Event Comment: [The play is opened by Mrs Beverley and Charlotte, and when Mrs Siddons came on she was hissed because of a widespread report that she had refused to act for Brereton's benefit in Dublin. "A considerable period of time was lost; it might be forty minutes before the play began . . . We could perceive that the lady supported herself with a great degree of firmness under this very aweful trial--a trial which, in great measure, determined her future fame--perhaps her residence in this metropolis" (Town and Country Magazine, Oct. 1784, p. 510). "The Breretons have used her shockingly--Mrs B. was mean enough to sneak off the stage and leave her to stand the insults of a malicious party tho' she knew the whole disturbance was on her account and that her husband had at least been obliged to contradict the reports that concern'd him" (Betsy Sheridan, Journal, 1960, p. 32). Mrs Siddons explained to the audience that the stories circulated against her were "calumnies." She had, in fact, on 19 Aug., acted Jane Shore in Dublin for Brereton's benefit (Dublin Public Register, 19 Aug. 1784). "Though Mrs Siddons delivered this address with her usual judgment and articulation, and it was received with reiterated bursts of applause, yet she was so agitated when off the stage as to be very near fainting, and continued for some time much flurried" (Public Advertiser, 6 Oct.).] Receipts: #304 5s. (291/13; 12/11; 0/1)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Neville MS Diary: Saw Douglas by a Mr Brereton, being his 3rd appearance. He is a pretty figure, but wants lemon in his voice, as Mr Garrick calls it. Lady Randolph by Mrs Barry. The Entertainment was Queen Mab, with a new scene representing the late Masquerade at the Opera House, with all the extravagances and intrigue which it occasions. Was very much squeezed in the Pit. Wish I was settled in th country at a distance from these crowded diversions

Event Comment: Miss Hopkins 2d appearance Arethusa--well receiv'd (+Hopkins Diary). Benefit for Brereton. Tragedy reviv'd not acted these 7 years. [See 23 April 1765.] Receipts: #130 19s. 6d. Charges: #67 1s. Profits to Brereton: #73 18s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Brereton. Mainpiece: Not acted these 9 years. [See 26 Nov. 1766. MacMillan's note from Kemble: "A Young Gentleman (Francis Rundell) appeared in Alcanor.-A tall aukward figure-spoke sensibly-and came off with applause," does not appear in Hopkins Diary.] Receipts: #63 6d. Charges: #69 13s. Deficit to Brereton: #6 12s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Sharp and Mrs Brereton. Public Advertiser, 27 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Mrs Sharp, No. 10, Bow-street; of Mrs Brereton, No. 11, Tavistock-street. Receipts: #133 9s. 6d. (79.13.0; 25.0.0; 0.8.6; tickets: 28.8.0) (charge: #75 9s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Sharp and Mrs Brereton. [Afterpiece: Prologue by George Colman elder.] Receipts: #175 18s. (64.12; 34.2; 0.17; tickets:76.7) (charge: #65 0s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Brereton. Public Advertiser, 10 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Brereton, No. 14, Catherine-street, Strand. 2nd piece: Not acted these 6 years [not acted since 13 May 1773]. 3rd piece: Not acted these 8 years [acted 22 Dec. I775]-Receipts: #249 17s.(84/14540/3; 0/8; tickets: 124/12)(charge: #110 7s. 10d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Brereton. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire