Event Comment: Benefit for Wood [Sub-Treasurer]. Mainpiece: For last time this season. Tickets deliver'd by Miss Minors will be taken. Tickets to head of Wood at Mr Burn's in James St., Covent Garden, &c. Receipts: #140 (Cross)

Event Comment: Never Acted before. A Tragedy [By John Home]. I went to my Office and then slept [?] in at Drury Lane w here I see Mr and Miss Hayes, Lady Lindores who I see into a coach, I slept in at Covent Garden Gallery before the play, but see nobody I knew so I would not stay, otherwise I would have went out as I had set my mind on the Beggar's Opera for once more, but waived it all & went to my Office (Hailey Brietzcke Diary, Vol. 197, p. 72)

Event Comment: Benefit for Sheridan. Othello not acted for 5 years. [See 14 May 1759.] Miss Piercy in running off the stage, which was greatly crowded, fell down and broke her arm (Hopkins MS Notes)

Event Comment: Benifit for Blakes. By Particular Desire. Tickets deliver'd for The Beggar's Opera will be taken. Palmer married Miss Pritchard (Genest, IV, 612)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By Desire. Mr Ross Castalio --well. Barry & Mrs Cibber, play'd Romeo & Juliet this Night a C. Garden (Cross). [Inspector No 187 appeared with comments on Ross and further ones on Mossop as actors (Daily Advertiser and Literary Gazette).] Receipts: #200 (Cross)

Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first production is not certain, but tradition states that Dryden died on the third day (1 May 1700); if this report is correct, the first performance occurred on 29 April 1700. In A Collection of New Songs...Compos'd by Mr Daniel Purcel, Perform'd in the Revis'd Comedy call'd the Pilgrim (1700) is a song, Chronos, Chronos, mend thy pace, with Janus sung by Freeman, Momus by Pate, Diana by Mrs Erwin. Gottfried Finger apparently composed the passage sung by Venus, Calms appear when storms are past. William Egerton, Faithful Memoirs of...Mrs Anne Oldfield (1731): The Pilgrim was indeed reviv'd for the Benefit of Mr Dryden, Ann. 1700, but he dying on third Night of its Representation, his Son attended the Run of it, and the Advantages accrued to his Family. Cibber, Apology, I, 269-70: This Epilogue, and the Prologue the same Play [The Pilgrim], written by Dryden, I spoke myself, which not being usually done by the same Person, I have a mind, while I think of it, to let you know on what Occasion they both fell to my Share....Sir John Vanbrugh, who had given some light touches of his Pen to the Pilgrim to assist the Benefit Day of Dryden, had the Disposal of the Parts, and I being then as an Actor in some Favour with him, he read the Play first with me alone, and was pleased to offer me my Choice of what I might like best for myself in it. But as the chief Characters were not (according to my Taste) the most shining, it was no great Self-denial in me that I desir'd he would first take care of those who were more difficult to be pleased; I therefore only chose for myself two short incidental Parts, that of the stuttering Cook and the mad Englishman....Sir John, upon my being contented with so little a Share in the Entertainment, gave me the Epilogue to make up my Mess; which being written so much above the Strain of common Authors, I confess I was not a little pleased with. And Dryden, upon his hearing me repeat it to him, made a farther Compliment of trusting me with the Prologue. Cibber, Apology, I, 305-6: In theYear 1699, Mrs Oldfield was first taken into the House, where she remain'd about a Twelve-month almost a Mute and unheeded, 'till Sir John Vanbrugh, who first recommended her, gave her the Part of Alinda in the Pilgrim revis'd. This gentle Character happily became that want of Confidence which is inseparable from young Beginners, who, without it, seldom arrive to any Excellence: Notwithstanding, I own I was then so far deceiv'd in my Opinion of her, that I thought she had little more than her Person that appear'd necessary to the forming a good Actress; for she set out with so extraordinary a Diffidence, that it kept her too despondingly down to a formal, plain (not to say) flat manner of speaking. Nor could the silver Tone of her Voice 'till after some time incline my Ear to any Hope in he favour. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 27: [After Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields had revived Shakespeare and Johnson] Nay then, says the whole party at D. Lane, faith we'll e'en put the Pilgrim upon him--ay faith, so we will, says Dryden, and if youll let my Son have the Profits of the Third Night, I'll give you a Secular Mask: Done, says the House, and so the Bargain was struck

Event Comment: At the Desire of several Persons of Quality and Distinction. Mainpiece: Written by Sir John Vanbrugh and Mr Cibber. Afterpiece: Written by Mr Carey

Event Comment: By the Queen of Hungary's Company of Comedians. Side Boxes 4s. Front boxes 3s. Pit 2s. Gallery 1s. Note: Tickets deliver'd out for Romeo and Juliet, for Miss Cibber's Benefit, that could not come on Monday the 17th, will be taken on Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27

