SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mr "/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mr ")') GROUP BY eventid ORDER BY weight() desc, eventdate asc OPTION field_weights=(perftitleclean=100, commentpclean=75, commentcclean=75, roleclean=100, performerclean=100, authnameclean=100), ranker=sph04

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We found 4812 matches on Roles/Actors, 4224 matches on Event Comments, 1138 matches on Performance Comments, 528 matches on Performance Title, and 18 matches on Author.
Event Comment: Paid Mr Johnston's bill for the Garter #56 15s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #230 10s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Alchymist

Performance Comment: Subtle-Burton; Sir Epicure Mammon-Love; Kastril-J. Burton; Face-Palmer; Tribulation-Hartry; Surly-Baddeley; Ananias-Parsons; Doll Common-Mrs Hopkins; Dame Pliant-Mrs Johnston; Abel Drugger-Garrick; Lovewit-Packer; Dapper-W. Palmer.

Afterpiece Title: Polly Honeycomb

Performance Comment: Mr Honeycombe-Parsons; Scribble-Dodd; Ledger-Bransby; Nurse-Mrs Bradshaw; Mrs Honeycomb-Mrs Johnston; Polly-Miss Pope.
Cast
Role: Mr Honeycombe Actor: Parsons
Event Comment: Benefit for Sedgwick. Morning Herald, 20 May: Tickets to be had of Sedgwick at Mr Gibson's, jeweller, Charlotte-street, Rathbone-place. Receipts: #156 17s. (100.16; 54.4; 1.17; tickets: none listed) (charge: #212 16s.)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Hamlet

Performance Comment: As17960512, but Hamlet (for this night only)-Holman (of cg); Gertrude-Mrs Powell; Marcellus-_; Players-_; Actress-_.

Afterpiece Title: The Phoenix; or, Anacreontics Renovated [i

Performance Comment: e. The Sons of Anacreon]. Consisting of Songs, Catches, Glees-Sedgwick, Master Welsh, Bannister, Suett, Dignum, Wathen.

Afterpiece Title: Rosina

Performance Comment: Mr Belville (1st time, with Why swells my wavy burnish'd grain, from The Mariners, composed by Mozart)-Sedgwick; Captain Belville-Dignum; William (1st time)-Miss DeCamp; Rustick-Cooke; Irishman-Caulfield; Rosina-Miss Leak; Dorcas-Mrs Booth; Phebe-Mrs Bland.
Cast
Role: Mr Belville Actor: Sedgwick

Entertainment: In 2nd piece: Imitations-Caulfield

Event Comment: [Murray had acted Mr Oakly at Bath in the season of 1785-86.] Receipts: #223 11s. 6d. (213.3.6; 1O.8.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Rose And Colin

Performance Comment: Colin-Mrs Martyr; Gregory-Powel; Higgins-Thompson; Fidget-Mrs Davenport; Rose-Mrs Mountain.

Afterpiece Title: The Jealous Wife

Performance Comment: Mr Oakly (1st time [in London])-Murray; Sir Harry Beagle-Fawcett; Lord Trinket-Betterton; Capt. 0'Cutter-Johnstone; Charles Oakly-Holman; Russet-Munden; Tom-Rees; Paris-Dyke; John-Wilde; Major Oakly-Quick; Chamber@maid-Miss Leserve; Toilet-Mrs Platt; Lady Freelove-Mrs Mattocks; Harriet-Mrs Mountain; Mrs Oakly-Mrs Abington.
Cast
Role: Mr Oakly Actor: Murray

Afterpiece Title: The Farmer

Performance Comment: As17970922.
Event Comment: Benefit Mrs DeFesch and St.Helene. At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. 5s

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Concert

Music: Consisting of Church Musick- for six or eight Voices, by Mr DeFesch; Several Songs in Italian-Mrs De Fesch, the first Time of he performing in publick since her Arrival in England; a new Concert on the Violon-Mr DeFesch; a Solo , composed, and perform'd on the Bass Viol-Mr St.Helene; Solo on the Violoncello-Mr St.Helene the first Time of his performing in Publick

Performance Comment: Helene; Solo on the Violoncello-Mr St.Helene the first Time of his performing in Publick.
Event Comment: At the Request of several Persons of Quality. At 5 p.m. Tickets 2s. 6d

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Concert

Music: An Extraordinary Consort of Vocal and Instrumental Musick-; Particularly, the Instrumental Musick, Composed by Mr John Eccles for the Coronation-; With several of Mr Weldon's Songs made for his Consort in York-Buildings. To be Perform'd-Mr Hughs, the Boy; Entertainment on the Violin-Mr Deane (not perform'd there before)

Performance Comment: To be Perform'd-Mr Hughs, the Boy; Entertainment on the Violin-Mr Deane (not perform'd there before).
Event Comment: Being the last Time of Acting till after May Fair. To begin at Five so that all may be done by Nine

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Cheats Of Scapin

Afterpiece Title: The Comical Rivals; or, The School Boy

Music: As17030423

Dance: The Devonshire Girl, being now upon her Return to the City of Exeter, will perform three several Dances, particularly her last New Entry in Imitation of Mademoiselle Subligni, Whip of Dunboyn by Mr Claxton, her Master-The Devonshire Girl; ...And at the desire of several Persons of Quality (hearing that Mr Pinkeman hath hired the two famous French Girls lately arriv'd from the Emperor's Court), They will perform several Dances on the Rope upon the Stage, being improv'd to that Degree, far exceeding all others in that Art.-two famous French Girls; Newest Humours of Harlequin , as perform'd by him before the Grand Signior at Constantinople-father of two famous French Girls; Also the Famous Mr Evans, lately arriv'd from Vienna, will shew you Wonders of another kind, Vaulting on the Manag'd Horse, being the greatest Master of that kind in the World-Mr Evans

