Event Comment: [2nd piece in place of
The Orphan; 3rd piece of
Blunders at Brighton [i.e.
The Irish Mimic], both advertised on playbill of 9 Oct.] "Where [
Lewis] absolutely exceeded all expectation, even from spirits like his own, was in the first scene of the fifth act, where he meets with
Cacafogo, who has been Cozened, too,
and by a woman also (indeed the same woman); the convulsive joy of his laugh, frequently renewed,
and invariably compelling the whole audience to a really painful sympathy, was one of the most brilliant exploits of the comedian...[Lewis] had one peculiarity, which was the richest in effect that could be imagined,
and was always an addition to the character springing from himself. It might be called an attempt to take advantage of the lingering sparks of gallantry in the aunt, or the mother of sixty, or the ancient maiden whom he had to win, to carry the purposes of those for whom he was interested. He seemed to throw the
lady by degrees off her guard, until at length his whole artillery of assault was applied to storm the struggling resistance;
and the
Mattockses and the
Davenports of his attentions sometimes complained of the perpetual motion of his chair, which compelled them to a ludicrous retreat,
and kept the spectator in a roar of laughter. In short, whether sitting or st
anding, he was never for a moment at rest--his figure continued to exhibit a series of undulating lines, which indicated a self-complacency that never tired,
and the sparkling humour of his countenance was a signal hung out for enjoyment" (
Boaden,
Siddons, II, 364-66). Receipts: #365 4s. 6d. (357.6.6; 7.18.0)