Event Comment: Benefit for Wilson. Second Course [1st time; M. INT I, by James Cobb. Larpent MS 567; not published]: With Songs and a New Overture. Entrement [1st time: INT I, by Charles Stuart. Larpent MS 566; not published]. Desert: Never acted here; by Permission of Harris [proprietor of cg. The playbill assigns Princess Huncamunca to Mrs Kennedy, but "Huncamunca was very well performed by a Lady who resembled Mrs Kennedy in her voice" (Public Advertiser, 23 Aug.; and see 24 Aug.)]

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Thomas Holcroft, based on Le Glorieux, by Philippe Nericault, dit Destouches. In 1793 reduced by the author to an afterpiece of 3 acts. Prologue and Epilogue by the author (Knapp, 101, 307). This play was originally attributed to James Marshall (Public Advertiser, 5 Feb.); on 8 Feb. he wrote a letter to the editor of the Oracle, stating that "The School for Arrogance is not mine, but Mr Holcroft's...By appearing for a time as the ostensible author I hope I have contributed to heal what was most unaccomodating between Mr Harris and Mr Holcroft." And see Genest, VII, 24, 27.] Oracle, 19 Feb. 1791: This Day is published The School for Arrogance (1s. 6d.). "If Mrs Wells could be prevailed upon to speak out, so that the audience might hear, it would be of some advantage to the new play. At present, the performer who happens to be on the stage with her has it all in confidence" (Gazetteer, 9 Feb.). Receipts: #186 11s. (181.8; 5.3)

Event Comment: To begin at 7:00 p.m. Boxes 5s. Pits 3s. Gallery 2s. Places for the Boxes to be had of Mr Jewell at the Theatre. Vivant Rex et Regina. [Repeated in the bills. Note in St James Chronicle speaks of great crowd and of numbers turned away.

Event Comment: [As afterpiece Public Advertiser announces The Rival Candidates, but see Hopkins Diary, 12 Oct.] The Managers met again to-day, but nothing settled. Hamlet was given out. I saw Mr Sheridan, he told me that Mr Lacy and he had agreed that no Play should be given out, nor any Bills put up, till they had settled this Affair, which was to be done to-Morrow at Mr Wallis's (the Attorney's) where they were all to dine. I waited on Mr Lacy, who agreed to the same, and no Bills or Paragraph were sent to the Papers. All the Business of the Theatre is at a Stand, and no Rehearsal called. Wed. 16th--Mr Sheridan, Dr Ford and Mr Linley dined today by Appointment with Mr Wallis where Mr Lacy was to have met them; about four o'clock he sent a verbal Message that he could not come to Dinner, but would wait upon them in the Evening, and about nine o'clock he came, and everything was settled to the Satisfaction (of them all) and a Paragraph sent to the Papers, and the Hypocrite and Christmas Tale was advertised for Friday, but no Play was to be done on Thursday--Covent Garden did not play on Friday (Hopkins Diary). Public Advertiser, 16 Oct., summarizes the proprietors' dispute: the Drury Lane patent had been purchased [in 1747] by David Garrick and James Lacy. On his death Lacy had devised his half-share to his son, Willoughby Lacy; on his retirement from the stage Garrick had sold his half-share to Sheridan, Ford and Linley. The original agreement between Garrick and Lacy, as recited in a document retained by the attorney Albany Wallis was that, in case of the sale of either share of the patent, or any part of either share, the seller was obligated to offer the first refusal to purchase to the other partner, and that this was to be done only when the theatre was closed for the summer. In selling one half of his share to Robert Langford and to Edward Thompson, Willoughby Lacy was--so argued his three partners--acting illegally: he had not offered to them the first refusal, and he was negotiating the sale at a time when the theatre was open. Public Advertiser, 17 Oct.. prints a statement from Lacy saying that he did not feel himself bound by the original agreement between his father and Garrick, but that, in the interest of the business of the theatre, he had asked Langford and Thompson to withdraw their claim to partnership, to which request they had acceded. Receipts: #130 9s. 6d

Event Comment: [Mrs James Wilson was from the Portsmouth theatre.] Receipts: #198 (148/5; 49/0; 0/15)

Event Comment: By Command of Their Majesties. [Afterpiece: Prologue by James Cobb.] Receipts: #303 13s. (285/4/0; 17/1/6; 1/7/6)

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time in London; F 2, by John Philip Kemble, 1st acted at Manchester, 25 Mar. 1778, as The Female Officer. MS: Larpent 723; not published; synopsis of plot in Public Advertiser, 20 Feb. Prologue by James Cobb (European Magazine, Feb. 1786, p. 129)]. Receipts: #222 8s. 6d. (192/0/0; 29/6/0; 0/7/6; tickets not come in: 0/15/0)

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb]: Taken from [his] The Strangers at Home. [Not in Larpent MS; not published.] Receipts: #379 18s. (314.12; 61.15; 3.8; ticket not come in: 0.3)

Event Comment: [This was James Aickin's last appearance on the stage.] Receipts: #364 10s. 6d. (295.17.0; 67.19.0; 0.14.6)

Event Comment: 3rd piece: Taken from the French of Patrat; Performed but once [at cg on 24 Apr. 1798]. [On this night the following performers appeared both at dl and at the hay: Aickin, Caulfield, Wathen, Trueman, Bannister, Miss DeCamp, Miss Heard.] On playbill of 13 June: Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. 1st Gallery 2s. 2nd Gallery 1s. The Doors to be opened at 6:00. To begin at 7:00 [same throughout season]. Places for the Boxes to be had of Rice, at the Theatre. Printed by T. Woodfall, No. 104, Drury-Lane

Event Comment: Mainpiece: A New Tragedy never performed before. This Tragedy was written by Mr Murphy & has great Merit, it is very carefully got up & well perform'd, & receiv'd uncommon Applause Mrs Barry Display great Tragick powers & receiv'd the vast Applause She merited--She will gain great Reputation in the part (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, Decorations. Theatrical Review, 26 Feb.: Mrs Barry rose beyond herself, if we may be allowed the expression, in the laborious Character of Euphrasia....The scenes and decorations were well adapted to the importance of the piece. The representation of the city of Syracusev, with a view of the sea; and the Temple scene, with the mausoleum, in particular are extremely well executed, and do credit to the theatre, and honor to the artists who designed and painted them. Paid two notes for Mr J. Aickin, per order #12 1s. 8d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #251 7s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. The Tragedy of All for Love, which was to have been performed this evening, is oblig'd to be changed, on account of the indisposition of Mrs Barry and Miss Younge; therefore Mr Aickin humbly hopes that his friends will accept of the Tempest in its stead. Tickets deliver'd for All for Love will be taken. Paid extra flute and hautboy 10s. (Treasurer's Book). Aickin did not act (Winston MS 10). [This month published The Sentimental Spouter; or, Young Actor's Companion. The whole comprising the essence of theatrical delivery, and the beauties of dramatic poetry. Price 1s. 6d. Printed for Wheble (Gentleman's Magazine Register).] Receipts: #123 14s. 6d. Charges: #74 14s. Profit to F. Aickin: #49 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: A new short Introductory Piece before a play [The Meeting of the Company]. This new Prelude call'd The Meeting of the Company or Bayes' Art of Acting by D. G. Esq--it is full of fine Satyr & an Excellent Lesson to all performers, it was receiv'd with very great Applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in the wording. The salaries this season were #94 7s. 8d. per day; #566 6s. per week. Kemble's note as to total receipts is short by 8 pence.] Prices: Box 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. [Unfavorable review of Meeting of the Company in The Westminster Magazine (Sept., p. 472). The actor Aickin referred to this season is J. Aickin. Francis Aickin left dl before the beginning of this season. He was dismissed by Garrick in May. See Booden, Private Correspondence of David Garrick, I, 651-55.] Paid Renters #8; Advanced Mr Watson (box office keeper) #10; Ditto to Mr Mortimer (box office keeper) #15 (Treasurer's Book). [The funds to the box office keepers was operating cash which was returned 29 May 1775. Payment to Renters was same for each acting night until the eighty-eighth night (9 Jan. 1775) when it dropped to #4 nightly, since half of the stock holders (the Old Renters) were paid up by that time. The remaining 100 nights of the season plus 11 Oratorio nights yielded #448 to the Renters. No further mention of this item of expense will be made this season.] Total to Renters #1,152. Receipts: #212 14s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This tragedy was wrote by Mr Dow,--went off but So, so.--some hisses thro' the play, and at the end also when given out.--The scenery and dresses was very fine, was well adapted, and had applause.--Miss Younge played very bad, and much disliked--Mr Holland and Mr Aickin played well (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations. [The Prologue is Larpent MS 289. It follows in content the suggestions of the Prologue to the Orphan of China ten seasons earlier:@"Too much the Greek and Roman chiefs engage@The Muse's care--they languish on our stage;@The modern bard struck with the vast applause@Of ancient masters, like the painter draws@From models only.--Can such copies charm@The Heart, or like the glow of Nature warm?@To fill the scene, tonight our author brings@Originals at least, --Warriours and Kings,@Heroes who like their Gems, unpolish'd shine,@The mighty fathers of the Tartar line,@Greater than those whom classic pages boast,@If those are greatest who have conquored most."@ An account of the plot of the mainpiece is in Lloyd's Evening Post, 16-19 Dec. Concludes: The play is said to have been written by Mr Dow, who lately favored the public with an accurate History of the Hindoos. The decorations and dresses were very magnificent. The performers who were the most distinguished by the audience were Mr Holland, Miss Younge, Mr Aickin, and Mr Jefferson. Mr Holland spoke the Prologue and Mrs Abington the Epilogue the latter of which furnished infinite entertainment, from the spirit and humour of that admirable actress. A Two column resume of the play appears in the Public Advertiser, 19 Dec.