Performance Comment: ..And at the desire of several Persons of Quality (hearing that Mr Pinkeman hath hired the two famous French Girls lately arriv'd from the Emperor's Court), They will perform several Dances on the Rope upon the Stage, being improv'd to that Degree, far exceeding all others in that Art.-two famous French Girls; Newest Humours of Harlequin , as perform'd by him before the Grand Signior at Constantinople-father of two famous French Girls; Also the Famous Mr Evans, lately arriv'd from Vienna, will shew you Wonders of another kind, Vaulting on the Manag'd Horse, being the greatest Master of that kind in the World-Mr Evans.
Event Comment: At the Academy in Chancery Lane, Being the Anniversary of St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland.5s

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Concert

Music: When the fine Overture compos'd by the late ingenious Mr William Babell, for St. Cecilia's Day, will be perform'd with Trumpets, Hautboys, Violins, and Bassoons, with several other Pieces of Mr Handel's Composition, for Trumpets, French Horns by the best Masters. I: Mr Wm. Babell's Overture-; Overture Ptolomy-; Concerto Violin-; Hautboys Solo-; Concerto French Horns-; II: Overture Siroe-; Solo Flute-; Concerto Hautbois-; Seventh Concerto Corelli-; Concerto French Horns-; Several flute Pieces-Mr John Baston

Performance Comment: Cecilia's Day, will be perform'd with Trumpets, Hautboys, Violins, and Bassoons, with several other Pieces of Mr Handel's Composition, for Trumpets, French Horns by the best Masters. I: Mr Wm. Babell's Overture-; Overture Ptolomy-; Concerto Violin-; Hautboys Solo-; Concerto French Horns-; II: Overture Siroe-; Solo Flute-; Concerto Hautbois-; Seventh Concerto Corelli-; Concerto French Horns-; Several flute Pieces-Mr John Baston.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first performance is uncertain, and the play has been sometimes assigned to December 1695. There are indications, however, that the play first appeared at a later time, but certainly not later than 14 March 1695@6, the date attached to the Dedication. The Epilogue has some allusions which suggest mid-February, for it refers to the "Fasting time" of Lent and to "Dancing at Drapers-Hall last Masquerade" (a masquerade ball was held there on 4 Feb. 1695@6). Dedication, Edition of 1696: This Play was given to my Care by a Friend: I promis'd him not to neglect it in the Difficulties it was to pass through. It has had hitherto but an unpleasant Journey; and I knew no better way to make Amends, than by taking up its Rest with you [Sir John Smith]; where I am assured its Reception will be the best a truly Noble and Generous Soul can give. I beg not your Protection, Sir, from those wide-mouth'd Curs, the Criticks: But since they have had their Ends in running it down, 'tis under the Shelter of your Name I desire a poor maim'd Thing, that did its best to shew them Sport, may lye secure from farther Danger....H. Horden. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 18: Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Neglected Virtue; Or, The Unhappy Conquerors

Performance Comment: [The Dedication is signed by Hildebrand Horden, who does not claim it for his own.] Edition of 1696: The Prologue [Writ and-Mr Horden; Phraates-Powell; Artaban-Horden; Memnon-Dizney; Castillio-Mills; Lysander-Hill; Castillio Jr-Penkethman; Bretton-Bullock; Lycastes-Harland; Curio-Simpson; Thermusa-Mrs Knight; Alinda-Mrs Rogers; Eudora-Mrs Powell; Emilia-Mrs Mills; Ariena-Mrs Temple; Aramdine-Mrs Cross; The Epilogue by Mr Motteux-Mr Haynes [Acting the Mad-Man.
Event Comment: Benefit for Shuter. Mainpiece: By Desire. Not acted these five years. [See 4 April 1752.] Ladies send servants by half past three o'clock. [The MS of Shuter's skit is Larpent MS 155.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Busy Body

Performance Comment: Marplot-Shuter, 1st time; Sir George-Smith; Charles-Clarke; Sir Francis-Collins; Sir Jealous-Marten; Isabinda-Mrs Barrington; Parch-Mrs Pitt; Miranda-Miss Nossiter.

Afterpiece Title: The Double Disappointment

Performance Comment: As17581109, but only Phelim (with songs in character)-Shuter; Loveless-Lowe listed.

Entertainment: Between play and farce: Dish of All Sorts-Mr Shuter; will entertain the Audience. The Bill of Fare consisting of a Medley@Song-Shuter; A Dialogue upon Himself between an Old Man a North Briton and a Gentleman of Connaught-Mr Shuter; The History of Mr Shuter and the Sow-Shuter; To be sung by him as a Cantata in Sga Gruntinella's Taste. The Cries of London, as17581020

Performance Comment: The Bill of Fare consisting of a Medley@Song-Shuter; A Dialogue upon Himself between an Old Man a North Briton and a Gentleman of Connaught-Mr Shuter; The History of Mr Shuter and the Sow-Shuter; To be sung by him as a Cantata in Sga Gruntinella's Taste. The Cries of London, as17581020. To be sung by him as a Cantata in Sga Gruntinella's Taste. The Cries of London, as17581020.

Dance: TThe Threshers, as17581016

Event Comment: Benefit Kytch, First Hautboy to the Opera. Tickets 5s. At 7 p.m

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Concert

Music: I: Overture of Ptolomy by Mr Handel-; Songs. No oh Dio-Signora Cuzzoni in Calphurnia; Lusinghe piu Care-Signora Faustina in Alexander; Eighth Concerto of Corelli-Castrucci, others; French Horn Song in Griselda-; II: Concerto Grosso by Pepusch-; with solo parts for the Harpsicord-Mr Bach; Songs: Fonti Amiche-Signora Cuzzoni in Ptolomy; accompanied by Flutes-; Chio mai vi polla-Signora Faustina in Siroe; Solo for Hautboy-Kytch; Concerto for French Horns by Nicholini-; III: Concerto for Hautboy by Alberti-; Songs: Ombra cara-Senesino in Radamistus; L'Empiorigor-Signora Cuzzoni in Rodelinda; Concerto for Little Flute by Babel-; First Part of Water Musick with French Horns by Handel-; All Vocal Parts-; Hautboy-Kytch; Little Flute, Bassoon-

Performance Comment: No oh Dio-Signora Cuzzoni in Calphurnia; Lusinghe piu Care-Signora Faustina in Alexander; Eighth Concerto of Corelli-Castrucci, others; French Horn Song in Griselda-; II: Concerto Grosso by Pepusch-; with solo parts for the Harpsicord-Mr Bach; Songs: Fonti Amiche-Signora Cuzzoni in Ptolomy; accompanied by Flutes-; Chio mai vi polla-Signora Faustina in Siroe; Solo for Hautboy-Kytch; Concerto for French Horns by Nicholini-; III: Concerto for Hautboy by Alberti-; Songs: Ombra cara-Senesino in Radamistus; L'Empiorigor-Signora Cuzzoni in Rodelinda; Concerto for Little Flute by Babel-; First Part of Water Musick with French Horns by Handel-; All Vocal Parts-; Hautboy-Kytch; Little Flute, Bassoon-.
Event Comment: Benefit of Settree. Tickets delivered by Mas. Settree and Miss Twist will be taken

Performances

Mainpiece Title: A Medley Concert

Performance Comment: Address-Cibber; Rural Dance Blind Man's Buff-Master Settree, Miss Twist; Hooley and Fairley-Lauder; Two Comic Lectures-Cibber, Company; the Tailors-Mas. Settree, Miss Twist; Grand Concerto for French horns-; When all the Attic Fire was fledfrom Eliza-Miss Gaudry; Auction-Cibber; Italian air-Mimicotti, accompanied by Myn Heer Von@Poop Broomsticato; As17570728 New Cantata by Mr Shuman-Mr Sadler 1st appearance on any stage; Minuet-Mas. Settree, Miss Twist; Italian Peasants-Joly, Mlle Dulisse; Marine Boys Marching to Portsmouth-; Handel's Water Music-; with Preamble on Kettle Drums-Mother Midnight; Comic Epilogue-Miss Midnight (riding on an Ass).

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin's Frolic

Performance Comment: As17570705.

Dance: End: As17570819

Event Comment: Boswell (Restoration Court Stage, pp. 180-81) believes that a performance occurred on this day, as well as on 16 Feb. 1674@5, Shrove Tuesday, the date often specified in advance statements. For previous notices, see 2 Feb. 1674@5, 15 and 22 Dec. 1674. Edition of 1675:....followed at innumerable Rehearsals, and all the Representations by throngs of Persons of the greatest Quality...at the 20th or 30th, for near so often it had been Rehearsed and Acted....And the Composer of all the Musick both Vocal and Instrumental Mr Staggins. Langbaine. (English Dramatick Poets, p. 92): a Masque at court, frequently presented there by Persons of great Quality, with the Prologue, and the Songs between the Acts: printed in quarto Lond. 1675....This Masque was writ at the Command of her present Majesty: and was rehearsed near Thirty times, all the Representations being follow'd by throngs of Persons of the greatest Quality, and very often grac'd with their Majesties and Royal Highnesses Presence. John Evelyn (The Life of Mrs Godolphin): [Mrs Blagge] had on her that day near twenty thousand pounds value of Jewells, which were more sett off with her native beauty and luster then any they contributed of their own to hers; in a word, she seemed to me a Saint in Glory, abstracting her from the Stage. For I must tell you, that amidst all this pomp and serious impertinence, whilst the rest were acting, and that her part was sometymes to goe off, as the scenes required, into the tireing roome, where severall Ladyes her companions were railing with the Gallants trifleingly enough till they were called to reenter, she, under pretence of conning her next part, was retired into a Corner, reading a booke of devotion, without att all concerning herself or mingling with the young Company; as if she had no farther part to act, who was the principall person of the Comedy...[With] what a surprizeing and admirable aire she trode the Stage, and performed her Part, because she could doe nothing of this sort, or any thing else she undertooke, indifferently....Thus ended the Play, butt soe did not her affliction, for a disaster happened which extreamly concern'd her, and that was the loss of a Diamond of considerable vallue, which had been lent her by the Countess of Suffolke; the Stage was immediately swept, and dilligent search made to find it, butt without success, soe as probably it had been taken from her, as she was oft inviron'd with that infinite crowd which tis impossible to avoid upon such occasion. Butt the lost was soon repair'd, for his Royall Highness understanding the trouble she was in, generousely sent her the wherewithall to make my Lady Suffolke a present of soe good a Jewell. For the rest of that days triumph I have a particular account still by me of the rich Apparell she had on her, amounting, besides the Pearles and Pretious Stones, to above three hundred pounds (ed. Samuel Lord Bishop of Oxford [London, 1847], pp. 97-100). See also 15 Dec. 1674

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Calisto; Or, The Chaste Nimph

Performance Comment: Edition of 1675: Prologue-; Calisto-The Lady Mary; Nyphe-The Lady Anne; Jupiter-The Lady Henrietta Wentworth; Juno-The Countess of Sussex; Psecas-The Lady Mary Mordaunt; Diana-Mrs [Margaret] Blagge; Mercury-Mrs Jennings; Nymphs attending Diana-The Countess of Darby, The Countess of Pembroke, The Lady Katherine Herbert, Mrs Fitz-Gerald, Mrs Frazier; [The Persons of Quality of the Men that Danced-His Grace the Duke of Monmouth, The Viscount Dunblaine, The Lord Daincourt, Mr Trevor, Mr Harpe, Mr Lane[, Mr Leonard, Mr Franshaw]; [In the Prologue were Represented, The River Thames-Mrs Moll? Davis; Peace-Mrs Mary? Knight; Plenty-Mrs Charlotte? Butler; The Genius of England-Mr Turner; Europe-Mr Hart; Asia-Mr Richardson; Africa-Mr Marsh Jun; America-Mr Ford; [In the Chorusses betwixt the Acts: Strephon-Mr Hart; Coridon-Mr Turner; Sylvia-Mrs Davis; Daphne-Mrs Knight; Two African Women-Mrs Butler, Mrs Hunt; The Epilogue-Jupiter.

