Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb. Larpent MS 1050; published (pirated) 1795]: The Musick, principally new, composed by Storace, with a few Pieces selected from Anfossi, Mozart, Bianchi, Ditters and Sarti. The Scenes and Decorations are all designed and painted by Greenwood, except the View of the New Settlement, which is by Capon. The Dresses, &c. are executed by Johnston and Miss Rein. Books of the Songs to be had in the Theatre. Powell: Cherokee rehearsed at 9:30. Receipts: #340 5s. 6d. (284.5.0; 54.13.0; 1.7.6)

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb. Text: T. N. Longman and O. Rees, 1800. Miss Waters is identified in the Songs]: The Scenes, Music, Machinery, Dresses, and Decorations are all entirely new. The Music composed by Mazzinghi and Reeve. The Scenery painted by Richards, Phillips, Lupino, Hollogan, Backmore, &c. [based on drawings of Indian scenery by Thomas Daniell]. The Machinery and Decorations by Cresswell, Sloper, Goostree, &c. The Dresses by Dick and Mrs Egan. Books of the Songs, also describing the Scenes and Spectacle of the Return from the Tiger Hunt, to be had at the Theatre, price six pence. "The whole [forms] an exhibition of the utmost grandeur...The expense attending the decoration must have been immense...The dailogue is certainly not of the first description of writing, but it forms, on the whole, a very safe vehicle for some of the best music the English stage has for some time been able to boast"(Morning Herald, 13 Nov.). Account-Book, 27 Dec.: Paid Cuthbert for Wheels, &c. for the Elephants #13 18s. Receipts: #364 7s. 6d. (363.19.6; 0.8.0)

Event Comment: This piece was greatly Cut & Alter'd. the 5th Act Entirely left out & many Airs interspers'd all through; got up with a vast deal of trouble to everbody concern'd in it but particularly to Mr Coleman, who attended every Rehearsal & had alterations innumberable to make. Upon the Whole, never was anything so murder'd in the Speaking. Mr W. Palmer & Mrs Vincent were beyond Description bad; & had it not been for the Children's Excellent performance, (& particularly Miss Wright who Sung delightfully) the Audience would not have Suffer'd'em to have gone half thro' it. The Sleeping Scene particularly displeas'd. Next day it was reported, The Performers first Sung the Audience to S leep, & then went to Sleep themselves (Hopkins). Fairies pleas'd--Serious parts displeas'd--Comic between both (Cross Diary). This piece of Shakespear's was greatly cut and altered,--the fifth act entirely left out,--and many airs introduced--got up with a vast deal of trouble to all concerned, but particularly to Mr Colman, who attended every rehearsal, and had alterations innumerable to make. Upon the whole, I believe, never was piece so murdered as this was by the singing speakers, in which Mrs Vincent and Mr W. Palmer were beyond description bad; and had it not been for the children's excellent performance (particularly Miss Wright, who ran away with all the applause and very deservedly) the audience would not have suffered them to have gone half thro' it.--The sleeping particularly displeased. The next day it was reported, the performers sung the audience to sleep, and then went to sleep themselves (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan). Overture and airs composed by the most eminent English masters. Book of the play sold at the theatre, 1s. [See "A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Hands of Garrick and Colman," PMLA, June 1939.] Receipts: #98 7s. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Clive. Part of the Pit railed into Boxes and Stage will be formed into Amphitheatre, where servants will be admitted to keep places. Afterpiece: Farce of Two Acts never before acted. [MacMillan lists the characters from the Larpent MS and points out that no indication of assignment appeared: Sir John Bayfield , Sir Charles Freelove , Sir James Trueman , Mr Lovenight , Captain Squander , Lady Bayfield , Miss Croston , Lady Di Clatter , Miss Gibberish , Mrs Lovenight , Miss Prue , Mrs Goodfellow , and servants . Two deputy licensers seem to have been operating at this time, for Garrick sends his plays to Edward Capel, and Rich his to Chetwyn.