Event Comment: House open'd Sept 16th. Mrs Ward engag'd from Covent Garden-Mrs Cibber not intending to play this Season. The first time I ever remember ye Company to play every Day so soon in ye Season (Cross). Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. First Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places to be had of Hobson at the stage door be repeated here.] Receitps: #120 (Cross)

Event Comment: Wth Shakespear's ode (by Havard). Mrs Cibber ill, she came tho', and went thro' Ye two first Acts & then Miss Haughton finish'd the Part (Cross). For bt. of Ross, but Ross did not act. Receipts: #180 (Cross)

Event Comment: About this time Mr Theo: Cibber Mr Maddocks the wire Dancer, & several other Theatrical performers, with & number of other Passangers embark'd on board the Dublin, Captain White, in order to go to Ireland but the Ship was lost & every Soul perish'd (Cross). As Mr Sparks & others complain'd of Mr Wilkinson for taking them off, it [Diversions of ye Morning] was intended to be omitted this Night, But the Audience call'd so violently for it, that we were oblig'd to let him do it--he took off Foote & Sheridan, & wou'd have left out Sparks but ye Audience wou'd not be satisfied without it--when they first call'd Mr Foote went forward & said as some of the performers had complain'd it was to be omitted; as for being taken off himself he had no Objection to it, as he was always glad to contribute to their Entertainm[en]t &c. (Cross). Mainpiece: Not acted these 2 years [see 14 Oct. 1756]. Receipts: #130 (Cross); #139 10s. (Winston MS 8)

Event Comment: Christopher Rich's Company. The date of the resumption of playing is not certain, for Cibber (see below) beclouds the issue by referring to Easter-Monday in April, whereas the first Monday following Easter fell on 25 March 1694@5. Nevertheless, Monday 1 April 1695 seems the likely date of the resumption of playing, with Rich's Company ready to perform before the seceding company under Thomas Betterton was fully organized. A new song for Abdelazar, Lucinda is bewitching fair, the music by Henry Purcell and sung by "the Boy" (Jemmy? Bowen), is in Thesaurus Musicus, The Fourth Book, 1695. Cibber, Apology, I, 195: [The Patentees] were not able to take the Field till the Easter-Monday in April following. Their first Attempt was a reviv'd Play call'd Abdelazar, or the Moor's Revenge, poorly written, by Mrs Behn. The House was very full, but whether it was the Play or the Actors that were not approved, the next Day's Audience sunk to nothing. However, we assured that let the Audiences be never so low, our Masters would make good all Deficiencies, and so indeed they did, till towards the End of the Season, when Dues to Ballance came too think upon 'em. [See I, 195-96, for Cibber's account of his Prologue.] A Comparison Between the Two Stages, 1702, p. 7: But in my Opinion, 'twas strange that the general defection of the old Actors which left Drury-lane, and the fondness which the better sort shew'd for 'em at the opening of their Newhouse, and indeed the Novelty it self, had not quite destroy'd those few young ones that remain'd behind. The disproportion was so great at parting, that 'twas almost impossible, in Drury-lane, to muster up a sufficient number to take in all the Parts of any Play; and of them so few were tolerable, that a Play must of necessity be damn'd that had not extraordinary favour from the Audience: No fewer than Sixteen (most of the old standing) went away; and with them the very beauty and vigour of the Stage; they who were left behind being for the most part Learners, Boys and Girls, a very unequal match for them who revolted. According to a statement made in litigation, the company in Drury Lane acted 84 times between 25 March 1694@5 and 7 July 1695; and the Young Actors played 68 times from 6 July 1695 to 10 Oct. 1695 to 10 Oct. 1695. See Hotson, Commonwealth and Restoration Stage, p. 308

Event Comment: Benefit Cibber. At the Desire of several Ladies of Quality

Event Comment: This comedy was wrote by Mr Moor, & except ye part of Faddle meet with Universal Applause (ye Author's first play) (Cross). New Scenes and Cloaths (General Advertiser). This C. was written by Moore--it is a good play--it was acted 11 times successively--Garrick's peculiar qualifications and happy use of them, added amazing spirit to the piece, and gave more consequence to Young Belmont than can well be imagined--Macklin, who never had in voice, figure or features much capacity for the fop cast, yet struck out some things in Faddle, that have not been since equalled, particularly in marking the obsequious knave throughout--Barry in the fourth act supported his character with emphatic dignity and in the last with melting tenderness--the part of Rosetta was undoubtedly conceived for Mrs Woffington, and she did it particular justice--the elegance, the notions of love, and the vanity of admiration, which are united in Rosetta, were natural to Mrs Woffington, so that she had the advantage of looking and speaking in her own character--the softness and pathos, which distinguished Fidelia sat with much ease on Mrs Cibber (Dramatic Censor, II, 206). [For contemporary account of plot and discussion of the play, see Gentleman's Magazine Feb. 1748, pp. 51-54; March 1748, pp. 114-17; May 1748, pp. 207-9; June 1748, pp. 257-59. See also G. Stayley, An Answer to an unjust criticism on the Foundling, listed in Register of Books, Gentleman's Magazine, May 1748, p. 240; A Criticism of the Foundling, in a letter to the author, listed in Register of Books, Gentleman's Magazine, March 1748, p. 144. The Larpent MS indicates many revisions. The substitution of Rake for Whoremaster, &c. Some Suggestive passages marked for excision. "The Disapprobation, which the Character of Faddle met with the first Night, made it necessary for me to shorten it in almost every Scene" (Dedication to 1st Edition).] Receipts: #200 (Cross); #200 5s. (Powel)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Cibber. Tickets delivered for The Orphan will be taken. No building on stage. [Goldsmith, in his Bee (Vol. 1759, p. 56), commenting on Mad Clairon s' excellent preservation of character on stage, glances at Mrs Cibber, perhaps in this night's performance: 'I can never pardon a lady on the stage who, when she draws the admriation of the whole audience, turns about to make them a low courtesy for their applause. Such a figure no longer continues Belvidera , but at once drops into Mrs Cibber." See comment upon her deportment as Ophelia , 29 April 1763.

