Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; T 5, by William Henry Ireland; incidental music by William Linley. Prologue by Sir James Bland Burges; Epilogue by Robert Merry (see text)]: With new Scenes, Dresses & Decorations. The Scenes designed and excuted by Greenwood and Capon. The Dresses by Johnston, Gay & Miss Rein. Printed slip attached to Kemble playbill: A malevolent and impotent attack on the Shakspeare MSS. [i.e. those forged by W. H. Ireland, of which this play was one] having appeared, on the Eve of representation of Vortigern, evidently intended to injure the interest of the Proprietor of the MSS., Mr Samuel? Ireland [W. H. Ireland's father] feels it impossible, within the short space of time that intervenes between the publishing and the representation, to produce an answer to the most illiberal and unfounded assertions in Mr Malone's enquiry [i.e. Edmond Malone, An Inquiry into the Authenticity of certain Papers attributed to Shakspeare, Queen Elizabeth, and Henry, Earl of Southampton, 1796]. He is therefore induced to request that Vortigern may be heard With that Candour that has ever distinguished a British Audience. The Play is now at the Press, and will in a very few days be laid before the Public. [But it was not issued until 1799 (see below). See also Bernard Grebanier, The Great Shakespeare Forgery, London, 1966.] 4 Apr., states that the first three acts were listened to with patience, but beginning with the fourth act the play was damned, when "one tremendous yell of indignation from the pit burst simultaneously." "At four o'clock the doors of the theatre were besieged; and, a few minutes after they were opened, the pit was crowded solely with gentlemen. Before six not a place was to be found in the boxes, and the passages were filled...The audience betrayed symptoms of impatience early in the representation; but, finding its taste insulted by bloated terms, which heightened the general insipidity, its reason puzzled by discordant images, false ornaments, and abortive efforts to elevate and astonish, pronounced its sentence of condemnation at the conclusion of the play" (Gentleman's Magazine, Apr. 1795, pp. 346-47). "Irelands play of Vortigern I went to. Prologue spoken at 35 minutes past 6 [see 29 Mar.]: Play over at 10. A strong party was evidently made to support it, which clapped without opposition frequently through near 3 acts, when some ridiculous passages caused a laugh, mixed with groans-Kemble requested the audience t o hear the play out abt. the end of 4th act and prevailed.-The Epilogue was spoken by Mrs Jordan who skipped over some lines which claimed the play as Shakespeares. Barrymore attempted to give the Play out for Monday next but was hooted off the stage. Kemble then came on, & after some time, was permitted to say that "School for Scandal would be given," which the House approved by clapping. Sturt of Dorsetshire was in a Stage Box drunk, & exposed himself indecently to support the Play, and when one of the stage attendants attempted to take up the green cloth [i.e. a carpet which, by custom, was laid on the stage during the concluding scene of a tragedy], Sturt seized him roughly by the head. He was slightly pelted with oranges" (Joseph Farington, Diary, 1922, I, 145). Account-Book, 4 Apr.: Paid Ireland his share for the 1st Night of Vortigern #102 13s. 3d. Morning Chronicle, 29 Mar. 1799: This Day is published Vortigern and Henry the Second (4s.). Receipts: #555 6s. 6d. (528.6.0; 26.9.6; 0.11.0)

Event Comment: Tickets delivered for this Evening [by Wm. Banks, Dale Sen., Chippendale, Gregson, Jacobs, Wells, Thompson, Whitmell, Mrs Byrne, Mrs Butler, Miss Jackson (Account-Book)] will be admitted. Receipts: #305 4s. (17.4.6; 22.0.0; 1.7.0; tickets: 264.12.6)

Event Comment: Benefit for Hill, Rees and Miss Sims. Morning Chronicle, 6 June: Tickets to be had of Hill, No. 24, Bow-street, opposite the Pit Door. [Others not listed.] 2nd piece [1st time: M. INT 1]. Receipts: #287 7s. (50.17.6; 4.0.6; tickets: 232.9.0)

Event Comment: [As mainpiece the playbill announces the 1st night of The False Friend (see 24 Oct.), but "Miss Farren was taken ill, and The Beggar's Opera was the substitute. It proved, however, to be a substitute flat, stale and unprofitable. We never saw more indiffernet acting" (Oracle, 22 Oct.). Afterpiece in place of Richard Coeur de Lion, advertised on playbill of 20 Oct.] Paid Watch & Beadles, St. Martin's parish? 1 Year #42 10s. 4d. Receipts: #73 4s. (46.17.0; 24.17.6; 1.9.6)

Event Comment: Principal Instrumental Performers are G. Ashley, leader of the band; C. Ashley, W. Parke, Boyce, Barret, R. Ashley, Parkinson, Woodham, Jenkinson, M'Arthur, the Munros, Purney, Cantelo, Taylor, M'Intosh, Gwilliam, Nicks, Cobham, Leffler, Betts, Flack, Dressler, Cornish, I. Sharp, W. Sharp, M. Sharp, J. Sharp, Ware, J. Ware, Wood, G. Jones, Moorehead, Slezack, Francis, Jackson, Vial, White, &c. Organ by J. Ashley. The Band and Chorusses will be numerous and complete, and assisted by the Trombones and Double Drums, used at Handel's Commemoration at Westminster Abbey [in 1784]. The whole under the direction of Ashley Sen. Places for the Boxes to be had of Brandon at the stage door. The Doors to be opened at 6:00, and the Performance to begin at 7:00 precisely [same throughout oratorio season]. Half Price will be taken at 9:00. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Books of the Performance to be had at the Theatre (6d.)

Event Comment: Composed by G. F. Handel. Among the Instrumental Performers: C. Ashley, Sarjant, Wm. Parke, Boyce, R. Ashley, Bridgtower, Pinto, Parkinson, Lavenu. the Flacks, Taylor, Mackintosh, Wm. Ware, Dresler, Francis, Gwilliam, Nicks, the Munros, Archer, I. Sharp, W. Sharp, M. Sharp, J. Sharp, Betts, Cobham, Jackson, Wood, Coyle, Cornish, Jones, Purney, Leffler, Woodham, Piele, the Cantelos, Skillern, &c. Organ-J. Ashley. Double Drums (used at Westminster-Abbey)-Jenkinson. The Chorusses will be numerous and complete; the whole under the direction of Ashley. The Doors to be opened at 6:00. To begin at 7:00 precisely [same throughout oratorio season]. Books of the Performance (with the Imprimatur of E. Macleish) to be had at the Theatre, price 6d. Places for the Boxes to be had of Brandon, at the Stage-Door in Hart-street. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s

Event Comment: 2nd piece [1st time; CO 3, by Thomas Holcroft. Larpent MS 1242; not published]: With new Music, Scenes, and Dresse". The Music composed by Attwood; the Overture by W. Parke. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Receipts: #234 2s. (230.19; 3.3)

Event Comment: [Mainpiece in place of A Trip to Scarborough, announced on playbill of 9 Mar.] 2nd piece [1st time; M. INT I, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan]: With a new Scene invented and designed by DeLoutherbourg for the occasion. [Music composed by Thomas Linley Sen. Miss Wright is identified on playbill of 24 May; and see 19 Feb.] Public Advertiser, 27 Mar. 1779: This Afternoon at Four is published A Monody (1s. 6d.). Afterpiece: Not acted these 3 years. Receipts: #213 10s. 6d. (180.18.0; 32.6.0; 0.6.6). "Some of the verses [of the Monody] were responded [to] by the principal vocalists, accompanied by the band, who occupied an orchestra built on the stage, as at the oratorios. The whole of the performers [were] requested to appear in black clothes" (Parke, I, 17)

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Younge. Mainpiece: Never performed there. [Miss Orme, who made her 1st appearance on 5 Feb., is identified in Morning Chronicle, 9 Mar.]

Event Comment: Among the instrumental performers are Shaw, W. Parke, Mason, Parkinson, Hyde, A. Shaw, Archer, Corfe, C. Parkinson, Dressler, Flack Sen., Flack Jun., Zwingman. Under the direction of Linley. At Play-house Prices. No Money to be returned. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Places for the Boxes to be taken of Fosbrook, at the Theatre. The Doors to be opened at 5:30. To begin at 6:30 [same throughout oratorio season]

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; MF 2, by William Pearce. Text (T. N. Longman, 1794) has cast for season of 1794-95]: With new Music [by Shield), Scenes [by Richards (Theatre Notebook, Summer, 1965, XIX, 143)] and Dresses. The Music composed by [i.e. compiled from] Baumgarten, Paisiello, Dr Arne, W. Parke, Howard, and Shield. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Morning Chronicle, 26 Nov. 1794: This Day is published NETLEY ABBEY (1s.). Receipts: #399 5s. 6d. (378/1 1/6; 20/14/0)

Event Comment: 2nd piece [1st time; MF 2, by Prince Hoare]: The Music principally composed by Shield [and selected from Paisiello]. The Overture by W. Parke. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. 3rd piece: Representation of the Indian Manner, &c., as 26 Oct. 1795. Account-Book, 22 Feb.: Paid Hoare in full for Lock & Key #210. Receipts: #197 10s. (195.6; 2.4)

Event Comment: Among the Principal Instrumental Performers are G. Ashley, Leader of the Band; C. Ashley, Principal Violoncello; Wm. Parke, Sarjant, J. Mahon, Boyce, Bridgtower, Parkinson, Lavenu, Taylor, W. Ware, Flack, Dressler, Gwilliam, Nicks, [the] Munros, I. Sharp, W. Sharp, M. Sharp, J. Sharp, Archer, Cobham, Jackson, Wood, Coyle, Cornish, Purney, Leffler, Woodham, Piele, [the] Cantelos, Skillern, Beale, Lloyd, Franki, Simpson, Jenkinson, &c.; J. Ashley, Organ; R. Ashley, Double Drums (used at Westminster Abbey). The Chorusses will be numerous and complete. The whole under the Direction of Ashley. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places for the Boxes to be taken of Brandon at the Office in Hart-street. The Doors to be opened at 6:00. To begin at 7:00 [same throughout oratorio season]. Books of the Performance (with the imprimatur of E. Macleish) to be had at the Theatre. [Sga Galli did not sing in The Messiah when it was originally performed in Dublin in 1742, or in London in 1743, in which year the cg oratories under Handel were established.] "I had the curiosity to go, and heard [Sga Galli] sing, 'He was despised and rejected of men' in the Messiah. Of course her voice was cracked and trembling, but it was easy to see her school was good; and it was pleasing to observe the kindness with which she was received, and listened to; and to mark the animation and delight with which she seemed to hear again the music in which she had formerly been a distinguished performer. The poor old woman had been in the habit of coming to me annually for a trifling present; and she told me on that occasion that nothing but the severest distress should have compelled her so to expose herself, which after all did not answer its end, as she was not paid according to her agreement" (Mount-Edgcumbe, pp. 19-20). [At the rehearsal, 1 Mar., I know that my Redeemer liveth sung by Mme Mara; Comfort ye my people by Braham; But@thou didst not leave by Miss Poole (Morning Herald, 2 Mar.).] "The chorusses are not such as would give satisfaction to a musical amateur: in this department we must endeavour to be content with noise and bawling, instead of sense and science:--they are not, however, worse than usual" (Monthly Visitor, Mar.1797, p. 262)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: 11th time [i.e. in continuation of the reckoning for the previous season]. The Music composed by Baumgarten, Paisiello, Dr Arne, W. Parke. Howard and Shield. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Receipts: #230 12s. 6d. (226.1.6; 4.11.0)

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; BALL. P 1, by James Byrn. Performed in place of Windsor Castle, advertised on playbill of 11 May]: The Overture and new Music composed, and the rest compiled, by W. Parke. "It being thought, by some, intended to treat the Clergy with disrespect, produced much disapprobation. The next night [20 May], when given only as an Interlude, it met with better success" (Oulton, 1796, II, 177). Receipts: #158 12s. (152.8. 6.4)

Event Comment: Oratorio: Written by Milton, and set to Music by Handel. Instrumental Performers as 12 Feb., but added: Lavenu. Morning Herald, 18 Feb.: Both Sweet Bird, accompanied on the violin by G. Ashley, and But o sad virgin, accompanied on the cello by C. Ashley, were sung by Miss Parke; Let me wander not unseen by Miss Leak; Come and trip it by Master Elliot

Event Comment: Among the principal instrumental performers are G. Ashley, leader of the band; C. Ashley, W. Parke, Boyce, R. Ashley, Parkinson, Woodham, Jenkinson, Bridgtower, the Munros, Purney, the Cantelos, Taylor, Lavenu, M'Intosh, Gwilliam, Nix, Cobham, Leffler, Betts, Piele, Flack, Dressler, Cornish, I. Sharp, W. Sharp, M. Sharp, J. Sharp, Archer, Ware, Wood, G. Jones, Moorehead, Slezak, Francis, Jackson, Beale, Skillern, Abbot, &c. Organ-J. Ashley. The Band and Chorusses will be numerous and complete; and assisted by the trombones and double drums used at Handel's Commemoration at Westminster Abbey [in 1784]. The whole under the direction of Ashley, Sen. Places for the Boxes to be had of Brandon at the Stage Door. The Doors to be opened at 6:00. To begin at 7:00 [same throughout oratorio season]. Half Price will be taken at the end of the second part. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Books of the Performance (with the imprimatur of E. Macleish) to be had at the theatre, price 6d

Event Comment: Directors of the Oratorios: Linley and Storace. Among the Principal Instrumental Performers are Ashe, W. Parke, Parkinson, Mason, Flack, Ashbridge, &c. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. No Money to be returned. Books of the performance to be had at the Theatre. [This was the 1st performance held in the new DL theatre]. Under the Management of Mr Kemble. The Box Office, for the present, is in Little Russell-Street, opposite to the Theatre, where Boxes and Places are to be taken of Fosbrook. The Box Doors are in Little Russell Street and Woburn Street. The whole of the Avenues [into the theatre], and the New Street ["which is intended to be called Woburn-street" (Carlton House Magazine, Apr. 1794, p. 136); see next paragraph] not being yet complete, Ladies and Gentlemen are particularly requested to direct their Coachmen to set down in Little Russell Street (where alone the Carriage Box Doors are at present) with the Horses heads toward Covent Garden, which is the only line in which Carriages can be permitted to pass. Carriages wanting to draw up after the performance should be headed to range in Drury Lane, toward Long Acre and Great Queen Street. The Chair Doors and Footway are in the Court in Woburn Street, where for the accomodation of those who may wish to have their Carriages wait out of the Croud, Chairs belonging to the Theatre and under proper regulations will attend. In order to keep the Colonnades quite clear no Servants can be permitted to wait there, but those belonging to the Carriages actually drawn up before the Pillars, and no Servants whatever can be permitted to pass the Doors of the Lower Saloon. Pit Door. The Temporary Pit Passage is in the center of the Theatre, in Bridges Street, which leads to a Spacious Saloon, which will be opened One Hour before the opening of the Pit Doors. All Carriages for the Pit Door are to wait in Catherine Street, or York-Street, to take up with the Horses heads towards Little Russel Street, and to pass through Great Russel-Street. Gallery Doors. The Gallery Doors, for Admittance, are in Little Russell-Street, and Woburn-Street, but, after the commencement of the Performance, the Gallery Doors, for the present can be only in Woburn Street. Every proper precaution is taken to prevent Croud and Inconvenience at the several Passages. The Doors to be opened at 5:15. To begin at 6:30 [same throughout oratorio season]. "The Orchestra represented the inside of a Gothic Cathedral [designed by Capon], and the Chorus Singers paid that attention to their attire that rendered the stage respectable. The house is so constructed that every note was distinctly heard at the remotest part of the theatre . . . The audience are so near the performers that the movement of every muscle is seen; a matter essentially necessary, particularly to the exhibition of an English Drama." [This opinion is greatly at variance with that of other commentators on the construction, the acoustics, &c. of the new theatre.] (European Magazine, Mar. 1794, p. 236). "The stage for the oratorios resembles a Gothic Cathedral, with illuminated stained glass windows, &c. The flies . . . [are] carved like the fretted roof of an antique pile, and the wings to the side scenes are removed for a complete screen, like those in use at the foreign theatres." (Thespian Magazine, Mar. 1794, p. 127). Account-Book, 12 Mar.: Paid Cabanel building Stage, on Acct. #130; Capon, painter, on Acct. #61 12s. Receipts: #358 6s. (281/2; 243 tickets sold by Fosbrook: 72/18; 4/6)

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: Afterpiece [1st time; P 2 (?), by William Linley. Also attributed to Cordal Powel, librarian to the Prince of Wales (London Chronicle, 19 Jan. 1796). Larpent MS 1106; not published, except for Airs (C. Lowndes, 1796). Synopsis of action in Pocket Magazine, Jan. 1796, p. 59]. The Musick composed by W. Linley. The Scenes [for a description of which see Theatre Notebook, 1965, XIX, p. 58] entirely new, and painted by Greenwood. The Machinery and Decorations by Cabanel, Johnston and Jacobs. The Dresses by Johnston and Miss Rein. Nothing under Full Prince will be taken. Account-Book, 22 Jan.: Paid Wm. Linley for music of new pantomime #25. Receipts: #619 3s. (608.9; 10.14)

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; P 3 (except for 1st two performances, which were 2), by James Harvey D'Egville. Synopsis of action (C. Lowndes [1795])]: A Representation calculated to shew the extent and powers of the New Stage, and which has been in preparation during the whole of the Season (notice on playbill of 10 Feb.). The Musick composed by Krazinsky Miller. The Scenes, Machinery, Dresses and Decorations are entirely new. The Scenery designed and executed by Marinari, and his Assistants. The Machinery designed by Cabanel, and executed by him and Jacobs. The Dresses and Decorations by Johnston and Miss Rein. Powell: [The pantomime] was astonishingly well received, except the chorus of 'Happy Pair' at the end, which was so shamefully managed that the performers met with, what they much deserved, great disapprobation. The acting of the piece was in general well conducted, but the Processionv [The Piece will conclude with the Entry of Alexander into Babylonv, and his Marriage with Statirav (playbill)], for want of room to arrange behind, was unavoidably sent on in a very confused manner...Alexander's car could not be sent on this evening, not being yet complete. [These difficulties are somewhat surprising, in view of the fact that the pantomime had had 54 rehearsals. And see 13 Feb.] 11 Feb.: Chorusses to New Ballet rehearsed at 10; Natural Son at 11; New Ballet at 11; New Ballet (full rehearsal) at 6; 12 Feb.: New Ballet rehearsed at 12. Receipts: #504 3s. 6d. (417.2.0; 83.16.6; 3.5.0)