Event Comment: This Musical Farce of one Act was wrote by Mr G on purpose to introduce Miss Abrams (a Jew) about 17 Years old. She is very small, a Swarthy Complexion, has a very sweet Voice and a fine Shake, but not quite power enough yet-both the Piece and Young Lady were receiv'd with Great Applause (Hopkins Diary). Books of the Songs, Choruses etc. of Afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. The Conscious Lovers oblig'd to be deferred till Monday, with which will be performed the last new Grand Ballet, The Savage Hunters. [Advertisement to the published edition: "The author of this musical Farce, begs leave to inform the readers, if there should be any, that it was merely intended to introduce The Little Gipsy to the public, whose youth and total inexperience of the stage made it necessary to give as little dialogue to her character as possible, her success depending wholly upon her singing-This reason added to another, which is that the piece was produced at an early part of the season, when better writters are not willing to come forth, is the best apology the Author can make for its defects."] Paid 6 days salary list at #104 7s.-per diem, #626 2s.; Mr Lamash on note #5 5s. (Treasurer's Book). [The note on sale of books of the songs and choruses for the afterpiece occurs on all subsequent bills this season in which May Day is mentioned. The songs and chorusses and overture by Dr Arne. The afterpiece reviewed in Westminster Magazine for Nov.: The preparation is palatable, and the hand of the preparer is discoverable from the affinity between the scene of Roger and the Old Man, and that of whittle and Thomas in the Irish Widow....The Music of the overture and Finale were remarkably light and pretty: some of the airs also did Dr Arne credit. As to Miss Abrams, she has a sweet pipe, and a natural shake that charmed us;-If maturity does but strengthen her voice, at the same time that it gives her ease in deportment, she will prove an ornament to the stage."] Receipts: #205 3s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Hannah Cowley.] Miss Younge had a song [Wake, thou son of dullness] composed by Michael Arne. Authors of Prologue and Epilogue unknown]: New Scenes and Dresses. Account-Book, 16 June: Paid Mrs Cowley for suspending the publication of the Belle's Stratagem #100. Public Advertiser, 1 Apr. 1782: In a few Days will be published The Belle's Stratagem. A spurious Copy having been published in Ireland [in 1781] make[s] it necessary to observe that the above is the genuine Comedy, as performed at Covent Garden Theatre. Ibid., 9 Apr. 1782: This Day is published The Belle's Stratagem (1s. 6d.). Receipts: #213 19s. (212.15.6; 1.3.6)

Event Comment: [This was Parsons's last appearance on the stage. He died on 3 Feb. 1795.] Powell: Miss DeCamp absent [from afterpiece], Miss Stageldoir Italian Girl. Inconstant rehearsed at 11; New Ballet at 12. Receipts: #262 14s. 6d. (185.16.6; 72.2.6; 2.15.6)

Event Comment: This Farce is taken From the Midsummer Night's Dream, by Coleman, & is a very pleasing Farce, & well receiv'd by the Audience (Hopkins). Songs of the Entertainment to be given at theatre. Mdsr Night's Dream Cut. Serious parts quite out. Went off well (Cross Diary). This Farce is taken from The Midsummer Night.-Mr Colman thought it was a pity so much pains and expense as was bestowed on the Midsummer Night's Dream should be thrown away,-he luckily thought of turning it into a farce, which alteration he made in one night,-and now I think as pleasing a farce as most that are done.-Miss Wright? is vastly great in her songs (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan). [See "A Midsummer Night's Dream in the hands of Garrick and Colman," PMLA, June 1939.

Event Comment: Benefit for Holtom, Buck, Dibdin and Miss Sledge. Mainpiece: Not acted in 3 years. [See 11 May 1762.] Afterpiece: Music by Dibdin

Event Comment: Benefit for Kent and Family. By Desire of Her Serene Highness, the Margravine of Anspach. Kent's most respectful Compliments waits on the Ladies and Gentlemen of Hammersmith, and its Vicinity, informs them that Mr Newman has kindly granted the Assembly Room for one or two Evenings; to accomodate Her Highness the Margravine and principal Inhabitants: Kent has spar'd neither trouble or expence to render it conveniant [sic] as possible, the Room itself being very respectable & the Entrance unexceptionable. He earnestly solicits the company of his Friends in general, assuring them that every endeavour will be exerted for their Entertainment; the Interest of every Lady & Gentleman will be ever most gratefully remember'd, as very highly contributing to Kent's extricating himself from a Situation obvious to all acquainted with the Expence he has been at, and the ill Success he has met with. To begin exactly at 6:30. Admittance 2s. Tickets to be had at the Winsor Castle, of Kent, and Miss Connard in Union Court, and of Miss Kent, at Mrs Bevias

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Pope. Afterpiece: With a Sea Fightv. True Briton, 28 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Miss Pope, No. 63, Great Queen-street, Lincoln's-Inn-Fields. Receipts: #386 8s. 6d. (125.17.6; 76.1.6; 7.16.6; tickets: 176.13.0) (charge: #224 9s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Benefit Miss Brett. By a Select Company of Lilliputians

Event Comment: Benefit for Pittard and Miss Midnight. Tickets delivered out by Mr Morris will be taken. The Curtain will rise at 6:15 p.m

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Condill, Miss Sledge, and Miss Vivier [sic]. Tickets deliver'd by Miss Condill, Miss White, Viviez Jr, Miss Sledge, Mrs Jansolien, Guerin, and Mrs Paddick will be taken. Account Book: Receipts: #32 18s. 6d. [Each received half value of the tickets he or she delivered.] @Tickets Box Pit Gallery Value 1!2 Value@Miss Condill 11 80 34 #18 3s. #9 1s. 6d.@Miss White 43 41 74 #24 6s. #12 3s.@Miss Sledge 16 60 68 #19 16s. #9 18s.@Mrs Jansolien 22 61 50 #19 13s. #9 16s. 6d.@Guerin 14 29 17 #9 11s. #4 15s. 6d.@Viviez Jr 25 23 50 #14 14s. #7 7s.@Mrs Paddick 0 28 29 #7 2s. #3 11s.@Total 131 322 322 #113 5s. #56 12s. 6d.

Event Comment: Ladies send servants by 3 o'clock. A Comic Opera, Never Perform'd [by Isaac Bickerstaffe]. The Scenes, Dresses and Dances entirely new (playbill). [The playbill does not assign parts. Assignment from Genest and Winston who both identify the Young Gentlewoman as Miss Brickler. The Music compiled from Favourite airs of the most celebrated composers." See note for 27 May relative to dances in this opera.] Receipts: #245 14s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Garrick. Lady Brute 1st time Miss Younge--very well (Hopkins). Paid Half a year's paving, Lighting & Cleaning to Mich. Last--#14 (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #254 11s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This Comedy written by Mr Kelly was brought on the Stage by Capt. Addington as his own was well perform'd & receiv'd with great Applause (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Rec'd stopages #24 12s. 6d.; Paid salary list #529 2s.; Mr King's extra salary #3; Miss Brooker, 8 weeks not on list #8. (Treasurer's Book). [Mainpiece reviewed favorably by the Westminster Magazine: "He that cannot relish such a pleasing picture of Manners with such powerful Sentiments, so interesting a Fable, and so striking a Moral, must be a churl indeed."] Receipts: #244 15s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Alexander the Great? [announced on playbill of 4 Nov.] is obliged to be deferred. [The playbill lists Mrs Yates as Lady Townly, but see following note. Miss Younge's name appears in all subsequent playbills, except on 19 Dec.] Alexander was advertised for this Night, but Lacy being hoarse, who was to have played Alexander, it was obliged to be deferred, and this Play substituted. It was between eleven and twelve o'clock at (Night) before we got it settled. Mr. Sheridan ordered me not to send to Mrs. Yates about (it) till the Morning. About eight o'clock I sent her Notice that the Provoked Husband was to be performed at Night. A little after nine, she sent Word by her Niece that she was never so ill treated in her life, that she was never before asked to play on the fifth of November [which day was traditionally set aside for the acting of Tamerlane], that she would not play Lady Townly that Night, nor would she play any more; and if she had an Inclination to play, she had no Cloaths ready to play it in; and sent back the Part of Semiramis in a new Tragedy that was preparing [see 16 Nov., 14 Dec.]. I got Miss Younge to do Lady Townly, and an Apology was made by Packer that Mrs Yates having refused this Morning to do Lady Townly, Miss Younge at a Minutes' Notice undertook to do it. Miss Younge was much applauded and Yates had a few hisses (Hopkins Diary). Receipts: #179 11s. 6d

Event Comment: Tickets delivered by Kenny, Briggs, Pemberton, Newton, Leslie, Miss Heard, Miss Richards, Mrs Enoe will be taken. Receipts: #40 11s. 6d. (27/5/0; 13/6/6; 0/0/0; tickets: none listed)

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Fontenelle. Public Advertiser, 14 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Miss Fontenelle at her house, No. 271, Holbourn. 2nd piece: Compressed into 3 short Acts. "Miss Fontenelle...is the best Romp we ever saw, Mrs Jordan alone excepted...We were sorry to see [her] fall over the groove of the scene; but as practice is more forcible than precept, we hope it will teach her the truth of Friar Lawrence's caution, 'they stumble who run fast'" (Diary, 4 May). Receipts: #219 19s. (133.14.6; 6.8.6; tickets: 79.16.0)

Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill retains Mrs Bland; in afterpiece the playbill assigns Euphrosyne and 1st Bacchant to Mrs Bland, 2nd Bacchant to Miss DeCamp, Pastoral Nymph to Miss Dall, but "In consequence of the sudden indisposition of Mrs Bland...nearly the whole female cast of Comus was last night altered a short time previous to the performance. Miss Dall was the Euphrosyne, Miss DeCamp the 1st Bacchant, and Mrs Bramwell the Pastoral Nymph. In The Mountaineers Miss DeCamp was Mrs Bland's successor" (Morning Herald, 3 Sept.). Mrs Bramwell's part as a Bacchant was probably omitted.