Afterpiece Title: Calisto's Additional performers

Performance Comment: See Boswell, Restoration Court Stage, pp. 201-2- Singers-Mrs Masters, Mrs Peirce, Robert, Degrang, Shepheard, Maxfield, Preston, Letelier, Bopins, Bury; Boys-Jack, Waters, Coninsby, Smyth; Harpsicals-Corneille, Bartleme; Theorboes-Marsh, Lylly; Bass Violls-Coleman, Stephkins, Bates; Recorders-Paisible, Bootell, DeBreame, Giton; Gittars-Frasico Corbett, Outom, Delony, Delloney; Trumpeters-Bounty, Thompson, Ragway, Christmas; Kettle Drummer-VanBright; Violins-NicholasStaggins, Singleton, Clayton, Tho. Fitz, Hewson, Myres, Tho. Farmer, Aleworth, Jo. Bannister, Lediger, Harris, Theo. Fitz, Greetinge, Ashton, Gamble, Fashions, Flower, Isaack Staggins, John Strong, Finell, Browne, Brookwell, Dorney, Spicer, Price, Pagitt, Duffill, Kidwell, Jo. Farmer, Basrier, Viblett, Hall, Eagles; Dancers-St Andre, Isaacke, Delisle, Herriette, Dyer, Smyth, Motley, Berto, Letang, Muraile, LeRoy, LeDuke.
Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5]: By the celebrated Henry Fielding; and never yet performed or published. With new Scenes, Dresses, &c. [and incidental music by Michael Arne. Prologue by David Garrick. Epilogue by the same (see text)]. Public Advertiser, 12 Dec. 1778: This Day is published The Fathers (1s. 6d.). "This play was written by Mr Henry Fielding, some years before his death. Mr Garrick saw it at that time. Mr Fielding gave the only fair copy he had of it to his friend Sir Charles Williams, of whose judgment he entertained a high opinion. Sir Charles soon after went abroad, and the comedy was mislaid. Mr. Fielding communicated this circumstance to his family on his death-bed; and enquiry was made for it, but without effect. At length Mr Thomas? Johnes, Member for Cardigan, looking over Sir Charles's books, found a comedy in manuscript, which he read, and, approving, had it transcribed and sent to Mr Garrick for his opinion, who, like Archimedes, cried out, 'This is the lost sheep! This is Mr Henry Fielding's play!' Mr Garrick communicating it to Mr Johnes, Mr Johnes immediately sent the original manuscript, which was in Mr Fielding's hand-writing, to the family, with his best wishes for its success, promising to assist it to the utmost of his power" (Gentleman's Magazine, Dec. 1778, p.586). See also, for corroboration of the above and for other details, Wilbur L. Cross, The History of Henry Fielding, 1918, III, 99-104. Receipts: #210 11s. 6d. (186.6.0; 23.19.6; 0.6.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fathers; Or, The Good Natur'd Man

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by King, Dodd, Bensley, Parsons, Baddeley, Whitfield, Webster, Mrs Baddeley, Mrs Hopkins, Miss Younge. [Cast from text (T. Cadell, 1778): Sir George Boncour-King; Young Kennel-Dodd; Mr Boncour-Bensley; Old Valence-Parsons; Old Kennel-Baddeley; Young Valence-Whitfield; Young Boncour-Webster; Miss Valence-Mrs Baddeley; Mrs Boncour-Mrs Hopkins; Miss Boncour-Miss Younge; Prologue-King; Epilogue-Miss Younge. [These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]
Cast
Role: Mr Boncour Actor: Bensley

Afterpiece Title: The Irish Widow

Performance Comment: As17780919.

Dance: As17780919

Event Comment: [As afterpiece Public Advertiser announces The Rival Candidates, but see Hopkins Diary, 12 Oct.] The Managers met again to-day, but nothing settled. Hamlet was given out. I saw Mr Sheridan, he told me that Mr Lacy and he had agreed that no Play should be given out, nor any Bills put up, till they had settled this Affair, which was to be done to-Morrow at Mr Wallis's (the Attorney's) where they were all to dine. I waited on Mr Lacy, who agreed to the same, and no Bills or Paragraph were sent to the Papers. All the Business of the Theatre is at a Stand, and no Rehearsal called. Wed. 16th--Mr Sheridan, Dr Ford and Mr Linley dined today by Appointment with Mr Wallis where Mr Lacy was to have met them; about four o'clock he sent a verbal Message that he could not come to Dinner, but would wait upon them in the Evening, and about nine o'clock he came, and everything was settled to the Satisfaction (of them all) and a Paragraph sent to the Papers, and the Hypocrite and Christmas Tale was advertised for Friday, but no Play was to be done on Thursday--Covent Garden did not play on Friday (Hopkins Diary). Public Advertiser, 16 Oct., summarizes the proprietors' dispute: the Drury Lane patent had been purchased [in 1747] by David Garrick and James Lacy. On his death Lacy had devised his half-share to his son, Willoughby Lacy; on his retirement from the stage Garrick had sold his half-share to Sheridan, Ford and Linley. The original agreement between Garrick and Lacy, as recited in a document retained by the attorney Albany Wallis was that, in case of the sale of either share of the patent, or any part of either share, the seller was obligated to offer the first refusal to purchase to the other partner, and that this was to be done only when the theatre was closed for the summer. In selling one half of his share to Robert Langford and to Edward Thompson, Willoughby Lacy was--so argued his three partners--acting illegally: he had not offered to them the first refusal, and he was negotiating the sale at a time when the theatre was open. Public Advertiser, 17 Oct.. prints a statement from Lacy saying that he did not feel himself bound by the original agreement between his father and Garrick, but that, in the interest of the business of the theatre, he had asked Langford and Thompson to withdraw their claim to partnership, to which request they had acceded. Receipts: #130 9s. 6d

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Committee; Or, The Faithful Irishman

Performance Comment: Teague (with song)-Moody; Col. Careless-Jefferson; Col. Blunt-Aickin; Lieut. Story-Fawcett; Mr Day-Baddeley; Obadiah-Parsons; Abel-Burton; Committee@Men-Waldron; Mrs Day-Mrs Bradshaw; Arabella-Miss Jarratt; Ruth-Miss Pope; Edition of 1792 (John Bell) adds: Tavern@boy-Everard; Bailiff-Griffiths; Soldier-Blanchard; Chairman-Heath; Gaol@keeper-Kear; Bookseller-Carpenter; Porter-Wrighten; Mrs Chat-Mrs Cartwright.
Cast
Role: Mr Day Actor: Baddeley

Afterpiece Title: The Waterman

Performance Comment: As17761005.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but the evidence points toward this day. On Thursday 19 Nov. 1696, Robert Jennens reported that the two pieces had been acted four or five days together. If that day saw the fifth performance, the premiere probably occurred on 14 Nov. 1696. The Single Songs and Dialogue in Mars and Venus, set by John Eccles (Acts I and II) and Godfrey Finger (Act III), was published separately in 1697. The pieces for whom a performer is indicated are as follows: Prologue. The first Song Sung by Mrs Hudson, set by Finger: Come all, with moving songs [it is reproduced opposite page 300 in Wiley, Rare Prologues and Epilogues]. Love alone can here alarm me, sung by Mrs Ayloffe. Scorn tho' Beauty frowns to tremble, sung by Mrs Hudson. To double the sports, sung by Mrs Ayloffe. To treble the pleasures with regular measures, sung by Mrs Ayloffe. To meet her, May, the Queen of Love comes here, set by John Eccles and sung by Mrs Hudson. See Vulcan, Jealousie, Jealousie appears, set by Finger and sung by Mrs Hudson. Yield, no, no, sung by Mrs Bracegirdle and Bowman. Gildon, English Dramatick Poets, p. 115: This Play met with extraordinary Success having the Advantage of the excellent Musick of The Loves of Mars and Venus perform'd with it. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 44-45: The Anatomist, or Sham Doctor, had prosperous Success, and remains a living Play to this Day; 'twas done by Mr Ravenscroft. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 20: I remember the success of that was owing to the Musick

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Anatomist; Or, The Sham Doctor

Performance Comment: Edition of 1697: Prologue-Mr Betterton by Mr Motteux; Old Mr Gerald-Bright; Young Mr Gerald-Hodson; The Doctor-Underhill; Wife to the Doctor-Mrs Leigh; Mrs Angelica-Mrs Bowman; Beatrice-Mrs Lawson; Martin-T. Harris; Crispus-Bowen; Simon-Trout; Waiting Woman-Mrs Robinson; Prologue to Her Royal Highness-Mr Motteux; Epilogue-Mr Motteux.
Cast
Role: Old Mr Gerald Actor: Bright
Role: Young Mr Gerald Actor: Hodson

Afterpiece Title: The Loves of Mars and Venus

Performance Comment: Prologue or Induction Set to Musick by Mr Finger-; Erato-Mrs Hodgson; Thalia-Mrs Perrin; Terpsichore-Mrs Ayliff; Mars-Bowman; Vulcan-Reading; Gallus-Lee; Cupid-Jemmy Laroche; Momus-Sherburn; Venus-Mrs Bracegirdle; Aglaia-Mrs Hodgson; Euphrosyne-Mrs Ayliff; Hora-Mrs Perrin; Jealousy-Mrs Hudson; Epilogue-Mr Bowen.
Cast
Role: Mr Finger Actor:
Event Comment: The United Company. The exact date of the first production is not known, but the play was entered in the Term Catalogues, February 1691@2, and mentioned in the Gentleman's Journal, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 February 1691@2). In all probability, it was first acted not later than January 1691@2. The music to one song, As soon as the Chaos, was composed by Henry Purcell. See Purcell, Works, Purcell Society, XX (1916), xvii. Two songs--Bonny lad prithee lay thy pipe down, with music by Tollet; Great Jove once made love like a bull, with music by Mountfort--are in The Banquet of Musick, The Sixth and Last Book, 1692. Dedication, Edition of 1692: Having at last so well acquitted it self on the Stage (tho' the thronging, imperfect Action, and worse than all, the faulty length, which I will never be guilty of again, render'd it little Diversion the first day). A Letter to Mr D'Urfey [by Charles Gildon], Edition of 1692: If there be any fault in this Play, 'tis that which few are guilty of; that is, there are too many good Characters, too full of Humour, a very Pardonable failing, which only proceeds from Variety, the life of Pleasure and Wit, tho' that gave it the disadvantage of seeming too long the first days Acting, tho' the Stage's being throng'd with Spectators, did not a little contribute to the imperfect Acting of it, which accidental Misfortunes concurring with the Endeavours of an opposite Faction, must needs have damn'd it, had it not by the Force and Vigour of its own Worthy, rais'd it self the second day with the general Applause of all that saw it....But the Marriage-hater went further, and in spight of all the disadvantages it labour'd under of Action and Audience, pleas'd on, after several times Repetition. See also Poeta Infamis; or, A Poet not worth Hanging (1692) for a variety of comments upon this play. London Mercury, 26 Feb. 1691@2: Query 4. Whether in Justice he [D'Urfey] is not obliged to present Mr Dogget (who acted Solon to so much Advantage) with half the Profit of his Third Day, since in the Opinions of most Persons, the good Success of his Comedy was half owing to that admirable Actor? Query 5. Whether, if there be any Wit in bringing a Person upon the Stage with an extravagantly broad-brimmed Hat, and a Muff of the same Size, so it will not be a very easy Matter for the next Poet that writes a Play, to Out-hat and Out-muff his Predecessors, and consequently to Out-wit him? Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42: Mr Dogget perform'd the part of Solon Inimitably. Gentleman's Journal, p. 454, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 Feb. 1691@2): I send you the Marriage-hater match'd, a new Comedy by Mr Durfey; it hath met with very good success, having been plaid six days together, and is a diverting Play. Gentleman's Journal, January 1691@2: Now I speak of Music I must tell you that we shall have speedily a new Opera, wherein something very surprising is promised us; Mr Purcel who joyns to the Delicacy and Beauty of the Italian way, the Graces and Gayety of the French, composes the Music, as he hath done for the Prophetess, and the last Opera called King Arthur, which hath been plaid several times the last Month [presumably December 1691]