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Mainpiece: Not played for 2 years. [See 15 Dec. 1768.] The Last time of performing before the holidays

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Mainpiece: By Desire. Tickets for Venice Preserved will be taken. Paid Mr Byfield (organ builder) #23; Printer's Bill #8 12s.; Rec'd Mr Heath's rent, 1 year to Xmas last #10 (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #165 2s. Charges: #65 2s. Profits to Aickin: #100 (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mr Reddish who has to perform the part of Alonzo was not come to begin the 3d Act, which put us in great Confusion, at Length Mr J. Aickin consented to read the part, & we Cut Mr Aickins part quite out-An Apology was made to the Audience that Mr Reddish was not come, nor had he sent any Message-The Play went on;-before the play was finish'd Mr Reddish came to the House when the Play was over Mr King & Mr Reddish went on the Stage Mr King apologis'd the Audience in behalf of Mr Reddish & told them that Mr R. was ready to make oath that he had entirely forgot that it was a play Night, & that it was by meer chance he came to the House at all-his looks were so truely pitiable, the Audience had Compassion & excus'd him (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly. Genest, V, 353, notes that the rebellion of the audience was quelled by an offer of return of entrance money to those wished to leave. He also notes that Reddish on the eleventh published an affidavit in confirmation of his statement, begging Pardon for disappointing the public.] Paid Mr Wright per order Mr G. G. #13 5s. 2d. Receipts: #143 7s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Public Advertiser, 20 Mar.: Tickets to be had of Aickin at his house in Bow-street, Covent Garden. Receipts: #128 5s. (91.8; tickets: 36.17) (charge: #67 7s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Mainpiece: With the triumphal entry of Alexander into Babylonv. 2nd piece [1st time; M.INT I; compiler unknown]. Public Advertiser, 8 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Aickin, Bow Street, Covent Garden. Receipts: #300 12s. 6d. (235.10.6; tickets: 65.2.0) (charge: #73 14s.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Mainpiece: With a Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon. Public Advertiser, 10 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Aickin, No. 6, York Street, Covent Garden. Receipts: #187 ior. (144/5; tickets: 43/5) (charge: #74 10s.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Morning Chronicle, 6 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Aickin, No. 9, Paddington Green. Receipts: #152 13s. (69/14; 11/0; tickets: 71/19) (charge: #105)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. [Meredith is identified in European Magazine, May 1789, p. 410, which also states address was written by a Mr Vardill.] Mainpiece: End of Act II the Grand Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon. Public Advertiser, 24 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Aickin at his house, No. 5, Gower-street, Bedford-square. Receipts: #228 4s. 6d. (155.17.6; 8.2.0; tickets 64.5.0)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Gazetteer, 14 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Aickin at his house, Gower-street, Bedford-square. Receipts: #209 (116.3; 7.19; tickets: 84.18)

Event Comment: "The modest, tender Mrs Kemble deserves to be noticed for a faculty which she possesses, perhaps, more than any person upon the stage, more even than Mrs Siddons, who has it, however, in a very great degree. While she is upon the stage, she is always enacting, whether in speech or not; and never, for a moment, forgets the character, to look at her dress, or at the audience, or to discover any appearance of uneasiness at the consciousness of being looked at, when there is nothing to be said. The players call this bye-play; and it is a very important part of their art. We are perpetually reminding Bensley of his want of it, in speaking to the audience more than to the characters...[The playbill retains Aickin, but] Kemble read the part of the Governor for Aickin, and did not get through it very well" (Gazetteer, 29 Aug.)

Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill retains Aickin, but "Waldron read Aickin's part of Roque , he being suddenly taken ill" (Thespian Magazine, Oct. 1793, p. 257). It is not stated who substituted for Waldron. Afterpiece in place of Who's the Dupe?, advertised on playbill of 4 Sept.