for Love, took Lodgings in Wapping, and gather'd thence a Nosegay for the whole Town

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love For Love

Performance Comment: Edition of 1695: A Prologue for the opening of the New Play-House-Mrs Bracegirdle in Man's Cloaths; Sent from an unknown Hand; Prologue Spoken at the opening of the New House-Mr Betterton; Epilogue Spoken at the opening of the New House-Mrs Bracegirdle; Sir Sampson Legend-Underhill; Valentine-Betterton; Scandal-Smith; Tattle-Boman; Ben-Dogget; Foresight-Sanford; Jeremy-Bowen; Trapland-Triffusis; Buckram-Freeman; Angelica-Mrs Bracegirdle; Mrs Foresight-Mrs Bowman; Mrs Frail-Mrs Barry; Miss Prue-Mrs Ayliff; Nurse-Mrs Leigh; Jenny-Mrs Lawson.
Cast
Role: Scandal Actor: Smith
Role: Trapland Actor: Triffusis
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but contemporary sources refer to the fact that William Smith, who died in the last week of December, fell ill on the fourth day of its run; hence, it probably was first presented in mid-December. One song, O take him gently from the pile, set by John Eccles and sung by Mrs Bracegirdle, is in Deliciae Musicae, The Fourth Book, 1696. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 44: The Grand Cyrus, wrote by Mr Banks; it was a good Play; but Mr Smith, having a long part in it, fell Sick upon the Fourth Day and Dy'd, upon that it lay by, and ne'er have bin Acted since. Gildon, English Dramatick Poets, p. 6: Tho' this Play had been formerly refus'd the Action, yet it held up its Head about Six Days together, and has been since Acted several Times. A Comparison Between the Two Stages: Sullen, p. 16: Banks's, which the Players damn'd and wou'd not Act of a great while, but at length it was acted, and damn'd then in manner and form

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Cyrus The Great; Or, The Tragedy Of Love

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but the evidence points to this day as a strong Possibility. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus (p. 44) states that it was given thirteen days consecutively, and John Coke (see 16 March 1696@7) states that it was acted "till Saturday" (16 March 1696@7). If the tragedy was acted on Wednesdays but not Fridays, as was often the practice in Lent, and if the farce alluded to for Saturday, 16 March 1696@7, comprised the entire program, this day was probably the premiere. The following sequence of performances is based on these premises. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 44: The Mourning Bride...had such Success, that it continu'd Acting Uninterrupted 13 Days together. Gildon, English Dramatick Poets, p. 23: This Play had the greatest Success, not only of all Mr Congreve's, but indeed of all the Plays that ever I can remember on the English Stage, excepting some of the incomparable Otway's. Aston, A Brief Supplement (in Cibber, Apology, II, 302): His [Betterton's] Favourite, Mrs Barry, claims the next in Estimation. They were both never better pleas'd, than in Playing together.--Mrs Barry outshin'd Mrs Bracegirdle in the Character of Zara in the Mourning Bride, altho' Mr Congreve design'd Almeria for that Favour

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Mourning Bride

Event Comment: A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), commenting upon Betterton's success with I Henry IV (see 9 Jan. 1699@1700) pictures Betterton entering his Closet and praying to Shakespeare for further assistance (p. 25), with the result that "tho' some of those Plays that Batterton Acted were Historical, and consequently highly irregular, yet they never fail'd to please" (p. 26). Sullen adds: Well, this lucky hit of Batterton's put D. Lane in a non-plus! Shakespear's Ghost was rais'd at the New-house, and he seem'd to inhabit it for ever: What's to be done then? Oh, says Rich I'll pray as well as he-What? Shall a Heathen Player have more Religion than a Lawyer? No, it shall never be said--with that Mr R@@ goes up to the Garret (a pair of Stairs higher than his own Apartment) and taking Ben Johnson's Picture with him, he implores. This work implies that Betterton presented Henry VIII in addition to I Henry IV and that Rich revived Volpone, The Alchymist, and The Silent Woman, which had, according to the author of this work, lain unacted for twenty years (p. 26)