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Marriage-hater Matched

Performance Comment: Edition of 1692: L. Brainless-Bowman; Sir Philip Freewit-Monfort; Sir Lawr. Limber-Sandford; Capt. Darewell-Hodson; Myn Here Van Grin-Leigh; Bias-Bright; Solon-Dogget; Callow-Bowen; MacBuffle-Trefuse; Thummum-Smeaton; Splutter-Colly Cibber?; Lady Subtle-Mrs Barry; Lady Bumfiddle-Mrs Cory; Phaebe-Mrs Bracegirdle; Berenice-Mrs Lassels; La Pupsey-Mrs Butler; Margery-Mrs Lawson; Prologue Mr Monford Enters, meets Mrs Bracegirdle dressed in Boy's Cloaths, who seeing her him, Endeavours to go back, but he taking hold of her, speaks-Mr Monford; Epilogue-La Pupsey with her Lapdog in Masquerade.
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 2. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 347. There is no certainty that this is the premiere. A song, A heart in love's empire, with music by Robert Smith, and another, Let's drink dear friends, set by Thomas? Farmer, are in Choice Songs and Ayres, The First Book, 1673. The Dedication in the edition of 1672 is to Prince Rupert and states: tho' of thirty times it has been acted, you seldom fail'd to honour it with your presence. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 32): The next new Comedy [at dg] was the Mamamouchi, or the Citizen turn'd Gentleman, Wrote by Mr Ravenscroft [cast as in edition of 1672 except French Tutor and Singing Master, by Mr Haines: (He having Affronted Mr Hart, he gave him a Discharge and then came into our House)]; This Comedy was look[ed] upon by the Criticks for a Foolish Play; yet it continu'd Acting 9 Days with a full House; upon the Sixth the House being very full: The Poet added 2 more Lines to his Epilogue, viz. @The Criticks came to Hiss, and Dam this Play,@Yet spite of themselves they can't keep away.@ However, Mr Nokes in performing the Mamomouchi pleas'd the King and Court, next Sir Martin, above all Plays

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Citizen Turned Gentleman

Performance Comment: Edition of 1672: Mr Jorden-Nokes; Young Jorden-Cademan; Mr Cleverwit-Crosby; Sir Simon Softhead-Underhil; Trickmore-Harris; Cureal-Sandford; Maistre Jaques-Angel; Lucia-Mrs Bitterton; Marina-Mrs Burroughs; Betty Trickmore-Mrs Leigh; Prologue-; Epilogue-. See also below.
Cast
Role: Mr Jorden Actor: Nokes
Role: Mr Cleverwit Actor: Crosby
Event Comment: The United Company. Newdigate newsletters, 20 Jan. 1682@3: Yesterday was acted at the Theatre Royall the first of a new play Entituled the City Politiques the novelty of wch drew a Confluence of Spectators under both Qualifications of Whigg and Tory to hear and behold a Ld Mayor Sheriffs & some Aldermen with their wives in yr usuall formalityes buffoond & Reviled a great Lawyer with his young Lady Jeared and Intreagued Dr Oates pfectly represented berogued & beslaved the papist plott Egregiously Rediculed the Irish Testemonyes Contradictiorily disproved & befoold the Whiggs totally vanquished & undon Law & property men oreruld & there wanted nothing of Artifice in behaviour and discourse to render all those obnoxious & dispised in fine such a medly of occurences intervened that twas a question whether more of Loyalty designe or Rhetorique prvailed but there were mighty clappings among the poeple of both partyes in Expressing either their sattisfaction or displeasure (Wilson, Theatre Notes from the Newdigate Newsletters, p. 81). The Prologue and Epilogue, separately Printed, have 20 Jan. 1682@3 as Luttrell's date of acquisition (Huntington Library) and are reprinted in Wiley's Rare Prologues and Epilogues, pp. 166-69. John Dennis, To Mr --- In which are some Passages of the Life of Mr John Crown, Author of Sir Courtly Nice, June 23, 1719: About that time he writ The City Politicks, on purpose to Satyrize and expose the Whigs; a Comedy so agreeable, that it deserv'd to be writ in a much better Cause: But after he had writ he met with very great Difficulties in the getting it acted. Bennet Lord Arlington, who was then Lord Chamberlain of the King's Houshold, and who had secretly espous'd the Whigs, who were at that time powerful in Parliament, in order to support himself against the Favour and Power of the Lord Treasurer Danby, who was his declared Enemy, us'd all his Authority to suppress it. One While it was prohibited on the account of its being Dangerous, another while it was laid aside on the pretence of its being Falt and Insipid; till Mr Crown at last was forc'd to have Recourse to the king himself, and to engage him to give his absolute Command to the Lord Chamberlain for the acting of it; which Command the King was Pleas'd to give in his own Person (I, 49-50). Morrice Entry Book, Vol.1 1682@3: Mr Crowne [was cudgled on Wednesday last in St Martin's Lane and] hee that beat him said hee did it at the suite of the Earle of Rochester some time since deceased who greatly abused in the play for his penetency &c. (p. 353. I owe this note to the courtesy of Professor David M. Vieth of the University of Kansas and Professor G. H. Jones of Kansas State University)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The City Politiques

Performance Comment: Edition of 1683: The Prologue-Mr Smith; The Epilogue-Mr Lee in the Character of Bartaline the Old Lawyer.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 18-21 Dec. 1697, suggests that the premiere occurred not later than late November. This play was originally given to the company in Drury Lane, but withdrawn. See G. Thorn-Drury, An Unrecorded Play Title, Review of English Studies, VI (1930), 316-18. Edition of 1698: A Dialogue in the fourth Act, between Mr Bowman and Mrs Bracegirdle; The words by Mr Durfey and set by Mr Eccles: When will Stella kind and tendre. A Dialogue in the fifth Act, between a Boy and a Girl, and an Old Man, Written by Mr Motteux, set to the Musick by Mr J. Eccles. Preface: I look upon those that endeavour'd to discountenance this Play as Enemys to me

