Event Comment: [In her memoirs Mrs Charke states that this play was acted four times consecutively during the run of Romeo and Juliet.

Event Comment: Mainpiece not acted these 8 years

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Command of their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales. This day is Publish'd The Case of Mrs Clive Submitted to the Publick. [This is Mrs Clive's 22-page complaint against the 'opression' of the managers of both patent theatres, who, it seems, formed a cartel to drive down actors' salaries, and caused by Mrs Clive's unemployment. She was dropped from Covent Garden without due notice and not for cause. She was not applied to by the Manager of Drury Lane, although he knew her to be unemployed, because he still owed her #160 12s. Her case seemed doubly hard to her since she had equipped herself with a fine wardrobe for theatrical use, had acted diligently in main and afterpiece, often on the same night to the prejudice of her health; had been at great expense in Masters for singing, for which article alone the managers now give #6 a week." Concludes by pleading for publick support of her Case. She returned to cg to play Lappet in the Miser, 30 Nov. She states that the published list of salaries in the London Daily Post of 15 Oct. 1734 is incorrect.

Event Comment: WWilliam Hint in a Letter (Daily Gazetteer, 31 Oct.): Mr Sheridan? was cast most improperly, into the part of Horatio; which naturally call'd for Mr Delane? in that house....but why was Mr Garrick? left out of the play. Would he not have look'd, spoke and acted Lothario?

Event Comment: WWilliam Hint in letter (Daily Gazetteer, 31 Oct.): Here again we find Mr Delane ill cast for the sake of casting Mr Sheridan?; Still worse, Need I say how much better this play would have been acted had Mr Delane? play'd Pierre, and Mr Garrick? Jaffier

Event Comment: At Cibber's Academy in the Hay-Market...will be presented a Concert of Musick, Vocal and Instrumental. The Vocal Parts-Mr Brett, Mrs Hill, and others; the Instrumental by eminent Masters. The Doors to be open'd at Four, the Concert to begin at Five, and no Persons to be admitted after Seven o'clock. The Prices are Four Shillings, Half a Crown and Eighteen Pence. Places may be bespoke at the Academy. After the Concert will be exhibited Gratis, a Rehearsal, in Form, of the Play-(often acted with great Applause) call'd Romeo and Juliet. Written by Shakespear. The Characters personated by the Master of the Academy, his Assistants, Pupils, and Servants. With Proper Habits, Scenes and Decorations. [After Cibber announced his Academy, he received the following letter from the Justice of the Peace: I see by your advertisements, in regard to your Academical Performances, that they are of the same Nature as Mr L/c@y's were some Years ago, which brought him to a great deal of Trouble. Some strong Applications are making now to give you some; of which I think proper to give you Notice, in this private Manner, that you may avoid it.-Tho. de Veil. 31 Oct. Cibber, A Serio-Comic Apology. p. 12.

Event Comment: Mainpiece not acted these 16 years. [See 20 Jan. 1736.

Event Comment: t foot of Bill]: Whenever a Pantomime or Farce shall be advertised, the advanced prices shall be returned to those who do not choose to stay; and on Thursday next will be published the Manager's reasons for his conduct in the present dispute. Winston MS.: Fleetwood, the manager, and servants driven from doors & all rushed in. Genest, IV, 137-38: A country gentleman was taken from an upper box and carried before a magistrate. This step when known by the audience occasioned much mischief. Acting the play not allowed. General Advertiser, 22 Nov.: An Address to the Public, dl Theatre 20 November. As the extraordinary disturbances which have lately happened at this theatre greatly affect the diversions of the publick, as well as the property of the manager, he thinks it incumbent on him to justify his conduct by giving a fair statement of the case....The reasons of complaint assigned, he apprehends, are the exhibition of Pantomimes, Advanced Prices, and Insults on the audience--as to the first, he submits it to be considered that however distasteful such pieces may be to the delicacy of some judgments, yet there are others to whose taste they are suited; as the playhouse may be considered as the general mart of pleasure, it is only from the variety of entertainment, the different tastes of the public can be supplied--of this the receipts of the house are a sufficient evidence, it being notorius, how necessary the addition of such pieces is towards procuring the best play a numerous audience. With regard to the advanced prices, the Manager hoped he should in some measure be justified by the great increase of the charges of the theatre which, notwithstanding any reduction that has been made, are still at least a fourth part greater than usual--but as in this point he has already submitted, he conceives it can no longer remain the subject of their displeasure, especially as by an advertisement handed about the theatre it was said that every objection would cease, when the manager consented to return the advanced prices to those, who did not choose to be tortured with entertainments. As to insults on the audience...last week upon some persons flinging the sconces and candles on the stage a quarrel arose, in the confusion of which a Gentleman was secured, but by whom the Manager knows not, nor ever gave any order, or was any acquainted with the affair till after he was discharged, for the truth of which he refers to the affidavit annexed. As to the accusation of several bruisers (as they are termed) being employed on Saturday night to insult Gentlemen, the Manager declares, that there was none but the Peace Officers, Carpenters, and Scene-men (which on account of the Entertainments are very numerous) and other servants belonging to the theatre; nor did they appear till urged by the tumult, by tearing up benches and threat'ning to come on the stage and demolish the scenes; nor could the Manager apprehend this legal precaution to prevent mischief and defend his property would ever be construed as an infringement on the liberty of an audience, especially when it is considered, what great damages he sustained some years ago on an attempt of the like nature--if any such persons appeared in the pit, the Manager presumes, they must have come in with the multitude, after his doorkeepers were drove from their posts, and the house was open to all; which was evident from several hundred persons more being present at the disturbance than were at the performance that night, who then came to a determination to prevent any performance on the Monday. After this impartial account of his conduct, the manager appeals to the judgment of the publick what foundation he has given for the outrageous disturbance on Monday night; and cannot help thinking, the real injuries he has sustained, too severe a punishment for an imaginary offence, having lost several hundred pounds already, by people being terrified from frequenting the theatre. A total exclusion is now insisted on, the Manager to resign his property, the Publick to be deprived of their diversions and the players of their subsistence; And all this after every concession, becoming one gentleman to ask, or another to make, has been submitted to. [Affidavit of Constable followed. See Genest, IV, 139-40.] The following three pamphlets came out expressing points of view concerning Fleetwood and his policy and management: I. The Disputes between the Director of d.l. and the Pit Potentates, 20 Nov. As a Letter to a Friend it tells the resolution: not to have old Pantomimes (so execrably bad that they were damn'd when new) imposed on them, unless the manager would take no more than common prices; reports how Fleetwood stocked the pit with Men of doughty valor...disguised in the habits of Gentlemen, to throw out all who protested; protests the system of casting employed whereby 2nd rate actors appeared in good parts; discusses hardship cases of certain actors (Mrs Roberts, Mrs Horton, Mrs Mills) and asks why Theophilus Cibber is not on the stage. 2. An Impartial Examen of the Present Contests, by Mr Neitherside, 1744: harks back to Fleetwood's finacial policies of the previous year, deploring his relations with the actors and with manager of cg; scourges him for miscasting his plays around one prominent actor, rather than giving a balanced performance; deplores his paying Mrs Cibber, Mrs Clive so much; revives the 1743 dispute which led to secession; dislikes the casting for 2 Nov. of Love's Last Shift; suggests better casts for many plays; scores the Licensing Act for reducing players to slavery; hopes for resumption of balanced performances. 3. Stage Policy Detected, or some Selcet Pieces of Theatrical Secret History Laid Open, in a Letter to a Certain Manager, 1744: takes apart Fleetwood's Defense, statement by statement, giving him the lie at each point. Suggests the real money from the house comes from Pit and Box, which are protesting his pantomimes; shows full attendance at Rehearsal and Macbeth with no afterpieces. Especially dislikes the hired bruisers, and the cast of the Alchemist for 6 Nov

Event Comment: We hear Mrs Clive has engaged to act this season at Covent Garden, as soon as she is recovered from her present Indisposition--Daily Advertiser

Event Comment: Not acted these 12 years. No persons to be admitted behind the scenes, and no money to be returned after the curtain is drawn up. [Customary notice.

Event Comment: At the Great Theatrical Booth in the Borough. For the Benefit of the Philosophic Contracted Contractors. A Comedy (not acted here these five years.) None but the Committee to be admitted behind the Curtain. Tickets Fourpence, halfpenny

Event Comment: Written by Shakespear. Not acted in 50 Years. It is hoped no Gentleman will take it ill, he cannot be admitted behind the scenes, the play being so full of characters, that any company there will be of great prejudice to the performance. [The play advertised as ready on 15 Feb., but held off until after the first performance of Papal Tyranny at cg so as not to detract from Cibber's first night.] The Principal Characters New Dress'd

Event Comment: Know all men by these presents, that Colley Cibber, Esq; of the Parish of St/James's in the County of Middlesex, for and in consideration of the sum of Eighty Pounds of lawful Mony of Great Britain to him in hand paid by John Watts of London, Stationer, he the said Colley Cibber, Esq; hath bargained, sold and assigned, and set over, and by these presents doth bargain, sell, assign and set over all that the full and sole right and title, of, in and to the copy of a Tragedy, intitled, Papal Tyranny in the Reign of King John, written by the said Colley Cibber, Esq; to have and to hold the said copy of the said tragedy unto the said John Watts, his heirs and assigns for ever, notwithstanding any act or law to the contrary: In witness whereof the said Colley Cibber, Esq; hath hereunto sett his hand and seal this twentieth day of February, 1744/5. [Signed] C. Cibber. [Witnesses] James Webster, John Mark Bimson. [Original Document in Folger Shakespeare Library, validated by three Sixpence stamps, and Cibber's seal. Case No. 993 among Cibber documents.

Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Charke. 6 p.m. 5s., 3s., 2s., will be presented a Concert, etc. [In the bill for 21 Feb. it is announced as: By Permission...will be reviv'd an Historical Play, not acted these sixty years.] Tickets and Places to be had of Mr Meredith, at the Theatre. [Puffs in the Daily Advertiser announce their pleasure that Mrs Charke is actually going to play a woman's role. A rehearsal was held on 1 March.

Event Comment: A Tragedy not acted these Twenty Years. Benefit a Person under Misfortunes. [See 31 Dec. 1727.

Event Comment: Benefit Muilment. Mr Garrick's Indisposition not suffering him to play, I have prevail'd upon Mr Mills to endeavour to play his part, as well as the shortness of the time will permit, which I hope will be more agreeable to my Friends than changing the Play. Being the last time of performing till the Holidays. [Craftsman No. 580 this day, quoted in the Gentlemen's Magazine, included a brief plea for the present ministry to get the Play-house Act repealed.

Event Comment: 7 p. p.m. [New formula for evading Licensing Act as 15 April 1745.

Event Comment: Benefit Turbutt and Neale. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. Afterpiece: not acted these 5 years. [See 29 March 1742.] Tickets and places to be had at the Swan in Smithfield; and of Hobson at the stage door. The severe Indisposition of Mr Garrick continuing, we hope our friends will accept of his part being perform'd to the Best Advantage the shortness of time will permit, which we imagine will be more agreable than changing the play

Event Comment: Benefit Mr and Mrs Hale. Mainpiece not acted these 14 years [see 15 May 1734]

Event Comment: Benefit Bridges, Blakes and Cross, prompter. Afterpiece: By Desire. Mr Garrick's Indisposition continuing, we have, at the particular desire of several ladies, chang'd our play. Tickets deliver'd out for the Stratagem will be taken. [On this Day appeared the Daily Advertiser a full column presentment by the Court of Westminster to the Justices of the Peace against unlicensed players]: This court being inform'd that common Players of Interludes have for several years...assembled...in Mayfair to erect Booths and exhibit Drolls and Shews...whereby numbers of His Majesty's subjects have been encouraged to assemble and commit riots and other Misdemeanours in Breach of His Majesty's Peace, and to the disturbance of the Neighborhood, and that some of the players are and now contracting for ground in order to erect Sheds, Booths and other places...for shewing and acting plays...&c, &c, &c...for the more effectual suppressing of the evils aforesaid, it is hereby recommended unto his Majesty's Justices of the Peace to meet together at such time as they shall appoint in order to proceed according to the law against all such offenders as shall be brought before them by the peace officers, who are required to be aiding the Justice of the Peace. [The gist of the Presentment lies in the statement]: that they [the Justices] shall apprehend all and every other person and Persons who in any other place or places within the said City and Liberty shall act or represent for gain, any Tragedy, Comedy, Opera, Play, Interlude, Farce, or any other Entertainment for the stage

Event Comment: Benefit LaLauze. Mainpiece not acted this season. By particular Desire of several persons of Quality. Tickets of LaLauze, at Widow Gwinn's, near the Castle Tavern in Drury Lane

Event Comment: Benefit Leviez, Desse, and Powell (Deputy Treasurer). [The latter was probably John Powell, who later ingratiated himself with Lord Holland, became an accountant in the office of Paymaster General of His Majesties Forces and in 1783 was accused with Mr Bembridge of concealing a large sum in Accounts chargeable to Lord Holland, 1757-65. He committed suicide 26 May 1783, under the stress of the investigation, and the verdict of death as a result of Lunacy was issued. See account in Gentlemen's Magazine (1783) pp. 454, 539, 613. He is there described as having been a Teller in Drury Lane Theatre, a person who acts as a check upon the door keepers of the playhouse, by counting the number of people in the house, which he does from a small box, conveniently situated for that purpose.

Event Comment: Both pieces by particular Desire, the Afterpiece not acted these 4 years [see 29 April 1742] being the most Tragical Tragedy that was ever Tragedized by any company of Tragedians

Event Comment: A historical note about the patent for May Fair by Edward Shepherd. Daily Advertiser, 1 May: Whereas a Patent was granted by King Charles the First, and confirm'd by King James II, to the Proprietor of Great and Little Brookfield, then in the Parish of St. Martin in the Fields, now in the Parish of St. George, Hanover Square, to hold a Fair during the Space of fifteen Days, to begin the 1st Day of May next, and every May Day forever: the present Proprietor thinks it proper to apprize the Publick thereof, that it may not be thought that he attempts to do any thing but by Virtue of the said Patent, and no Ways to disturb the Publick Peace, or act in Contradiction to the Laws of the Realm. [Alluded to in 2 May news of the Daily Advertiser, as being proclaimed by Edward Shepherd.

Event Comment: HHussey's Booth. To act every day from noon to 10 p.m. during the time of the Fair