Event Comment: At Bridges, Cross, Burton and Vaughan's Great Theatrical Booth in the George Inn Yard, will be presented an Historical Drama never acted before call'd The Northern Heroes; or, The Bloody Contest between Charles XII, King of Sweden, and Peter the Great, Czar of Muscovy, with the Loves of Count Gillensternia, a Swedish General and the Fair Elimira, a Russian Princess, Containing the most remarkable Events of that Time; and concluding with the Memorable Battle of Pultowav, and Charles's Retreat into the Turkish Dominionv. Interspers'd with a Comic Interlude (never perform'd before) called The Volunteers; or, the Adventures of Roderick Random and his Friend Strap. Also the Comical Humours and Amours of Corporal Garbage and Serjeant Slim, with Mrs Vanspriggen the Swedish Sutler's Widow; the merry Pranks of her foolish son Janny, and several other diverting incidents. Boxes 2s. 6d. Pit 1s. 6d. First Gallery 1s. Upper Gallery 6d. To begin each Day at Twelve o'clock. [This notice repeated during "the short Time of the Fair." Notice repeated 24, 26, 27 Aug.

Event Comment: [See Tate Wilkinson, The Wandering Patentee, who reprints the first version of Tea, call'd Diversions of the Morning.] Tea much Hiss'd (Cross). Receipts: #200 (Cross)

Event Comment: Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. First Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. No persons admitted behind the scenes, nor any money returned after the Curtain is drawn up. Places for the Boxes to be taken (only) of Mr Sarjant at the Stage-Door. The Doors to be opened at Half an Hour after Four. To begin exactly at Six o'clock. [Repeated for all bills during the season, but see change of hour for opening, 22 Sept., and 6 Oct. The source for receipts and financial matters is Covent Garden Account Book (BM Add MS. Egerton 2274).] Receipts: #209 9s. 6d

Event Comment: For the Entertainment of the Antient and Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons. For the Benefit of an unfortunate Brother Mason. [This program, which was given in the Old Tennis Court, included a concert; and tickets for 27 April, when the performance was intended but prevented, are received this day.

Event Comment: Benefit for Hopkins, prompter, and Mrs Hopkins. The Farmer's Return was advertised for Hopkins' Benefit, the Farmer-Weston, but changed (Winston MS 10). Paid $Mr Cape's Apothecary's Bill #4 16s. 11d.; Chorus 2 nights (this incl.) #3 11s.; Mr Wallis on note #2 2s.; Extra Flutes & Guitars in Genii & Xmas Tale (9th inst. incl.) #1 15s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #166 4s. 6d. Charges: #66 11s. 6d. Profits to Mr and Mrs Hopkins: #99 13s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Vernon. House Charges #67 9s. 6d. [Profit to Vernon #52 1s. 6d.] Paid Burney Jr 8 days salary #1 13s. 4d.; Chorus singers #2 10s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #119 11s. (Treasurer's Book). Fifteen minutes past 4 took my seat in the 4th row of the first Gallery at Drury Lane...Lord Ogleby was excellently played by King. Heidelberg inimitably by Mrs Clive. After the Vintage, King by desire presented the Public again with Linco's Travels, but omitted a few things spoke last night. Cupid in Daphne and Amintor by Miss Rogers...Eleven o'clock when we got out (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: Benefit for Wood, Sub-Treasurer. Tickets deliver'd out for The Mistake will be taken (playbill). For ye Morocco Embassador, who, tho' unlearn'd in out Language, behav'd as if he understood nature -Mr Wood, the Subtreasurer had Tickets (Cross). [Mrs Frances Brooke, in The Old Maid, for 8 May 1756, gives the following eye-witness account of the evening: "I determined to watch the artless working of [the Ambassador's] surprise, and to catch, as well as I could his sentiments of the theatre, the Audience, the Play, and the performers. And shall give them to my readers, just as they appeared to me. On his first coming to the front of the Box, he was complimented with the Applause of the whole House, which seemed to give him great pleasure, and which he returned by two bows in the English, and afterwards by a reverence in the Moorish manner, which last I thought very graceful...tho' he is rather low of stature, yet his loose flowing robes, and his manner altogether gave him such an air of superiority, that I thought the Audience looked only like his attendants. "The House and Spectators attracted his notice so much for some time, that he seem'd very well entertained before the drawing up of the curtain. At the first scene between the Lords, I thought he looked disappointed, and after a transient view of the stage, directed his eyes again to the company; at the entrance of King Henry his attention was a little recover'd to the performance, but his majesty had not proceeded half way thru the scene, before he burst into a most immoderate fit, of apparently contemptuous laughter, which he repeated very often thro' the whole playing of the part. The manner in which this stranger was affected by it, amongst other considerations, fully convinces me that this character is most ridiculously burlesqued in the representation, and that both Shakespeare and the Monarch are very inhumanly sacrificed, to the polite taste, and elegant distinction of the upper gallery....I could point out many abuses of the like nature, which have increased upon us so much of late, that 'tis almost impossible to attend the theatres, with the expectation of receiving pleasure from some parts of the perfbrmance, without the certainty of suffering equal disgust from others; it was the case of many besides myself, at this of Henry, upon the absurdity of Winchester's brandishing his cane at Canterbury, upon the close of the Council Scene; and yet to give opportunity for this notable stage foolery, the Archbishop and Bishop are both made to walk out of their proper order, tho' in attendance upon the King....His character is drawn by Shakespeare very nearly as it stands in history, and in colours far different from the farcical ones, in which it is the present fashion to represent it. He is described indeed as imperious, but at the same time a great Monarch, and not withstanding his short interjections of anger, he is in my judgment upon every occasion a King. I wish this consideration may prevail with Mr Berry, when he plays this character for the future, to remember that tho' Harry as well as Jobson may be something rough and boistrous, yet the turbulency of a haughty prince, is a very different quality, and must therefore appear in avery different fashion, from the sawciness of an impudent cobbler. "Whatever neglect his Moorish Excellency might discover of this part, he paid great attention to that of Queen Catherine; but nothing seem'd to affect him so stronglyas Miss Young's singing, at which he appeared quite collected, and listened to her with all marks of rapturous admiration; his whole soul appeared touched, and at the end of the song, he joined the house in clapping, a mark of applause I did not observe him give at any other time. "I thought upon the King's kissing Anna Bullen, that he appeared surprized and offended, and looked about, to observe whether others were not affected in the same manner. "The procession was less marked by him than I had expected, but upon the Champion's entry on horseback, he burst into such an Immoderate fit of laughter, as to fall quite back in his seat. "At the end of the play he rose, as if to leave the House, but looked very well pleased upon being informed there was more entertainment to come; in the Pantomime he seem'd surprized and disgusted at the appearance of Harlequin, to whom he did not appear reconciled to the last; his wonder was still greater at the flying of the Genii cross the stage, and other parts of the machinery, which I thought he studied byt was puzzled to account for. He laughed heartily at the Clown, and admired Colombine not a little.... "I am jealous of the honour of my country in all respects. I would have this stranger leave it with as high opinion of our publick entertainments as possible, and could wish that at the Old House, he might see Mr Garrick in Richard or some equally striking part, and at the New, he may be present at plays, where rich dresses, magnificent show and graceful action, and uncommon personal perfections in the principal performers might contribute to give him a more elevated idea of our stage, than he can have receiv'd from King Harry."] Receipts: #210 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Waldron. 1st piece: Originally written by the celebrated Monsieur de Beaumarchais, and perform'd innumerably, often at Paris; translated and adapted to the English Stage by the very ingenious Mr Holcroft, Author of several admired Dramatic and other Works; and perform'd with unbounded Applause during Half the Season last Winter at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. 2nd piece: Never acted here; written by Mr O'Keeffe, set to music by Mr Shield, and performed with unceasing Applause at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. 3rd piece: To conclude with the Representation of the Siege of Gibraltar, Elliot's Red Hot Balls, &c. Tickets to be had of Waldron, at the Cock and Magpie

Event Comment: Benefit for King. [This was Smith's last appearance on the stage, from which he had officially retired on 9 June 1788.] Broadside in Kemble playbills announcing this benefit: Mr King most respectfully informs the Public that his Night is fixed for Friday the 18th of May, when will be presented The School for Scandal. Mr King has the pleasure to add that Mr Smith, who was so long and so worthily applauded by the Public, and was the original performer of Charles Surface in the above, distinguished Comedy, at the particular request of Mr King, backed by a strong assurance from many admirers and encouragers of the Drama that it will not only add to Mr King's emolument but highly gratify the Town, has kindly consented to return to the Theatre for one night, and resume his favourite Character. "We had been told that Smith pourtrayed the Manners of a finished gentleman with more delicacy and characteristic propriety than any actor of his day; but this did not appear to us to be his particular excellence; he stands too wide to be graceful, and his deportment gains no advantage from a perpetual application of his hand to the lower part of the waist. These habits are far from elegant. His Charles, however, is a favourable specimen of that sort of acting which commonly falls under the denomination of the old school: light, airy, and natural; which excites applause without any anxious endeavour to produce it; which suffers the points to tell of themselves, and does not place them as so many traps to ensnare the injudicious part of the audience" (Monthly Mirror, May 1798, p. 299). "He was received with the most heart-felt gratulations by an audience who did not expect any apology for such acting, though he saw fit to deliver one at the conclusion of the play" (Monthly Visitor, May 1798, p. 72). Times, 4 May: Tickets to be had of King at his house, New Store-street, Bedford-square. Receipts: #674 6s. (388.0.6; 55.17.6; 2.0.0); tickets: 228.8.0) (charge: #212 5s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Woodward. [Stage accommodated as of 7 March.] Tickets of Woodward at Mr Dove's Surgeon in James St., Covent Garden. This was in one speech, a bam, in mimickry upon Mr Foote given by Mr Woodward for his Own Benefit (Cross). [This afterpiece was advertised well in advance and elicited from Foote the outburst in the General Advertiser of 10 March. On 21 March the General Advertiser wrote: "Last Saturday the Stratagem with Tit for Tat were performed at Drury Lane for the Benefit of Mr Woodward, when there was the greatest audience that ever was seen there. And the Dish of Chocolate was receiv'd with uncommon applause."] Receipts: #286 (Cross); house charges, #63 (Powel)

Event Comment: Benefit Hallam, Rob. William, and Miss Tynte. Written by Shakespear. Th. Cibber (Lives and Characters, pp. 49-49): I remember, some Years ago, on Mr Giffard's coming from Ireland (then a young Actor) Mr Booth performed the Character of Hotspur one Night, when Mr Giffard played the Part of the Prince of Wales ; Mr Booth knowing Mr Giffard must be naturally prejudiced in favour of Mr Thomas Elrington, to whose Performance in Hotspur he had many times attended with no small Admiration-Mr Booth, piqued on this Occasion, exerted himself in a particular Manner, and played the whole Part with such Fire, and Engergy of Spirit, as rouzed his Auditors to an Extravagance of Applause, and made Mr Giffard confess (as he has often done in my Hearing) that, notwithstanding his Prepossession in favour of Mr Elrington,-Mr Booth, in Power, Spirit, and Judgment, went far beyond him in this Part; as he afterwards, with Admiration confessed,-he did in every other

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Kemble. Afterpiece [1st time: F 2, by Stephen George Kemble, altered from The Fair Maid of the West, by Thomas Heywood. Larpent MS 914; not published. Author of Prologue unknown]. Morning Chronicle, 15 Aug.: Tickets to be had of Mrs Kemble, next door to the Old Slaughter's Coffee-house, St. Martin's Lane. "Miss Kemble, though only four years of age, drew forth much applause" (Diary, 17 Aug.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Shuter. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Afterpiece: By Particular Desire of several persons of Distinction, to be added for that night only. Neville MS Diary: Covent Garden Theatre after being shut up for the season was open'd tonight as a high favour to Shuter...Before [the farce] the Gods having call'd for the Music to play Roast Beef, would not suffer the play to begin till their request was complied with. They pelted Davies and Hull, who appeared first, with orange skins, crying Off, Off'...Glad Shuter had a good house. He is an excellent comedian and is said to have a good heart. [The income for this night not listed in the Account Books. On 10 June however, the treasurer received from Shuter #10 'for the renters for the night of his benefit," and #1 13s. 9d. for oyl that night. On 20 July the treasurer received from Shuter #43 15s. for tickets for his first benefit, and #1 4s. 1 1!2d. in money, along with #20 for his second benefit." On July 22, the treasurer paid "to sundry Creditors of Mr Shuter as per Receipt Books #245 4s. 1 1!2d., and to Mr Wilford by order of Shuter #60, and to Beard #26 16s." N.B. On Wednesday 1 July The sum of #60,000 was this day paid down for the purchase of the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, pursuant to agreement. The patentees are Messieurs Colman, Harris, Rutherford and Powell"--Gentleman's Magazine, p. 379.

Event Comment: Benefit for Lowe. [See following "puff" from the Public Advertiser. "Sir: Perhaps there never was a period when the members of the stage were more respected than at present; and this favour consequently proceeds from the decency of their behaviour, and an emulative pride to please that public, whose generosity is an ample reward for their assiduity and perseverance; and when we consider the many qualifications, as well natural as acquired, requisite to constitute a player, surely the most rigid judge will be of opinion that the encouragement is not more than equal to the excellence. An actor must feel, that is, have the most refined idea of his part, to make an audience feel likewise; and adequate to the pleasures he enjoys in the applause of his approvers, will rise his degree of unhappiness, if by accident or sickness he is obstructed in the execution of his Genius; and should this happen at the era of his benefit, it must then be his misfortune to supplicate that interest which otherwise his merit would have commanded. "I was led to these reflections by accidentally perusing an advertisement prefix'd to a bill for the benefit of Mr Lowe; a performer too well known to need encomiums here; from whom the Town receive no inconsiderable Satisfaction at the theatre, and whose harmonious performance at our deservedly frequented summer scene of pleasure, has long obtained their highest approbation. We are told that a severe cold and Hoarseness have hindered his performing for some weeks past, and that he is now incapable of going abroad." Follows an elaborate plea for Lowe's friends to excuse his not calling on them, and for them to support his Benefit Night. Signed Veritas.

Event Comment: Benefit Stephens. Mainpiece: At the particular desire of several Ladies of Quality. Tickets deliver'd out for As You Like It will be taken. Tickets to be had of Stephens at the Jar, opposite Red-Lion St., Holborn; of Mr Johnson, at the White Hart in Paternoster Row; and at the stage door next Bow St. where places may be taken. Last Night Shakespear's play of King Henry the Fifth, was performed at Covent Garden, with the many incidents that are applicable to the present Juncture of Affairs with France, occasioned the whole to be receiv'd with an uncommon Applause.--General Advertiser, 21 April

Event Comment: Benefit for the Widow Vince (Cross). Tickets at Temple-Exchange Coffee House; Fleet St.; Mr Hanson's, Poulterer, Corner Fleet Market; the Cock at Temple Bar, and at Stage Door (playbill). This night Mr Foote open'd an Oratory against Macklin at ye little Haymarket House--great crowd-great Applause (Cross). Receipts: #190 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mr and Mrs Johnston & Miss Williams. Mainpiece: Written by R. Cumberland, Esq., and perform'd at the Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane, with great Applause. Never acted there. Tickets to be had of Mr and Mrs Johnston & Miss Williams at the Windsor Castle [Inn], Plough and Harrow, Angel, Cock and Magpie, Salutation; and of Waldron, No. 17, Dorville's Row, where places for the Boxes may be taken

Event Comment: Benefit for Theatrical Fund. Doors open at 5 o'clock. Play to begin at half past 6. Last night of season. Cash in the Galleries #88, from Mr Johnston #211 18s. Total #299 19s. Paid in sundries (Rent #8; Soldiers 14s.; Properties 2s.; Bill Stickers 18s.; Candles, Oyl, Lampmen #3 18s. 6d.; Printer #2 13s. 6d.; Total #16 5s. 6d.; Box tickets 680 #170). Ladies and Gentlemen who have taken tickets for the Pit and Boxes are requested to be early at the Theatre, to prevent their being incommoded in getting to their Place. [N.B. 27 June 1767 the Gentleman's Magazine reports that Sg Tenducci "renounced the errors of popery, and embraced the protestant religion in Dublin."] Receipts: #299 19s. (Treasurer's Book). Instead of going to dinner put The Suspicious Husband in my pocket and read Ranger's part at the Somerset Coffee House. Dressed and at half past 5 went into the Front Boxes at Drury Lane to see The Suspicious Husband for the Fund for the Relief of Decayed Actors, being the last time of performing this season. The Pit and Boxes were laid together. Mr Garrick spoke an occasional Prologue and played Ranger. Though in the back row I saw him very well by the help of my glass...Before the Dance Mr Garrick saying that he would not have been able to do it after, in the name of the company and managers thanked the public for the favors received this season. Mr @@ asked me to go to Vauxhall after ye Play, but I chose rather to see Daphne and Amintor ye characters as usual (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: Benefit for Shuter. Tickets to be had of Shuter at Number 2, in Martlet Court, Bow St. Covent Garden; and of Mr Sarjant, Book-Keeper. Charges: #65 2s. [Profits to Shuter #150 6d., plus #70 11s. from tickets (Box 233; Pit 82).] Paid Miss Elliott the balance of her two nights Jan. 13 and Feb. 18, #90 13s. 6d. and gave her as a present from the managers by deducting the charge of the Farce for her 2nd night, Feb. 18th, #21 (Account Book). Receipts: #215 2s. 6d. (Account Book). About 5 with great difficulty got into the Pit at Covent Garden to see...the benefit for Mr Shuter. Stood all night at the bottom of the Pit in a most disagreeable situation, though I saw very well and heard too, unless when prevented by the noise on occasion of which Shuter very smartly applied the Passage, But if we all speak together, how shall we hear one another," and again when a great noise was made about someone in the Gallery, he cried 'Give him a knock o' the head and make him quiet,' and another bawling Silence," he cried Silence, Silence why don't you be quiet.'At the end of Act II, the Cries of London', with additions by Shuter. In going off he shook his head on hearing it encored, but was oblig'd to comply by repeating the greater part. End of Opera Shuter entertained us with his Serious, Comic Post-Haste Observations in his Journey to Paris, to hear which was a principal reason of my not dining at Holliss's. The Barber in the Upholsterer inimitably played by Woodward (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: Benefit for King. House charges #67 2s. (Treasurer's Book). N.B. Dido is oblig'd to be deferr'd a few days (playbill). Paid Blandford (tallow chandler) #29 18s. 6d.; Paid Mr Pinto for 3 sets of symphonies #1 11s. 6d. B. Jonson's Head #1 19s. 1d.; Mrs Pritchard's gratuity #10 10s. (Treasurer's Book). Put on my old clothes and at 5 went to Drury Lane, found the Pit and 2s. gallery quite full, at last had myself squeezed into the Pit, where I was most woefully pressed, but saw very well and got a seat ere the farce began. The play was Cymbeline, with The Deuce is in Him. This play pleases me. The dresses were tolerably proper, ye scenes (particularly that of Imogen's chamber and the Cave) pretty and ye performance of ye principal characters good, but having never read the play, lost a great deal of the effect. Imogen, Mrs Yates, she is very hoarse. In Act II a Masquerade Dance, with singing by Mrs Vincent. After Act III the Vintage. After the play, King in the character of Linco, with Dorcas and others of his neighbors, asking him questions, partly spoke and partly sang, for this night only,-a new very humorous little piece called Linco's Travels, particularly in England. Glad I did not go to the other House, tho I wished to see Macklin, who played there this night only for his daughter's benefit. When the Farce began, the Gods (as those in the Upper Gallery are called) called for the Prologue, on which Packer came on and said, Mr King has not spoke the Prologue this winter, and is now dressing to play in the Farce and hopes the Audience will excuse him." Miss Pope and Miss Plym coming on again were hissed off, and after we had waited some minutes longer, King spoke the Prologue, which was lucky for me who had never heard him speak it. The gods called for it on Monday last, but desisted on the above excuse being made. Almost eleven ere all was over. I now know all the entrances into the Pit and Gallery at Drury Lane (Neville MS Diary)