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Written by the late Mr Congreve. St. James's Evening Post, 31 Oct.: We are informed, that John Ellys Esq: the eminent painter, succeeds Mr Wilks in the management of Drurylane Play-House; and that Mr Cibber Jr succeeds his father, who has resign'd to him

Event Comment: Benefit Carey. Afterpiece: Written by Mr Carey. Being the last of that kind he intends ever to compose. At Common Prices. 6:30 P.M. No one admitted into the Boxes but by Silver Tickets or printed Tickets from the Office. [Preface points out that DL had the copy nine months, promising to perform it and returning it at the end of the season. Then Cibber Jr requested it for his summer company; it was rehearsed and then the company forced to close.] The Airs by Porpora

Event Comment: Written by Shakespear. Garrick to Peter Garrick (Dec. 1741): You perhaps would be glad to know what parts I have play'd, King Richd-+Jack Smatter in Pamela-Clody fop's fortune-Lothario fair Penitent-Chamont Orphan-Ghost Hamlet-& Shall soon be ready in Bays in ye Rehearsal-and in ye part of Othello-Both of which I believe will do Me and Cibber">Giffard great Service-I have had great Success in all, & 'tis not yet determin'd whether I play Trajedy or Comedy best-$Old Cibber has spoke with ye Greatest Commendation of my Acting, as to playing a Harlequin 'tis quite false-Yates last Season was taken very ill & was not able to begin ye Entertainment so I put on ye Dress & did 2 or three Scenes for him, but Nobody knew it but him & Giffard; I know it has been Said I play'd Harlequin at Covent Garden but it is quite false.-Little, Pineapples, pp. 28-29

Event Comment: A new Musical Drama, compos'd by Mr Handel. Libretto by Thomas Broughton. [Mrs Cibber was scheduled to sing the part of Lichas, but was indisposed.

Event Comment: A letter in Daily Advertiser 4 March complains of Mrs Cibber's absence from this revival

Event Comment: MMrs Cibber to Garrick, 26 Feb. 1746: I despise your vanity when you imagine my danger was as great from Mrs Copin, as yours from Perkin Warbeck; my rival met with disgrace the first night of her appearance; and my not naming her when I writ you about Perkin Jan. 1746] was a piece of generosity scarcely to be met with in the female sex, for my rival was then dismissed the house.--Boaden, Private Correspondence of Garrick, I, 39

Event Comment: Benefit for Beard. Afterpiece: A Masque of Music, reviv'd, in two Interludes, preform'd at the end of the 3rd and 5th Acts. Written by Colley Cibber. Servants will be allow'd to keep Places on the stage, which (for the better accommodation of the Ladies) will be form'd into an Amphitheatre, illuminated and enclos'd, as at an Oratorio. Tickets for Boxes and Stage to be had of Beard at his house in Red Lyon Square, and of Page at the Stage Door. Ladies desired to send servants to keep Places by three o'clock (General Advertiser)

Event Comment: MMr Barry flew from his articles & engag'd with Rich; Mrs Cibber (who did not play last season) is also engag'd there--Y: King went to Ireland--Macklin and Wife came from thence to Mr Rich (Cross). Passage open'd from Russel St. into the boxes where Ladies and Gentlemen may be set down from their coaches, and there is likewise a better accommodation made for Chairs to come up to the House, and be kept in waiting, at the end of the Passage from Bridges St. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. First Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr Hobson at the stage door of the Theatre. [The notice about the Passage was continued through 20 Sept. The notice about prices was customary throughout the season. Neither will be repeated further here.] Receipts: #110 (Cross)

Event Comment: A Quarrel in ye Green room between old Cibber & Mrs Clive occasioned by his saying, the stage wanted a handsome Woman, &c. (Cross). Receipts: #70 (Cross)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted in 5 years. [See 12 March 1747.] This day publish'd The Oracle, a comedy of one act as it is acted at Covent Garden. By Mrs Cibber