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Deceiver Deceived

Performance Comment: Edition of 1698: Meleto Bondi-Betterton; Gonsalvo-Arnold; Count Andrea-Hodgson; Fidelio-Verbruggen; Count Insulls-Bowman; Gervatio-Bowen; Actwell-Trafuse; Hiordouble-Knap; Strechwell-Watson; Olivio-Mrs Barry; Ariana-Mrs Bracegirdle; Lady Temptyouth-Mrs Lee; Lucinda-Mrs Prince; Prologue-Mr Bowen; Epilogue-Miss Bradshaw.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but the Preface refers to the Long Vacation and a thin house, suggesting a late summer production. As the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 16-18 Nov. 1697, a first performance in October 1697 is probably the latest date for this play, and September seems more likely. Among the songs are several for whom the composer and singer are named: Happy we who free from love, and How calm Eliza are these groves, the music set by Morgan and both sung by Mrs Lindsey. She comes my goddess comes, set by Morgan and sung by Mrs Cibber. Sleep shepherd sleep, the music set by Morgan and sung by Mrs Cross. All four are in A Collection of New Songs, 1697. Preface, Edition of 1698: To serve the wants of a thin Playhouse, and Long Vacation...This hasty Brat...had the Honor of keeping the Stage for five Days Reign. Animadversions on Mr Congreve's late Answer to Mr Collier (1698), pp. 34-35: The mighty Man of Wit [Congreve]...at the Representation of this Play...was seen very gravely with his Hat over his Eyes among his chief Actors, and Actresses, together with the two She Things, call'd Poetesses, which Write for his House, as 'tis nobly call'd; thus seated in State among those and some other of his Ingenious critical Friends, they fell all together upon a full cry of Damnation, but when they found the malicious Hiss would not take, this very generous, obliging Mr Congreve was heard to say, We'll find out a New way for this Spark, take my word there is a way of clapping of a Play down

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Imposture Defeated; Or, A Trick To Cheat The Devil

Performance Comment: Edition of 1698: Prologue-Mr Powell; Epilogue-Mr Mills [ascending from under the Stage; Duke of Venice-Thomas; Hernando-Powell; Gusman Sr-Ben Johnson; Gusman Jr-Evans; Pedro-Penkethman; Artan-Mills; Alonza-Horden [error for Harland?]; Bonde-Cibber; Delay-Smeaton; Peter-Smith; Senator-Rogers; Marcella-Mrs Temple; Serena-Mrs Andrews; Lucy-Mrs Powel; [In V: Endimion The Man in a Moon- [A Masque.A Masque.
Event Comment: This is a farce of Macklin's Writing, it went off very greatly-he play'd Shylock too (Cross). Receipts: #190 (Cross). [Garrick and Lacy had contracted with Macklin for this Farce two weeks before this performance, according to the following document (BM Add. MS 27925): Memorandum of an Agreement relating to Mr Macklin's Farce and his Playing & performing in the said Farce, with such plays as shall be performed on which the said Farce shall be acted as aforesaid as follows: Imprimis: The said Farce to be publicly performed before Christmas, otherwise not this season on account of the Managers other engagements. Item: Mr Macklin to have for his performing in the said plays and Farce a Fifth part of the profits of the first five nights after deducting sixty-three pounds for the charges of each night during the said five nights-and the sixth night to be for the Benefit of Mr Macklin, he paying the usual charges of sixty-three pounds. Item: The Managers to have it in their power to stop the performances of the said Farce at the end of Six nights on account of their other engagements,-and in case the Receipt of any one night of the said nights on which the said Farce shall be performed as aforesaid shall fall short of One Hundred pounds. Then the Managers to have it in their power to stop the performance of said Farce as the Receipt does not amount to One Hundred pounds. Item: The said Six nights for the said Farce & plays in which Mr Macklin shall perform as aforesaid not to be played immediately succeeding one another, but alternately with such plays as the Managers shall think Convenient. Lastly: That if the said Farce shall meet with the disapprobation of the Publick, that then it shall be in the Power of Discretion of the Managers to stop the performance thereof. Dated this 28th day of November, 1759. S@ James Lacy, D. Garrick. Witness: R. Cross, Geo. Garrick.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Merchant Of Venice

Performance Comment: Shylock-Macklin1st appearance for 6 years; Lorenzo-Moody; Portia-Mrs Clive; Songs-Mr Prentis1st appearance on this stage; Gratiano-Palmer; Antonio-Davies; Bassanio-Havard; Jessica-Miss Hippisley; Nerissa-Mrs Bennet; Launcelot-Vaughan; Duke-Bransby.

Afterpiece Title: Love a-la-Mode

Performance Comment: Actors only listed, but Genest, IV, 579, lists: Sir Archy Macsarcasm-Macklin; Sir Callaghan-Moody; Squire Groom-King; Mordecai-Blakes; Sir Theodore Goodchild-Burton; Charlotte (with Prologue)-Miss Macklin.

Dance: IV: A Dutch Dance-Master Settree, Master Blagdon, Miss Blagdon

Event Comment: By Permission of the Lord Chamberlain. Benefit for Mrs Greville and Williams. Mainpiece: Not acted these 5 years. Tickets delivered for the 17th of December will be admitted. Tickets and places to be had of Williams at Mr Spoke's, Tottenham Court; Mr White, Auctioneer, Queen street, Westminster; Messrs Ellis and Scott, Old Bond-street; Mr Hewitt, New Bond-street; Mr Cowcieroy, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury; and at the Excise Office Coffee-House, Old Bond-street

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Constant Couple; Or, A Trip To The Jubilee

Performance Comment: Sir Harry Wildair-Mrs Greville (of DL); Colonel Standard-Brinsley; Young Clincher-Swords (from the Theatre Royal, Dublin); Vizard-Cotton; Alderman Smuggler-Barrett; Tom Errand-Forrest; Beau Clincher-A Gentleman (1st appearance on any stage [unidentified]); Wife-Mr Pressley; Angelica-Miss Read; Parley-Miss Plain; Lady Darling-Mrs Fowler; Lady Lurewell-Mrs Child .