Performances

Event Comment: LLondon Daily Post and General Advertiser, 25 Feb. contained the following verses: Hearing Mr Handel's Samson at Covent Garden. Rais'd by his subject Milton nobly flew And all Parnassus open'd to our view; By Milton fir'd Great Handel strikes our ear, And every power of harmony we hear. When two such mighty artists blend their fire Pour forth each Charm that Genius can inspire The man whose bosom does not raptures feel, Must have no soul, or all his heart be steel

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Samson

Performance Comment: Samson-Beard; Dalila-Signora Francesina; Micah-Signora Francesina, Sullivan; Harapha-Reinhold; Israelite Woman-Signora Avolio (Dean, Handel's Dramatic Oratorios, p. 351). Mrs Delany to Mrs Dewes, 25 Feb.: Francesina sings most of Mrs Cibber's parts and some of Mrs Clive's. [See Deutsch, Handel, p. 585.]See Deutsch, Handel, p. 585.]
Event Comment: A New Oratorio. Libretto-Jennens; Music-Handel

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Belshazzar

Performance Comment: Belshazzar-Beard, tenor; Nitocris-Signora Francesina, soprano; Cyrus-Reinhold or Miss Robinson, contralto; Daniel-Miss Robinson,contralto; Gobrias-Reinhold, bass; Arioch-, tenor; Messenger-, bass. (Deutsch, Handel, p. 610; Dean, Handel's Dramatic Oratorios, p. 454.) Dean, Handel's Dramatic Oratorios, p. 454.)
Event Comment: Tickets deliver'd out by Miss Copin for the Merchant of Venice will be taken to the Conscious Lovers (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, Price 1s., A Letter of Complaint to the Ingenious author of a Treatise on the Passions, so far as they regard the stage; with a critical Enquiry into the theatrical merit of Mr G-k, Mr Q-n, and Mr B-y, &c. With some further remarks on Mr M-n. And a few hints on our modern Actresses, particularly Mrs C-r and Mrs P-d. Magna est Veritas, & pravalebit. Printed for C. Corbett, over against St. Dunstan's Church, Fleet St. (General Advertiser). [Illuminating discussion of actors' abilities]: The Stage is much indebted to Mr M- for his incessant successful endeavours; he not only grac'd it with his own personal merits, but rais'd up several Branches who tho' they have not yet quite eclips'd Mr Giffard's Nursery from Goodman's Fields, will certainly in time prove stars of the first magnitude.--(p. 28). Touch Messrs. Giffard and Ryan and give them better voices; there is nothing else wanting. Help Mr Delane to a new manner and judgment to display the best pipe that ever was heard. Polish a little the rough Beauties of Mr L. Sparkes, give the sensible Mr Havard a few more spirits; and mend the Humour of Hippisley, Chapman, Barrington, and Blakes if you can. Poor Yates wants nothing but a front of brass, a necessary self-sufficient Manner of pushing himself upon a Publick.--(p. 31). If Mrs Giffard's Manner was equal to her understanding, she wou'd compell everybody to acknowledge her a surprising Performer. In Lady Macbeth she is excellent; and Hermione was very near eclipsing a much more popular actress; in short in every Part she performs, the severest of her enemies cannot but own she is more than decent.--(pp. 32-33). [Gives two pages each to discussion of Mrs Clive, Mrs Woffington, Mrs Cibber, and Mrs Pritchard.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Conscious Lovers

