SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,authname,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mr William Shakespear"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mr William Shakespear")') 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

Result Options

Download:
JSON XML CSV

Search Filters

Event

Date Range
Start
End

Performance

?
Filter by Performance Type










Cast

?

Keyword

?
We found 11048 matches on Author, 5343 matches on Event Comments, 2686 matches on Performance Comments, 581 matches on Performance Title, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Road To Ruin

Afterpiece Title: The Turnpike Gate

Related Works
Related Work: The Turnpike Gate Author(s): William Reeve

Dance: End: New Hornpipe-a Young Lady (1st appearance in public [Miss Rogers]); End I afterpiece: A Scotch Pas Deux-Jackson, Miss Bologna

Song: After 1st dance: The Little Farthing Rushlight-Master Standen

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Lie Of The Day

Afterpiece Title: Three Weeks after Marriage

Afterpiece Title: Paul and Virginia

Related Works
Related Work: Paul and Virginia Author(s): William Reeve

Song: In Course Evening: The Storm-Incledon

Entertainment: Monologue End II: personal address to the Audience in a Poetical Composition-O'Keeffe (written by Himself for the Occasion); End: Imitations-Rees

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love For Love

Related Works
Related Work: Love for Love Author(s): William Congreve

Afterpiece Title: The Follies of a Day

Related Works
Related Work: The Follies of a Day Author(s): William Shield
Related Work: The Follies of a Day; or, The Marriage of Figaro Author(s): William Shield

Song: In course evening: The Soldier tir'd of War's alarms-Miss Stephens; End I afterpiece: Crazy Jane-Mrs Bland

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Heir At Law

Afterpiece Title: The Poor Soldier

Related Works
Related Work: The Poor Soldier Author(s): William Shield
Related Work: The Shamrock; or, The Anniversary of St. Patrick Author(s): William Shield

Song: In course evening: Sweet Echo-Mrs Mountain; accompanied on the Hautboy-Forster=; The Soldier Tir'd-Mrs Mountain

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Review

Afterpiece Title: The Deaf Lover

Related Works
Related Work: The Deaf Lover Author(s): William Shield
Related Work: The Device; or, The Deaf Doctor Author(s): William Shield

Afterpiece Title: Obi

Event Comment: Written Originally by Shakespear. [By Lewis Theobald.] Theophilus Cibber: [Booth's] Illness...returned soon after his playing King Henry VIII. He was then studying the Part of Julio in the Double Falsehood; he rehearsed it several times,-when the Play begin ready for acting, he was prevented appearing in it, by a Relapse into his former Indisposition.-The Part was supplied a few Nights by Mr Charles Williams (a promising Player, who died young) to whom Mr Booth had given the Part to study, as doubting the Certainty of his being able to appear in it himself: But, at Mr Theobald's Entreaty (backed by many Gentlemen and Ladies) he good-naturedly (but fatally) disregarded his Indisposition, which was then an intermitting Fever, and acted that Part from the fifth to the twelfth Night; which was alas! the last time of his Appearance on tle Stage.-Lives and Characters, pp. 82-83

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Double Falshood Or The Distrest Lovers

Performance Comment: Principal Parts-Wilks, Mills, Williams, Corey, Harper, Griffin, Norris, Mrs Porter, Mrs Booth; but edition of 1728 lists: Duke Angelo-Corey; Roderick-Mills; Henriquez-Wilks; Don Bernard-Harper; Camillo-Griffin; Julio-Booth; Citizen-Oates; Master of Flocks-Bridgwater; 1st Shepherd-Norris; 2d Shepherd-Ray; Leonora-Mrs Porter; Violante-Mrs Booth; Prologue by Phillip Frowde-Wilks; Epilogue-Mrs Oldfield.
Event Comment: Benefit the Author of the Farce, and Miss Burgess. Mainpiece: As originally written by Shakespear. Supervised, Read over, Revised, and Unalter'd. [For a puff (signed by W. Shakespear), see Daily Advertiser, 4 March.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Life And Death Of King John

Performance Comment: Prince Arthur-Miss Burgess; With a New Prologue- in the Characters of Shakespear's Ghost, the Squire, Mr Student, and Mr Bays; concluding with an Address to the Ladies- of the Shakespear's Club.

