Event Comment: This Farce was written by Mr Coleman. The Novelty of the Subject, together with its being extremely well perform'd; gave the Audience such entire Satisfaction that I never heard Such Bursts of Applause; crying out Bravo! Bravo! &c. &c. (Hopkins). [Identical in Hopkins Diary.] Farce very greatly receiv'd (Cross Diary)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 12 years. [See 26 April 1763.] This Comedy is reviv'd for the Queen to See Mr G. in Sir Anthony Bramble which he perfkrmed inimitably--he wrote and spoke a New Address to the Ladies in the Character of Sr. Anto. which was receiv'd with very great Applause. The Play is long and heavy (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly.] Paid salary list #624 6s. 6d.; Westminster Charity Subscription #5 5s.; Griffith 3 weeks 15s.; Mrs Greville for cloaths in Irish Widow, #5 9s. Receipts: #273 1s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 3 years. [See 7 Oct. 1768.] Mr Clinch made his first appearance in the part of Alexander tolerable figure & Voice a Little too much upon the Brogue, he is very wild & Aukward-but was receiv'd with Applause (Hopkins Diary). [Macmillan note from Kemble differs slightly.] Paid Dr Arne as per order #31 8s.; Mr Stacie for drawing leases, #3 3s. Tallow chandler's first bill #29 13s. 3d.; Mr Jefferson on note, #200 (Treasurer's Book). [Reviewer for Town and Country Magazine more favorable to Clinck's performance than is Hopkins.] Receipts: #149 19s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: A New Pantomime of Mr Messinks went off with great Applause (Hopkins Diary). Music By Dibdin. New Scenes, Habits, and Machines. Nothing under Full Prices will be taken. [Repeated.] Paid 4 days salary list at #85 12s. 11d., #342 11s. 8d.; Miss Mansell on acct #5 5s.; Mr Clinch ditto, #6 6s.; Dr Arne for Mrs Bradley 2 nights per order #5 5s.; Stopages nil (Treasurer's Book). [Full description of the New Pantomime is given in the Westminster Magazine (January 1773): Harlequin born to the Pigmies comes to manhood, gets a job from the Register Office in a Nobleman's family where he meets Colombine. They love, and elope, a chase ensues through several noted places in London, which are detailed in the review. The union of the lovers is finally consended to, and all closes with dancing. "Some of the paintings in the scenery are well executed; and the generality of Mr Dibdin's music deserves equal praise." In it Mrs Wrighten gives a ludicrous imitation of Miss Catley's manner of singing. The reviewer's general thesis about the London stage of this period, given first in the preliminary number, 1 Jan. 1773 continues: "The Stage seems now buried in universal darkness...The Publick for several weeks, has been fed with the lean carcass of two villainous pantomimes."] Receipts: #162 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benedick by Obrien-1st time (Hopkins). Benedick does not sit so well upon Mr O'Brien as Ranger-Hopkins Diary-$MacMillan">Miss Pope Beatrice-indifferent (+Hopkins Diary-$MacMillan). New Occasional song introduc'd in The Rites of Hecate, the words will be printed and given away at the theatre. Receipts: #130 9s. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: Miss Mansell made her first appearance upon this Stage in Louisa Dudley She has a good face her figure rather Clumsey a hoarse Voice & not much Simplicity (Hopkins Diary). [Reviewer for Town and Country Magazine agrees Miss Mansell not too good as Louisa. Macmillan note from Kemble differs slightly: "Miss Mansell's first appearance,--she played Louisa Dudley,--a slattern figure, rather clumsy,--a coarse voice,--and no simplicity,--very unfit for the character Hopkins Diary No 7."] Paid three day's salary list at #80 7s. 5d. per diem,-#241 2s. 3d.; Mr S. French, 6 days, #1 10s.; Lampmen #2 12s.; Bill stickers #3 12s. Handbills 5s.; Candlemen #1 8s.; Mantua Maker #6 1s. 2d.; J. Stevens (Porter) 18s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #205 16s. 6d. [The constant payments are tabulated for the season as follows and will not be further itemized]: @Item Weekly Average Season Total Lampmen #3 #111@Bill Stickers #2 14s. #99 15s.@Handbills 12s. #21 12s.@Candlemen & extras #8 #296@Mantua Maker #4 5s. #150@J. Stevens 18s. #33 6s.

Event Comment: This Comedy was written by Mr Cumberland was very well receiv'd & great Applause but it will not be so Successful as the West Indian was (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes and Dresses for the Mainpiece. [See Theatrical Review, 20 Jan. See also account in Town and Country Magazine (Theatre No. XXXIII). Larpent MS 329 again includes scene description by the author: "Hall in Lord Abberville's Housev with a staircase seen through an arch in the Flat."] Receipts: #248 17s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: New Music, Dresses, Habits and Decorations. Full Prices. [Which were maintained during run of this pantomime]. A New Pantomime. This Pant: was made by Mr Woodward & met wth great applause, Young Vernon sung for the first time very well. It is said some of the Scenes were bought from Sadler's Wells, wch is shut up by ye Law (Cross). Woodward Harlequin 1st time in three years. Pantomime a New Entertainment in Italian Grotesque Characters (General Advertiser). Receipts: #150 (Cross)

Event Comment: A new Musical Masque. This Masque was written by ye Author of the Chaplet (Mr Mendez) & set by Dr Boyce. Great Applause. I had the copy (Cross). [On this and all subsequent bills this season for The Shepherd's Lottery announcement is made of the composition of the music by Dr Boyce.] Receipts: #100 (Cross)

Event Comment: [Music] compos'd by Mr Arne went of with Great Applause (Cross). With Proper Dances and Decorations. Books of the Opera will be sold at the Theatre price 1s. [The cast is first listed 17 Jan. 1757.] Receipts: #130 (Cross)

Event Comment: Books of the Farce to be had at the Theatre. Mr Powell's first appearance in Jaffier. Got much applause (Hopkins). Mr Powell's first appearance in Jaffier--he performed the first part of it with feeling, but in the fourth act he was wild, and wanted power--But was much applauded (Hopkins Diary--MacMillan). Tomorrow, The Midsummer Night's Dream, Written by Shakespear; with Alterations; Interspersed with Airs, Compos'd by the most eminent English Masters. Receipts: #235 7s. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: Mrs King being to Quit the Stage at the end of this Season Mr G. kindly play'd for her Benefit great Applause (Hopkins Diary). Benefit for King. Pit and Boxes laid together. Paid salary list #494 18s. 6d.; Mrs Abington's Cloaths acct #2; Mr S. French, 6 days #1 10s. Receipts: #287 6s. Charges: #64 4s. Profits to Mrs King: #223 2s. [Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: This tragedy was wrote by Mr Dow,--went off but So, so.--some hisses thro' the play, and at the end also when given out.--The scenery and dresses was very fine, was well adapted, and had applause.--Miss Younge played very bad, and much disliked--Mr Holland and Mr Aickin played well (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations. [The Prologue is Larpent MS 289. It follows in content the suggestions of the Prologue to the Orphan of China ten seasons earlier:@"Too much the Greek and Roman chiefs engage@The Muse's care--they languish on our stage;@The modern bard struck with the vast applause@Of ancient masters, like the painter draws@From models only.--Can such copies charm@The Heart, or like the glow of Nature warm?@To fill the scene, tonight our author brings@Originals at least, --Warriours and Kings,@Heroes who like their Gems, unpolish'd shine,@The mighty fathers of the Tartar line,@Greater than those whom classic pages boast,@If those are greatest who have conquored most."@ An account of the plot of the mainpiece is in Lloyd's Evening Post, 16-19 Dec. Concludes: The play is said to have been written by Mr Dow, who lately favored the public with an accurate History of the Hindoos. The decorations and dresses were very magnificent. The performers who were the most distinguished by the audience were Mr Holland, Miss Younge, Mr Aickin, and Mr Jefferson. Mr Holland spoke the Prologue and Mrs Abington the Epilogue the latter of which furnished infinite entertainment, from the spirit and humour of that admirable actress. A Two column resume of the play appears in the Public Advertiser, 19 Dec.