Cast
Role: Sealand Actor: Sparks
Role: Mrs Sealand Actor: Mrs Bridges

Afterpiece Title: The Dragon of Wantley

Dance: New entertainments-Salomon, Sga Padouana, Salomon's son

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Susanna, An Oratorio

Performance Comment: Parts were: Chelsias (Susana's father); Joacim (Her Husband); Daniel; 1st Elder; 2nd Elder; Judge-; [ Susannah; Attendant (Larpent MS). But Susanna-Signora Frasi; Attendant-Signora Sibilla; Daniel-the Boy; Joacim-Signora Galli; First Elder-Lowe; Second Elder-Rheinhold; Chelsias-Reinhold (Deutsch, Handel, p. 656).*c1749 2 10 cg [For Prices and times see Advertisement 2 Feb.] I think I never saw a fuller house. Rich told me that he believed he would receive near #400.--Deutsch, Handel, p. 657: Letter frmm Countess of Shaftesbury to James Harris, dated 11 Feb. 1749.For Prices and times see Advertisement 2 Feb.] I think I never saw a fuller house. Rich told me that he believed he would receive near #400.--Deutsch, Handel, p. 657: Letter frmm Countess of Shaftesbury to James Harris, dated 11 Feb. 1749.
Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Pritchard (Cross). Mainpiece: Not acted these 30 years. This day publish'd. Price 1s. Reflections upon Theatrical Expression in Tragedy. [By Roger Pickering. This is a defense of the theatrical profession, "which in all countries is considered low and contemptible." Author's thesis: "A master of theatrical expression in all its extensive significancy must be possess'd of such accomplishments, as to set the profession above all contempt." Garrick is mentioned as best example. True tragic expression "requires Genius, Education, Reading, Experience...and a solidity of thought which never accompanies abject morals" (p. 11). Includes an interesting treatise on acting-sections on figure, voice, ear, memory, management of feet and legs. Comments on costume: "Taste in dress demands that an actor be conversant in the mode of dress ancient and modern, in other countries as well as in our own...Alexander and Cato were not masters of the snuff box, nor Greek women of French heels." The appendix asks why all our plays are not dressed in character in point of time and place, and why they do not contain at least one "scene" proper to the country. The author (p. 61) sees need for variety in acting same role, especially when a play has a continuous run of several nights. He calls (p. 77) for creation of appropriate mood for the play by selection of proper music between the acts. Wants a softening of the prompter's bell. Concludes by damning contemporary audience manners, especially those of the stage loungers (pp. 79-81).] Receipts: #314 (Cross)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Mistake

Afterpiece Title: The Englishman in Paris

Song: II: The Cantata of Cimon and Iphigenia-Beard

Event Comment: Acted there but once. By Authority. Tickets deliver'd out by Miss Barton which could not get in on Thursday last, will be admitted this Night. [An Epistle from Mr Theophilus Cibber, to David Garrick, Esq. London: 1755, dated Nov. 20, 1755: When Th. Cibber returned from Guilford last July, he found a discharge from Covent Garden (p.5) He got a license from the Duke of Grafton to open Little Haymarket (p. 6). He began and acted ten nights in three weeks, with some success, but when Drury Lane opened, Th. Cibber was ordered to stop (p. 7). He then petitioned the Duke of Grafton to have The Haymarket for two or three times weekly for the rest of the season. He hoped that the Little Haymarket might be a nursery for young performers, as well as for new pieces (p. 24). See dl 24 Nov.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rehearsal

Afterpiece Title: Lethe

Performance Comment: Aesop-Pinner; Mercury-Miss Davies; Charon-Carr; Gentleman-Parker; Tatoo-Turner; Drunken Man-Quelch; Old Man-Pittard; Frenchman-Blakey; Taylor-Paget; Servant-May; Mrs Tattoo-Miss Barton; Mrs Rist-Miss Carey; Lord Mayor, Cardinals, Judges, Players, Soldiers (horse and foot)-the rest of the Comedians.

Dance: PPierrots Dance-Settree, Walker, Sga Fiorentina; Hornpipe-a small jolly Tar, seven years old; La Dance de Village-Settree, Sga Fiorentina

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted this season. Full Prices. [Sparked by Victor's publication of his History of the Theatres of London and Dublin, 1730 to the Present, a series of articles on the Rise and Progress of the English Stage appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine for May (p. 214 ff); June (p. 264 ff); and July (p. 297).