Afterpiece Title: The Rival Milliners

Event Comment: Benefit Delane. At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. Mainpiece: Written by Shakespear. [Tickets at Delane's Lodgings (No. 6) in Wild Court, Wild Street, and at Mrs Delane's Lodgings, at the Fig-Tree, opposite Salisbury Street in the Strand.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King Henry The Fifth With The Memorable Battle Of Agincourt

Performance Comment: King Henry-Delane; Fluellin-Hippisley; King of France-Johnson; Dauphin-Hallam; Burgundy-Harrington; Constable of France-Bridgwater; Queen Isabella-Mrs James; Catherine-Mrs Ware; Exeter-Stephens; Glocester-Clarke; Bedford-A. Ryan; Westmoreland-Roberts; Cambridge-Anderson; Scroop-Arthur; Gray-Gibson; Gkwer-Hale; Macmorris-Neale; Williams-Rosco; Bates-Mullart; Nym-Stoppelaer; Bardohph-Oates; Page-Miss Ferguson; Hostess-Mrs Mullart; Pistol-Cibber Mr Ryan being very hoarse, we are obliged to omit the Chorus.
Cast
Role: Williams Actor: Rosco

Afterpiece Title: The Mock Doctor

Dance: II: Tambourine-French Girl; III: Miller and His Wife-French Boy and Girl; V: Grecian Sailors-Glover

Event Comment: [Not Acted these Sixteen Years. Written by Shakespear, and revis'd by the late Mr Betterton

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Second Part Of The History Of King Henry The Fourth With The Humours Of Sir John Falstaffe Henry Iv Part Ii

Performance Comment: With a new Prologue-; Epilogue-; Prince John-Walker; Gloster-Oates; Clarence-Th. Cibber; Westmoreland-Williams; Lord Chief Justice-Boman; Archbishop of Canterbury-Cory; Bishop of Ely-Rogers; Archbishop of York-Thurmond; Norfolk-W. Mills; Hasting-Watson; Poins-W. Wilks; Falstaff-Mills; Shallow-Cibber; Silence-Miller; Bardolph-Shepard; Pistol -Norris; Davy-Wright; Feeble-Penkethman; Shadow-Ray; Wart-Cole; Mouldy- Wilson; Bullcalf-Wetherilt; Falstaff's Boy-Miss Lindar; Hostess-Mrs Willis; Doll Tearsheet-Miss Willis.
Cast
Role: Westmoreland Actor: Williams
Event Comment: Not Acted these Five Years. Alter'd from Shakespear by the late Mr Betterton

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Second Part Of King Henry The Fourth With The Humours Of Sir John Falstaff And Justice Shallow

Performance Comment: King Henry-Booth; Prince of Wales-Williams; Prince John of Lancaster-Wm. Mills; Gloucester-Oats; Westmoreland-Bridgwater; Hastings-Watson; Lord Chief Justice-Boman; Falstaff-Harper; Shallow-Cibber; Silence-Miller; Feeble-Griffin; Bardolfe-Shepard; Pistol-Th. Cibber; Falstaff's Boy-Miss Robinson Jr; Hostess-Mrs Wetherilt; Dol-Miss Lindar.
Cast
Role: Prince of Wales Actor: Williams
Event Comment: At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. Alter'd from Shakespear by the late Mr Betterton. [In Daily Post, 8 Sept., The Spanish Fryar had been announced for this day.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Second Part Of King Henry Iv With The Humours Of Sir John Falstaffe And Justice Shallow

Performance Comment: King Henry-Booth; Prince of Wales-Williams; Prince John-Wm. Mills; Gloster-Oates; Westmoreland-Bridgwater; Hastings-Watson; Chief Justice-Boman; Justice Shallow-Cibber; Falstaff-Harper; Justice Silence-Miller; Fee6le-Griffin; Bardolfe-Shepard; Pistol-Norris; Falstaff's Boy-Miss Robinson Jr; Hostess-Mrs Wetherilt; Dol Mavis-Miss Lindar.
Cast
Role: Prince of Wales Actor: Williams
Event Comment: Mainpiece: Alter'd from Shakespear by Mr Betterton