Event Comment: Mrs Barry was not in Spirits--not much applause (Hopkins Diary). Mrs Barry Failed greatly tonight from what she did the first night (MacMillan). Rec'd Mr Condill's 2nd payment for Fruit Office #20; Mr Burges one yrs rent to Xmas last with #4 4s. King's tax deducted, #16 16s.; Paid Mr Burges, Bricklayer #53 14s. 6d; Barrow & Co. for Oil #96 1s.; Mr Lawrence, paperhanger, #24 4s. 6d.; Mrs Lowe and Co., glaziers, #13 2s. 6d.; Mr Cropley, linen draper, #17 18s.; Mr Hatsell, mercer, #112 17s.; Hewetson & Co., lacemen, #28 19s. 6d.; Mr Scott, copper laceman, #37 6s. 6d.; Spermacetti Candles' Bill #286 8s.; Mr R. Johnston's Bill #124 5s. (Treasurer's Book). [The Westminster Magazine this month printed a counterblast to the flattering Picture of Garrick given 1 Feb. This article damned him as a manager, and quoted Smollett from Roderick Random, II, 260.] Receipts: #176 18s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: SSir John Brute, Mr Garrick (Cross Diary). The Fair Penitent was advertised for Wednesday the 11th: a Rehearsal was call'd on Tuesday the 10. About nine o'clock in the morning Mr Barry sent for & told me he was so ill that would be impossible for him to play for sometime & that he would give up his salary till he was able to play (Hopkins MS Memorandum Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: With New Dresses and Decorations. N.B. After this night the Meeting of the Company will be laid aside for sometime. The Play was New drest in the Habits of the time & they look'd very well & was applauded (Hopkins Diary) Paid 3 days salary list at #91 16s. 4d. per diem, #275 9s.; Sundry salaries not on list last week as per partners in Memorandum Book, #44 8s.; Mr Granier for last week 12s. 6d.; Mr J. French on acct #5 5s. Receipts: #226 3s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Prelude and Mainpiece By Command of their Majesties. Jane Shore is oblig'd to be deferr'd on Account of Mrs Yates's being incapable of performing. [MacMillan's note from Kemble "Mr Smith Kitely -dull enough" does not appear in the Folger, Hopkins Diary.] King and Queen Present. Rec'd from Mr Reddish on Acct #50. Paid Printer's Bill #14 12s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). [This weekly payment throughout the season averaged #9 6s., for a total payment of #353 8s. No further itemization of it will be made.] Receipts: #284 11s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By Particular Desire. Mr G.-never play'd better, and when he was in the Woman's Cloaths he had a head drest with Feathers, Fruit etc. as extravagant as possible to Burlesque the present Mode of Dressing-it had a Monstrous Effect (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid Mr Fredrick his bill for sattin #40 10s.; a Tow Bill 10s. (Treasurer's Book). [This monthly bill for Tow amounted to #4 10s. for the season and will not be further mentioned.] Receipts: #217 19s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Portia by Mrs Siddons being her first appearance upon this Stage a good figure rather handsome--wants Spirit and ease her Voice a little course very well receiv'd (Hopkins, Diary). Paid Mr Wrighten on note #100; Mr Garrick 2 nights for Bon Ton and Little Gipsey, #238. Receipts: #197 (Treasurer's Book). Books of the Songs and Chorusses of the Afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. [This note appeared on all subsequent bills advertising the Jubilee this season.] The most accomplished actress can display little other abilities in this part [Portia] than a correct elocution, and a knowledge of the author. The lady of last night being thus circumstanced [her first appearance] it is impossible to pronounce what the nature or extent of her powers may enable her to execute when placed in a situation that calls them forth. But from the speciman she gave there is not room to expect anything beyond mediocrity. Her figure and face, although agreeable, have nothing striking, her voice (that requisite of all public speakers) is far from being favourable to her progress as an actress. It is feared she possess a monotone not to be got rid of; there is also vulgarity in her tones, ill calculated to sustain that line in a theatre she has at first been held forth in; but as these observations are formed when the lady laboured under the disadvantages of a first attempt in the metropolis, her future efforts may perhaps entirely remove them (Middlesex Journal, 30 Dec. Quoted in Hampden, Journal)

Event Comment: MMr Reddish played Lord Townly, being his first appearance in London, --was well received and met with Applause, --but an indifferent figure, --will be useful (Hopkins MS Notes)

Event Comment: This Farce is suppos'd to be written by Mr King. & was tolerably well receiv'd. The Tunes are very dull (Hopkins). Farce well receiv'd (Cross Diary). Receipts: #144 2s. 6d. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: MMrs Jeffries made her first appearance on this stage in Belinda.--not perfect.--was pretty well received.--is a little smart figure (Hopkins MS Notes). At 15 minutes past 4, took my place in the Pit at Drury Lane to see the Provok'd Wife. Mr Garrick is inimitable as Sir John Brute, Palmer does Heartfree, and Mrs Abington Lady Fanciful (with a song not printed in the play) very well. Constant by Cautherly, whose figure and manner I do not like, Vernon in Col. Bully sings a song (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: This comic opera of two acts [Padlock] was written by Mr Bickerstaffe and is a very compleat, pretty piece,--the music very striking.--Mrs Dorman was hissed at first, but the piece went off very well, and much applauded (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, Music and other Decorations. Doors opened at half past 4. Play to begin exactly at 6 o'clock. [A three column retelling of the plot of the padlock appeared in Lloyd's Evening Post, for Oct. 5-7.