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King Henry Viii

Performance Comment: Henry-Bransby; Wolsey-Havard; Buckingham-Austin; Norfolk-Palmer; Surrey-Davies; Lord Chamberlain-Kennedy; Suffolk-Blakes; Cranmer-Burton; Bp. Gardiner-Clough; Anna Bullen-Mrs Bennet; Patience (with a proper song)-Miss Young; Queen Katharine-Mrs Pritchard. With the Coronation, and the Ceremony of the Champion in Westminster Hallv.

Afterpiece Title: The Register Office

Event Comment: This Play is alter'd by Mr Lenox from Eastward hoe! it was well perform'd and had Applause--some hisses at the End it won't do much (Hopkins Diary). Characters new dress'd in Habits of the Time. (MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly.] Paid Mr Abrahams by Mr D. G. #40; Mr Caesar for Trimmings #6 16s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). [Long review of the play and its merits and demerits as an adaptation appeared in the Westminster Magazine for Nov. It was approved of in general.] Receipts: #189 8s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Old City Manners

Performance Comment: Parts by: Dodd, Baddeley, Parsons, Brereton, Bannister, Hurst, Whitfield, Wright, Wrighten, Griffith, Carpenter, Norris, Garland, Everard, Fawcett, Kear, Legg, Cubitt, etc. Palmer, Miss P. Hopkins, Mrs Whitfield, Miss Platt, Mrs Johnston, Mrs Millidge, Mrs Wrighten. With an Occasional Prologue-King; Touchstone-Baddeley; Quicksilver-Dodd; Sir Petronel Flash-Palmer; Golding-Brereton; Security-Parsons; Bramble-Hurst; Capt. Seagull-Bannister; Fig-Whitfield; Waterman-Wright; Wolf-Wrighten; Holdfast-Griffith; Constable-Carpenter; Servant-Norris; Drawer-Garland; Footman-Everard; Scapethrift-Fawcett; Spendall-Cubitt; Coachman-Kear, Legg; Mildred-Miss P. Hopkins; Winifred-Mrs Whitfield; Sydney-Miss Platt; Mrs Touchstone-Mrs Johnston; Betty-Mrs Millidge; Gertrude-Mrs Wrighten (Genest, V, 481).
Cast
Role: Drawer Actor: Garland

Afterpiece Title: May Day

Dance: The Merry Peasants, as17751018

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Never performed before. New Scenes and Dresses. This Comedy is a first production of Mrs Cowley--It was receiv'd with very great Applause-Indeed the performers play'd very well and deserv'd it--the Prologue was written by the Author of the Play dull and Mr Gar. wrote a most Excellent Epilogue quite Local--which was received with uncommon Applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly. Mainpiece reviewed in the Westminster Magazine for Feb.: "As we have lately been much afflicted with the melancholy fate of theatrical authors, we have a pleasure more than common in the great sucess of this piece."] Receipts: #256 5s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Runaway

Performance Comment: Parts by: Smith, Bensley, Palmer, Parsons, Aickin, Brereton, Bannister, Fawcett, Carpenter, Everard, Kear, Cubitt, Garland, Yates, Mrs Hopkins, Mrs Wrighten, Mrs Siddons, Miss P. Hopkins, Miss Younge. Hargrave-Smith; Drummond-Bensley; Jarvis-Palmer; Justice-Parsons; Morley-Aickin; Sir Charles Seymour-Brereton; First Hunter-Bannister; Hargrave-Yates; Gentlemen Hunters, Servants-Fawcett, Everard, Carpenter, Kear, Cubitt, Garland; Lady Dinah-Mrs Hopkins; Susan-Mrs Wrighten; Emily-Mrs Siddons; Harriet-Miss P. Hopkins; Bella-Miss Younge; Prologue-Brereton; Epilogue-Miss Younge (Genest, V, 489).

Afterpiece Title: May Day

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire and advertised as Garrick's last time of performing the character of Lusignan. This Farce of Two Acts was written by Mr Colman -the first Act was receiv'd with great Applause the second Act a little heavy -and not so much Applause as the first (Hopkins Diary). Paid Mr Park 1 chorus 4 nights (Jubilee) #1 10s. (Treasurer's Book). [The Westminster Magazine for March tells the plot of the afterpiece, and concludes: "The wit and dialogue of this piece will hardly keep it long in esteem with the public. They are sometimes lively, but generally pert and affected."] Receipts: #272 18s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Zara

Afterpiece Title: The Spleen; or, Islington Spa

Dance: V: The Sailors Revels, as17751220

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Prologue by David Garrick. Epilogue by George Colman elder (London Chronicle, 9 May). Text 1st published (unauthorized), Dublin, 1780]: With New Scenes and Dresses. "No modern theatrical piece ever met with a fuller success, nor deserved it more... The performers deserve every sort of commendation for their spirited exertion in supporting the respective characters, especially Smith, King and the incomparable Mrs Abington" (Gazetteer, 9 May). "To my great astonishment there were more parts performed admirably in The School for Scandal than I almost ever saw in any play. Mrs Abington was equal to the first of her profession, Yates (the husband), Parsons, Miss Pope, and Palmer, all shone. It seemed a marvellous resurrection of the stage. Indeed, the play had as much merit as the actors. I have seen no comedy that comes near it since The Provoked Husband" (Walpole [13 July 1777], X, 82). Receipts: #224 10s. (215.12.0; 8.14.6; 0.3.6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Scandal

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by King, Yates, Dodd, Palmer, Parsons, Baddeley, Aickin, Packer, Farren, Lamash, Gaudry, R. Palmer, Norris, Chaplin, Smith, Miss Pope,Miss P. Hopkins, Miss Sherry, Mrs Abington. [Cast from Public Advertiser, 9 May: Sir Peter Teazle-King; Sir Oliver Surface-Yates; Sir Benjamin Backbite-Dodd; Joseph Surface-Palmer; Crabtree-Parsons; Moses-Baddeley; Rowley-Aickin; Snake-Packer; Careless-Farren; Trip-Lamash; Sir Harry Bumper-Gaudry; Gentlemen-R. Palmer, Norris, Chaplin; Charles Surface-Smith; Mrs Candour-Miss Pope; Maria-Miss P. Hopkins; Lady Sneerwell-Miss Sherry; Lady Teazle-Mrs Abington; Prologue-King; Epilogue-Mrs Abington. [These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]
Cast
Role: Mrs Candour Actor: Miss Pope

Afterpiece Title: The Mayor of Garratt

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 4 years [acted 28 Dec. 1787. Toms is identified in Morning Herald, 22 Sept. 1795: A Mr Toms made a probationary essay last night in the character of Romeo. The bills erroneously announced it as his first appearance on this stage [cg]; for his unsuccessful attempt in Young Norval [i.e. Douglas], about five years ago, on the same boards, is perfectly within our recollection. London Chronicle, 22 Sept. 1795, also refers to Toms as Douglas. European Magazine, Oct. 1790, p. 305, gives the name as Turner, but in Oct. 1795, p. 273, states that Toms performed on one night only "a few years since."]. Afterpiece [1st time; BALL. P 2 (?), by James Byrne, based partly on his Nootka Sound, and in May 1793 agin altered as The Shipwreck; or, French Ingratitude. Not in Larpent MS; not published; synopsis of action in Diary, 5 Oct.]: A Ballet Pantomime, with new Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations. The Overture and Music compiled by Byrne, from Haydn, Rochefort, Pleyel, Gyrowetz, Reeve, Pieltain, Dibdin. The new Music by Shield. On account of some Scenes which are introduced from the Entertainment of Nootka Sound (performed last Season [on 4 June 1790]) Half Price will be taken. [This alludes to the custom of not llowing half-price during the run of entirely new pantomimes.] Paid Brodie, for Stoves for the Theatre, #19 8s. Receipts: #207 8s. 6d. (201.16.0; 5.12.6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Douglas

Performance Comment: Douglas-A Young Gentleman (1st appearance on any stage [Toms]); Randolph-Farren; Glenalvon-Macready; Officer-Thompson; Old Norval-Aickin; Anna-Mrs Rock; Lady Randolph-Mrs Pope.
Cast
Role: Randolph Actor: Farren
Role: Lady Randolph Actor: Mrs Pope.

Afterpiece Title: The Provocation

Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill omits Anna, but "Mrs Rock was a wretched Anna" (Thespian Magazine, Feb. 1793, p. 195). Miss Morris is identified in European Magazine, Jan. 1793, p. 69; and see 14, 16 Nov.] Afterpiece [1st time; P 2(?), author unknown. Text (i.e. synopsis of action), For the Booksellers, 1793. Larpent MS 964 contains Songs only]: Partly New, and partly a Selection of Scenery, Machinery, Tricks, and Business, from the most approved Pantomimic Productions of Lunn, Rich, Woodward, Messink, Rosamond [i.e. Rosoman], Lalauze, &c. The Music chiefly compiled [by Thomas Goodwin] from Pepusch, Galliard, Dr Arne, Vincent, Dibdin, Dr Arnold, Fisher, the rest by Shield. The selected Scenery and Machinery re-painted, and the several new ones designed and executed by Hodgins, Pugh, Walmsley, Lupino, &c. The Dances by Byrn, who will for the first time introduce a Burlesque Pas de Russe. With new Dresses, Machinery and Decorations. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. [In afterpiece the playbill lists Follett, but he "having received an injury at the morning's rehearsal, afforded that excellent actor, Munden, the opportunity of giving the Public an additional proof of the versatility of his talents: -he undertook the part of the Clown [i.e. Clodpole ], and performed it so well that he will probably be obliged to retain it" (Morning Herald, 21 Dec.). He was probably omitted from the Vocal Characters (see 21 Dec.).] Receipts: #258 10s. 6d

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Douglas

Performance Comment: Douglas-Holman; Lord Randolph-Farren; Glenalvon-Harley; Old Norval-Pope; Anna-Mrs Rock; Lady Randolph-A Young Lady (3rd appearance on any stage [Miss Morris]).Miss Morris]).
Cast
Role: Lord Randolph Actor: Farren
Role: Lady Randolph Actor: A Young Lady

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin's Museum; or, Mother Shipton Triumphant

Performance Comment: Principal Pantomimic Characters-Boyce, Munden, Farley, Macready, Hawtin, Rees, Bayzand, Mme Rossi; Principal Vocal Characters-Incledon, Munden, Fawcett, Darley, Davies, Cubitt, Gray, Linton, Miss Broadhurst, Mrs Martyr. [For assignment of parts see17921226] .For assignment of parts see17921226] .
Event Comment: Directors of the Oratorios: Linley and Storace. Among the Principal Instrumental Performers are Ashe, W. Parke, Parkinson, Mason, Flack, Ashbridge, &c. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. No Money to be returned. Books of the performance to be had at the Theatre. [This was the 1st performance held in the new DL theatre]. Under the Management of Mr Kemble. The Box Office, for the present, is in Little Russell-Street, opposite to the Theatre, where Boxes and Places are to be taken of Fosbrook. The Box Doors are in Little Russell Street and Woburn Street. The whole of the Avenues [into the theatre], and the New Street ["which is intended to be called Woburn-street" (Carlton House Magazine, Apr. 1794, p. 136); see next paragraph] not being yet complete, Ladies and Gentlemen are particularly requested to direct their Coachmen to set down in Little Russell Street (where alone the Carriage Box Doors are at present) with the Horses heads toward Covent Garden, which is the only line in which Carriages can be permitted to pass. Carriages wanting to draw up after the performance should be headed to range in Drury Lane, toward Long Acre and Great Queen Street. The Chair Doors and Footway are in the Court in Woburn Street, where for the accomodation of those who may wish to have their Carriages wait out of the Croud, Chairs belonging to the Theatre and under proper regulations will attend. In order to keep the Colonnades quite clear no Servants can be permitted to wait there, but those belonging to the Carriages actually drawn up before the Pillars, and no Servants whatever can be permitted to pass the Doors of the Lower Saloon. Pit Door. The Temporary Pit Passage is in the center of the Theatre, in Bridges Street, which leads to a Spacious Saloon, which will be opened One Hour before the opening of the Pit Doors. All Carriages for the Pit Door are to wait in Catherine Street, or York-Street, to take up with the Horses heads towards Little Russel Street, and to pass through Great Russel-Street. Gallery Doors. The Gallery Doors, for Admittance, are in Little Russell-Street, and Woburn-Street, but, after the commencement of the Performance, the Gallery Doors, for the present can be only in Woburn Street. Every proper precaution is taken to prevent Croud and Inconvenience at the several Passages. The Doors to be opened at 5:15. To begin at 6:30 [same throughout oratorio season]. "The Orchestra represented the inside of a Gothic Cathedral [designed by Capon], and the Chorus Singers paid that attention to their attire that rendered the stage respectable. The house is so constructed that every note was distinctly heard at the remotest part of the theatre . . . The audience are so near the performers that the movement of every muscle is seen; a matter essentially necessary, particularly to the exhibition of an English Drama." [This opinion is greatly at variance with that of other commentators on the construction, the acoustics, &c. of the new theatre.] (European Magazine, Mar. 1794, p. 236). "The stage for the oratorios resembles a Gothic Cathedral, with illuminated stained glass windows, &c. The flies . . . [are] carved like the fretted roof of an antique pile, and the wings to the side scenes are removed for a complete screen, like those in use at the foreign theatres." (Thespian Magazine, Mar. 1794, p. 127). Account-Book, 12 Mar.: Paid Cabanel building Stage, on Acct. #130; Capon, painter, on Acct. #61 12s. Receipts: #358 6s. (281/2; 243 tickets sold by Fosbrook: 72/18; 4/6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: A Grand Selection Of Sacred Music From The Works Of Handel

Performance Comment: Principal Vocal Performers-Harrison, Meredith (from Liverpool; 1st appearance in London), Master Welsh, Dignum, Miller, Kelly//Sga Storace, Miss Leak, Mrs Crouch. Leader of the Band-Shaw. PART I. Zadock the Priest (CORONATION ANTHEMS). He layeth the beams. Fall'n is the Foe (JUDAS MACCABAEUS). Let the bright Seraphim (SAMSON). For unto us (THE MESSIAH). O magnify the Lord. Deeper and deeper; Waft her Angels (JEPHTHA). Sing ye to the Lord; The Horse and his Rider (ISRAEL IN EGYPT). PART II. Introduction and Chorus. Ye sons of Irrael (JOSHUA). What tho' I trace (SOLOMON). Gird on thy sword (SAUL). O come let us worship (CHANDOS ANTHEMS). Concerto on the violin by Giornovichi. Let me wander (L'ALLEGRO). Tears such as (DEBORAH). He gave them hailstones (ISRAEL IN EGYPT). PART III. Second Hautboy Concerto. Lord remember David. Welcome! Welcome! (SAUL). The Trumpet's loud clangor (DRYDEN'S ODE). Sweet Bird, accompanied on the Flute by Ashe (L'ALLEGRO). See the conquering Hero (JUDAS MACCABAEUS). Angels ever bright and fair (THEODORA). Hallelujah for the Lord (THE MESSIAH) . Waft her Angels (JEPHTHA). Sing ye to the Lord; The Horse and his Rider (ISRAEL IN EGYPT). PART II. Introduction and Chorus. Ye sons of Irrael (JOSHUA). What tho' I trace (SOLOMON). Gird on thy sword (SAUL). O come let us worship (CHANDOS ANTHEMS). Concerto on the violin by Giornovichi. Let me wander (L'ALLEGRO). Tears such as (DEBORAH). He gave them hailstones (ISRAEL IN EGYPT). PART III. Second Hautboy Concerto. Lord remember David. Welcome! Welcome! (SAUL). The Trumpet's loud clangor (DRYDEN'S ODE). Sweet Bird, accompanied on the Flute by Ashe (L'ALLEGRO). See the conquering Hero (JUDAS MACCABAEUS). Angels ever bright and fair (THEODORA). Hallelujah for the Lord (THE MESSIAH) .
Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; P 2 (?), by William Linley. Also attributed to Cordal Powel, librarian to the Prince of Wales (London Chronicle, 19 Jan. 1796). Larpent MS 1106; not published, except for Airs (C. Lowndes, 1796). Synopsis of action in Pocket Magazine, Jan. 1796, p. 59]. The Musick composed by W. Linley. The Scenes [for a description of which see Theatre Notebook, 1965, XIX, p. 58] entirely new, and painted by Greenwood. The Machinery and Decorations by Cabanel, Johnston and Jacobs. The Dresses by Johnston and Miss Rein. Nothing under Full Prince will be taken. Account-Book, 22 Jan.: Paid Wm. Linley for music of new pantomime #25. Receipts: #619 3s. (608.9; 10.14)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Douglas

Performance Comment: As17951116, but Lord Randolph-Barrymore; Anna-Miss Heard; Servant-_; Prisoner-_.
Cast
Role: Lord Randolph Actor: Barrymore

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Captive; or, The Magick Fire

Performance Comment: Characters by Caulfield, Banks, Boimaison, Master Welsh, Dubois, Fairbrother, Wathen, Russell, Benson, Hollingsworth, Burton, Phillimore, Maddocks, Jones, Webb, Fisher, Wentworth, Evans, Roffey, Keys, Whitmell, Wells, Butler, W. Banks, Nicolini, Garman, Master Gregson, Master DeCamp; Miss DeCamp, Miss Mellon, Mrs Boimaison, Miss Heard, Mrs Cuyler, Mrs Booth, Miss Tidswell, Mrs Maddocks, Mrs Hedges, Mrs Heard, Mrs Butler, Mrs Brooker, Miss Chatterley, Mrs Jones, Mrs Mills, Mrs Brigg, Mrs Haskey, Mrs Barrett. Chorus of Knights and Ladies (Vocal Parts)-Sedgwick, Dignum, Trueman, Danby, Cooke, Welsh, Mrs Bland, Miss Leak, Miss Arne, Mrs Bramwell, Miss Granger, Miss Jackson, Miss Menage, Miss Stuart, Miss Wentworth; Cast adjusted from playbill of 9 Nov. 1796: Ormandine-Caulfield; Harlequin-Banks; Ormandine's Servant-Boimaison; Ariel-Master Welsh; Clown-Dubois; Sailor-Fairbrother; Sir Epicure-Hollingsworth; Crop-Burton; Landlord-Phillimore; Countrymen-Maddocks, Jones; Constable-Webb; Prigg-Fisher; Gipsies-Evans, Garman, Mrs Butler, Mrs Jones, Mrs Mills, Mrs Brigg; Furies-Roffey, Wells, Master Gregson; Gardener-Whitmell; Waiter-Butler; Cheesemonger-Nicolini; Postboy-Master DeCamp; Colombine-Miss DeCamp; Minerva-Miss Mellon; Spirit-Miss Heard; Landlady-Mrs Booth; Lady-Miss Tidswell; Countrywomen-Mrs Maddocks, Mrs Heard; Cook-Mrs Brooker; Chambermaid-Miss Chatterley; unassigned-Wathen, Russell, Benson, Wentworth, Keys, W. Banks, Mrs Boimaison, Mrs Cuyler, Mrs Hedges, Mrs Haskey, Mrs Barrett.