Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time in
London; DR. POEM 5, by
William Mason, 1st acted at
Crow Street Theatre, Dublin, 30 Mar. 1764]: Written on the Model of the ancient Greek Tragedy. The Overture and all the Music composed New by
Dr Arne. With a New Scene designed and executed by
Dahl [recte
Dall]. The Dresses, Decorations, &c. all entirely New. Books of the Lyrical Part of the Drama to be had at the Theatre. 'But I had rather talk of
Caractacus; I agree that he will not suffer by not being sputtered by
Barry, who has lost all his teeth.
Covent Garden is rather above
Drury Lane in actors, but both sets are exceedingly bad, so bad-that I almost wish Caractacus was not to appear. Very seldom do I go to the play, for there is no bearing such strollers" (
Walpole [to the author, 8 Oct. 1776], IX, 419-20). "I attended Caractacus last winter, and was greatly interested, both from my friendship for Mr
Mason and from the excellence of the poetry. I was out of all patience; for though a young
Lewis played a subordinate part very well, and
Mrs Hartley looked her part charmingly, the Druids were so massacred, and Caractacus so much worse, that I never saw a more barbarous exhibition" (Walpole [13 July 1777], X, 81-82).
Public Advertiser, 7 Dec. 1776: This Day is published the Lyrical Part of Caractacus (6d.). [The publisher,
J. Wilkie, states that he also has the "whole Drama, as altered by the Author, 18d." Ibid., 9 Dec., contains an advertisement from
Mason stating that this version is unauthorized.] Ibid., 12 Dec.: This Day is published [by
A. Ward of
York] a new Edition of Caractacus, now altered for Representation at the Theatre-Royal in
Covent Garden (1s. 6d.). Receipts: #163 10s. (163.6; 0.4)