Afterpiece Title: The Irish Widow

Performance Comment: Whittle-Barrett; Sir Patrick O'Neale-Lloyd; Bates-Booth; Kecksey-Pressley; Nephew-Forrest; Thomas-Swords; Widow Brady (with the Epilogue Song)-Mrs Greville .

Song: End of Act I of afterpiece Horn sweet are the Woodlands by Forrest and Groves. imitations. End of mainpiece, Vocal and Rhetorical, by the Gentleman who performs Beau Clincher

Performance Comment: imitations. End of mainpiece, Vocal and Rhetorical, by the Gentleman who performs Beau Clincher .
Event Comment: The United Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@147, p. 68: The King and Queene & a Box for ye Maydes of Honor at the Opera. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 350, and 1 Jan. 1684@5. The opera was certainly given on 3 June, probably on 10 June, and probably on 13 June, the day that the news of the Duke of Monmouth's landing reached London; as Downes states that it was acted six times, there were three additional performances between 3 and 13 June 1685. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 40): In Anno 1685. The Opera of Albion and Albanius was perform'd; wrote by Mr Dryden, and Compos'd by Monsieur Grabue: This being perform'd on a very Unlucky Day, being the Day the Duke of Monmouth, Landed in the West: The Nation being in a great Consternation, it was perform'd but Six times, which not Answering half the Charge they were at, Involv'd the Company very much in Debt. Roger North: The first full opera that was made and prepared for the stage, was the Albanio of Mr Grabue, in English, but of a French genius. It is printed in full score, but proved the ruin of the poor man, for the King's death supplanted all his hopes, and so it dyed (Roger North on Music, ed. John Wilson [London, 1959], p. 311). The Prologue and Epilogue, published separately, are reprinted in Wiley, Rare Prologues and Epilogues, pp. 244-46. The score and the libretto were published in 1687 (licensing date of 15 March 1686@7): Albion and Albanius; An Opera; Or, Representation in Musick. Set by Lewis Grabu, Esq; Master of His late Majesty's Musick

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Albion And Albanius

Performance Comment: Edition of 1685: Prologue to the Opera By Mr Dryden-; Epilogue to the Opera by Mr Dryden-.
Cast
Role: Mr Dryden Actor:
Role: Epilogue to the Opera by Mr Dryden Actor: .
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but it very probably occurred not later than May 1691, as the play was advertised in the London Gazette, 4-8 June 1691. For discussions of it, see E. W. White, Early Performances of Purcell's Operas, Theatre Notebook, XIII (1958-59), 44-45, and R. E. Moore, Henry Purcell and the Restoration Theatre, Chapter III. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42: King Arthur an Opera, wrote by Mr Dryden: it was Excellently Adorn'd with Scenes and Machines: The Musical Part set by Famous Mr Henry Purcel; and Dances made by Mr Jo. Priest: The Play and Musick pleas'd the Court and City, and being well perform'd, twas very Gainful to the Company. Roger North: I remember in Purcell's excellent opera of King Arthur, when Mrs Butler, in the person of Cupid, was to call up Genius, she had the liberty to turne her face to the scean, and ner back to the theater. She was in no concerne for her face, but sang a recitativo of calling towards the place where Genius was to rise, and performed it admirably, even beyond any thing I ever heard upon the English stage....And I could ascribe it to nothing so much as the liberty she had of concealing her face, which she could not endure should be so contorted as is necessary to sound well, before her gallants, or at least her envious sex. There was so much of admirable musick in that opera, that it's no wonder it's lost; for the English have no care of what's good, and therefore deserve it not (Roger North on Music, ed. John Wilson [London, 1959], p. 217-18)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy

Performance Comment: Edition of 1691: King Arthur-Betterton; Oswald, King of Kent-Williams; Conon-Hodgson; Merlin-Kynaston; Osmond-Sandford; Aurelius-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Albanact-Bowen; Guillamar-Harris; Emmeline-Mrs Bracegirdle; Matilda-Mrs Richardson; Philidel-Mrs Butler; Grimbald-Bowman; Prologue to the Opera-Mr Betterton; The Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle.
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but it lies between Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 April. Luttrell, A Brief Relation (II, 413) stated on 9 April that the Queen had prohibited its being acted; on 16 April (II, 422) he reports that it has been acted. Luttrell, A Brief Relation, II, 422, 16 April: Mr Dryden s play has been acted with applause, the reflecting passages upon this government being left out. The Gentleman's Journal, May 1692 (licensed 14 May): I told you in my last, that none could then tell when Mr Dryden's Cleomenes would appear; since that time, the Innocence and Merit of the Play have rais'd it several eminent Advocates, who have prevailed to have it Acted, and you need not doubt but it has been with great applause. Preface, Edition of 1692: Mrs Barry, always Excellent, has, in this tragedy, excell'd Herself, and gain'd a Reputation beyond any Woman whom I have ever seen on the Theatre. [See also Cibber, Apology, I, 160, for a discussion of Mrs Barry in Cleomenes.] A song, No, no, poor suffering heart no change endeavour, the music by Henry Purcell, is in Comes Amoris, The Fourth Book, 1693, and also, with the notice that it was sung by Mrs Butler, in Joyful Cuckoldom, ca. 1695. See also Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XVI (1906), xviii-xix; Epistolary Essay to Mr Dryden upon his Cleomenes, in Gentleman's Journal, May 1692, pp. 17-21. When the play was revived at Drury Lane, 8 Aug. 1721, the bill bore the heading: Not Acted these Twenty-Five Years

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Cleomenes, The Spartan Heroe

Performance Comment: Edition of 1692: Prologue-Mr Mountfort; Cleomenes-Betterton; Cleonidas-Lee; Ptolomy-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Sosybius-Sandford; Cleanthes-Mountford; Pantheus-Kynaston; Coenus-Hudson; Cratisiclea-Mrs Betterton; Cleora-Mrs Bracegirdle; Cassandra-Mrs Barry; Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle.