Event Comment: Mainpiece:In I A Grand
Masqueradev. Afterpiece [1st time; M. INT 1, by
Thomas John Dibdin]: To conclude with a new Scenic
Representation of Britannia Triumphantv. Interspersed With a Variety of favorite old Airs, popular Songs, Parodies, &c. The Overture and new Songs composed and the Music in general arranged by
Moorehead. The Machinery invented and executed by
Cresswell. Books of the Songs to be had in the Theatre, price Six-pence.
Morning Chronicle, 16 Oct. 1799: This day is published
The Naval Pillar (price not listed). The afterpiece had reference to the contemplated erection of a "Naval Pillar" on
Portsdown Hill, near
Portsmouth, in commemoration of the recent victbries of the
English navy. A plain pillar is at the last introduced, with the names of the most celebrated admirals on a scroll, round which the sailors and their sweethearts dance with peculiar festivity. The pillar now flies open, and displays a most magnificent and appropriate spectacle--consisting of Britannia, personated by
Mrs Chapman, under a rich canopy, with the figures of a sailor and a soldier
for supporters, pointing to the letters G. R. over a brilliant sun, which turns on the center; shrouded in clouds above, and surrounded by angels, is a medallion of
Lord Howe, and on columns on each side of the canopy are medallions of your great living naval commanders" (
Monthly Visitor, Oct. 1799, p. 180). Receipts: #284 10s. 6d. (277.18.6; 6.12.0)