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King Henry The Fourth Part Ii With The Humours Of Sir John Falstaff And Justice Shallow

Performance Comment: King-Mills; Prince of Wales-Williams; Lancaster-Wm. Mills; Westmoreland-Bridgwater; Justice-Boman; Archbishop of York-Roberts; Archbishop of Canterbury-Corey; Hastings-Watson; Falstaff-Harper; Shallow-Cibber; Poins-Oates; Bardolph-Shepard; Feeble-Griffin; Hostess Quickly-Mrs Wetherilt; Doll Tearsheet-Mrs Shireburn; Falstaff's Boy-Miss Robinson; Ancient Pistol-Cibber Jr; Justice Silence-Miller.
Cast
Role: Prince of Wales Actor: Williams

Afterpiece Title: The Beggars Wedding

Event Comment: [Mainpiece: Alter'd from Shakespear by the late Mr Betterton

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Second Part Of King Henry Iv Part Ii With The Humours Of Sir John Falstaff And Justice Shallow

Performance Comment: King-Mills; Prince of Wales-Williams; Lancaster-Wm. Mills; Westmoreland-Bridgwater; Lord Chief Justice-Boman; Archbishop of York-Roberts; Archbishop of Canterbury-Corey; Hastings-Watson; Falstaff-Harper; Shallow-Cibber; Poins-Oates; Bardolph-Shepard; Hostess Quickly-Mrs Wetherilt; Doll Tearsheet-Mrs Shireburn; Falstaff's Boy-Miss Robinson; Pistol-Cibber Jr; Silence-Griffin.
Cast
Role: Prince of Wales Actor: Williams

Afterpiece Title: The Strollers

Event Comment: Benefit Woodward. Mainpiece: An Historical Play, never acted there before [see 20 March 1738]. At the Particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. As written by Shakespear. Containing the wars of Cymbeline with the Romansr, in the reign of Augustus Caesar; the various distresses and Adventures of Imogen the King's Daughter; the noble repulse the Romans met with, on their invading Britain; their defeat, and many other historical passages. Ladies are desired to send their servants early to prevent mistakes. To be Lett, and enter'd upon on Monday next, the 7th instant Commodious Places in the Front and Upper Boxes...for the excellent reviv'd play of Shakespear... For further Particulars enquire of Mr Woodward, at his house near the theatre [in advance bills]

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Cymbeline King Of Britain

Afterpiece Title: The Royal Chace

Dance: BBird Catchers-Cooke, Sga Campioni

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Rosamond

Performance Comment: End Act I will be introduced (by way of Interlude) the Solemn Invocation Scene in Oedipus-; with the Choruses-; After the Opera, the Songs and Choruses in As You Like It written by Shakespear, and by Mr Arne as intended originally to be performed-.
Event Comment: Benefit for Bannister. This Benefit was given to Mr B. after the Season Clos'd on Account of Some trouble he was in (Hopkins Diary). Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. [June 2 by Treasurer's Book.] Profits to Bannister after all charges #106 6s. 5d. This month was publish'd Theatrical Portraits, epigrammatically delineated, &c. 4to. Price 1s. 6d. (Gentleman's Magazine Catalogue). Receipts: #210 6d. (Treasurer's Book). AFTER SEASON RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES (Treasurer's Book). Rec'd: 15 June: Mr Parsonage's (late Williams) Rent 1 yr to Lady day last with 4s. 10d. deducted, #43 10s.; Mr Harrison's Rent 1 yr to ditto with #7 17s. 6d. Land Tax deducted, #38 2s. 6d.; for candles, oil & lampmen on Theatrical Fund Night #3 18s. 6d. 18 June: From Public Advertiser this season #50; from Daily Gazetteer #50; from Mr Pope 1 yrs. rent to Lady Day last with #1 13s. land tax deducted, #28 7s. 23 June: From New Additional Sinking Fund #241 13s.; Patentees' Draft on Mr Clutterbuck #50; Music forfeits this season, Mr D. Richards included, #25 14s. 7d. 25 June: Their Majesties Account 8 nights #80, the Queen's Ladies 2 nights #6. 29 June: Mr Rowland's Rent 1 year to Lady Day last with #2 2s. land tax deducted #40 18s. 30 June: Mr Evans (wardrobe?) sundry forfeips this season #47 8s. Paid: 4 June: Tallow chandler's 9th & last Bill (#37 12s. 9d., but with a discount at 8 on #350 16s. amount of this season's Bills) #9 11s. 6d. Mr Page in full of #25 this season, #1 10s.; Rector & Watch Covent Garden parish 1 year to Lady Day last #1 8s. 4d. 10 June: Two Housekeeper's Bills #11 3s.; half yrs, paving &c. St Martin to Lady Day last #17 13s. 15 June: Messrs Barrow & Co., Oil, #191 14s. 6d.; Messrs Marshall & Co. (plumbers) #55 3s.; Mr Cropley (linen draper) #15 13s. 6d.; Mr Cole (turner) #12 15s.; Mr Dalmaine (embroiderer) #3 13s. 6d.; Mr Landall (Undertaker) #3 4s. Mr Hatsell (mercer) #37 7s.; Mr Carpue (silk dyer)#7 7s. 6d.; Mr Barrett (wax chandler) #27 1s. 6d.; Mrs Vaughan (haberdasher) #7 16s. 6d.; Messrs Sandys & Co. (colourmen) #72 6d.; Mr Carter (scowrer) #20 6s.; Messrs Hewetson & Co. (lacemen) #27 3s.; Mr Stephens (mason) #4 6s.; Mr Cubit (tinman) #12 4s. 6d.; Mr Hopkins & Co. (ironmongers) #10 18s.; Mr Powney (stationer) #4 7s. 16 June: Miss Berkley on note #5 5s.; half yrs rent to Duke of Bedford to Lady Day last #165 2d.; Loss on sale of 330 and 1!2 light Guineas, #17; Mr Pope's Bill for Wigs, &c. #14 2s.; Mr Pope for 69 nights extra dressing this season #6 18s.; Mr J. Johnston's Music Bill, #16 12s. 6d. 23 June: Lowe & Co. (glaziers) #4 7s. 6d.; Scott & Co. (lacemen) #17 11s.; Waller & Co. (hosiers) #7 10s.; Mrs Chitty (coals) #28 10s.; Bibb (sword cutler) #1 5s.; Gardner (shoemaker) #6; Thomson (smith) #23 7s.; Chettell (timber) #40 17s.; Ireland (upholsterer) #35 1s.; Blakes (hatter) #3 1s.; Palmer (spermacetti candles) #124; Dorman (coals) #27 15s.; Dorman for attending practices of dances this season, #10 10s.; A. Johnston's Bill for sundrys #47 11s.; Mrs Garwood (laundress) #12 15s. 29 June: Black Lyon Bills for Wardrobe, Carpenters & Surveyors Dinners #25 14s.; Mr J. French on Acct #9 10s. 30 June: One yrs paving &c. to Covent Garden Parish to Lady Day last #3; Hopkins' Prompter's Bills #30 17s.; Victor's gratuity #30., and extra salary 2 weeks #5; Evans in lieu of Benefit #42, and extra salary 2 weeks #3. Books closed 30 June 1774: @Total Receipts #33,075 1s. 11d.@Total Expense #30,153 15s. 10d.@Profits #2,921 6s. 1d. divided as follows:@To Patentees #1840@To Mr Clutterbuck #1,081 6s. 1d.@*c1774 06 02 dl Benefit for Bannister. This Benefit was given to Mr B. after the Season Clos'd on Account of Some trouble he was in (Hopkins Diary). Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. [June 2 by Treasurer's Book.] Profits to Bannister after all charges #106 6s. 5d. This month was publish'd Theatrical Portraits, epigrammatically delineated, &c. 4to. Price 1s. 6d. (Gentleman's Magazine Catalogue). Receipts: #210 6d. (Treasurer's Book). AFTER SEASON RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES (Treasurer's Book). Rec'd: 15 June: Mr Parsonage's (late Williams) Rent 1 yr to Lady day last with 4s. 10d. deducted, #43 10s.; Mr Harrison's Rent 1 yr to ditto with #7 17s. 6d. Land Tax deducted, #38 2s. 6d.; for candles, oil & lampmen on Theatrical Fund Night #3 18s. 6d. 18 June: From Public Advertiser this season #50; from Daily Gazetteer #50; from Mr Pope 1 yrs. rent to Lady Day last with #1 13s. land tax deducted, #28 7s. 23 June: From New Additional Sinking Fund #241 13s.; Patentees' Draft on Mr Clutterbuck #50; Music forfeits this season, Mr D. Richards included, #25 14s. 7d. 25 June: Their Majesties Account 8 nights #80, the Queen's Ladies 2 nights #6. 29 June: Mr Rowland's Rent 1 year to Lady Day last with #2 2s. land tax deducted #40 18s. 30 June: Mr Evans (wardrobe?) sundry forfeips this season #47 8s. Paid: 4 June: Tallow chandler's 9th & last Bill (#37 12s. 9d., but with a discount at 8 on #350 16s. amount of this season's Bills) #9 11s. 6d. Mr Page in full of #25 this season, #1 10s.; Rector & Watch Covent Garden parish 1 year to Lady Day last #1 8s. 4d. 10 June: Two Housekeeper's Bills #11 3s.; half yrs, paving &c. St Martin to Lady Day last #17 13s. 15 June: Messrs Barrow & Co., Oil, #191 14s. 6d.; Messrs Marshall & Co. (plumbers) #55 3s.; Mr Cropley (linen draper) #15 13s. 6d.; Mr Cole (turner) #12 15s.; Mr Dalmaine (embroiderer) #3 13s. 6d.; Mr Landall (Undertaker) #3 4s. Mr Hatsell (mercer) #37 7s.; Mr Carpue (silk dyer)#7 7s. 6d.; Mr Barrett (wax chandler) #27 1s. 6d.; Mrs Vaughan (haberdasher) #7 16s. 6d.; Messrs Sandys & Co. (colourmen) #72 6d.; Mr Carter (scowrer) #20 6s.; Messrs Hewetson & Co. (lacemen) #27 3s.; Mr Stephens (mason) #4 6s.; Mr Cubit (tinman) #12 4s. 6d.; Mr Hopkins & Co. (ironmongers) #10 18s.; Mr Powney (stationer) #4 7s. 16 June: Miss Berkley on note #5 5s.; half yrs rent to Duke of Bedford to Lady Day last #165 2d.; Loss on sale of 330 and 1!2 light Guineas, #17; Mr Pope's Bill for Wigs, &c. #14 2s.; Mr Pope for 69 nights extra dressing this season #6 18s.; Mr J. Johnston's Music Bill, #16 12s. 6d. 23 June: Lowe & Co. (glaziers) #4 7s. 6d.; Scott & Co. (lacemen) #17 11s.; Waller & Co. (hosiers) #7 10s.; Mrs Chitty (coals) #28 10s.; Bibb (sword cutler) #1 5s.; Gardner (shoemaker) #6; Thomson (smith) #23 7s.; Chettell (timber) #40 17s.; Ireland (upholsterer) #35 1s.; Blakes (hatter) #3 1s.; Palmer (spermacetti candles) #124; Dorman (coals) #27 15s.; Dorman for attending practices of dances this season, #10 10s.; A. Johnston's Bill for sundrys #47 11s.; Mrs Garwood (laundress) #12 15s. 29 June: Black Lyon Bills for Wardrobe, Carpenters & Surveyors Dinners #25 14s.; Mr J. French on Acct #9 10s. 30 June: One yrs paving &c. to Covent Garden Parish to Lady Day last #3; Hopkins' Prompter's Bills #30 17s.; Victor's gratuity #30., and extra salary 2 weeks #5; Evans in lieu of Benefit #42, and extra salary 2 weeks #3. Books closed 30 June 1774: @Total Receipts #33,075 1s. 11d.@Total Expense #30,153 15s. 10d.@Profits #2,921 6s. 1d. divided as follows:@To Patentees #1840@To Mr Clutterbuck #1,081 6s. 1d.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love In A Village

Performance Comment: Hawthorn-Bannister; Woodcock-Weston; Sir William, first time-J. Aickin; Young Meadows-DuBellamy; Eustace-Owenson; Rosetta-Mrs Smith; Hodge-King; Margery-Miss Pope; Lucinda-Mrs Scott; Deborah Woodcock-Mrs Love; [Mrs Smith and J. Aickin acted their parts for first time.] [In Act I, a Dance [incidental to the opera-.

Afterpiece Title: The Register Office

Cast
Role: Williams Actor: Ackman

Dance: II: The Haymakers-Giorgi's Scholars; End Opera: Hornpipe-Master Burn

Entertainment: End Opera: Bannister's Imitations-Bannister

Event Comment: Benefit Lacy. Afterpiece: A new Satyrical, Allegorical, Political, Philosophical Farce, [Apparently by Lacy.] Daily Advertiser, 30 April: Yesterday I accidentally call'd in at the Theatre in the Hay-Market, and saw the Rehearsal of a new Farce call'd Fame...Which is to be acted there on Wednesday next...for the Benefit of Mr Lacy the Author. As I am neither acquainted with him, nor the Master of the Playhouse, I cannot be accus'd of Partiality, in affirming, that I think this the best Farce this Age has produc'd. It seems to be writ in Imitation of Shakespear, and entirely calculated for the present Taste. The Characters are strong, lively, majestic, and just; the incidents natural and moving; the Conduct regular; the Distresses extremely affecting; the Stile sublime; the Sentiments grand, full of Patriotism; and the Catastrophe so masterly wrought up, that, I am persuaded, no Farce whatsoever, now acting, will draw more Tears than this. But what affected me beyond all, was, the Zeal, the exemplary Zeal of a worthy Magistrate, who so strictly adheres to the very Letter of the Law, as to send a rich and honest Merchant, and Freeholder, to the House of Correction, as a sturdy Beggar, or Loiterer. I could enlarg in its Praise, but fear I may do the Author wrong, in raising your Expectations too high. See it, and I am convinc'd you will entertain the same Sentiments of it, as does Your Humble Servant, James Lacy. Alias Fustian, alias Sour-Wit, alias--But hold:--If I should be arraign'd for the Murder of this Farce, so many Alias's will half condemn me before I am heard

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Pasquin

Afterpiece Title: Fame or Queen Elizabeths Trumpets or Never pleads Hopes of being a Lord Chancellor or The Lover turnd Philosopher or The Misers Resolve upon the Lowering of Interest

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 12 years. [See 24 Jan. 1758.] Prologue written by Paul Whitehead. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. First Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr Sarjant (only) at the Stage-Door. No persons can be admitted behind scenes, nor any Money returned after curtain is drawn up. To begin exactly at 6 o'clock. [Customary note in succeeding bills.] Receipps: #190 14s. (Account Book). @The New Occasional Prologue@As when the merchant to increase his store@For Dubious seas, advent'rous quits the shore;@Still anxious for his freight, he trembling sees@Rocks in each buoy, and tempest in each breeze@The curling wave to mountain billow swells,@And every cloud a fancied storm fortells:@Thus rashly launch'd on this Theatric main,@Our All on board, each phantom gives Us pain;@The Aatcall's note seems thunder in our ears,@And every Hiss a hurricane appears;@In Journal Squibs we lightning's blast espy,@And meteors blaze in every Critic's eye.@Spite of these terrors, still come hopes we view,@Hopes, ne'er can fail us--since they're plac'd--in you.@Your breath the gale, our voyage is secure,@And safe the venture which your smiles insure;@Though weak his skill, th' adventurer must succeed,@Where Candour takes th' endeavor for the deed.@For Brentford's state, two kings could once suffice;@In ours, behold! four kings of Brentford rise;@All smelling to one nosegay's od'rous savor@The balmy nosegay of--the Public favor.@From hence alone, our royal funds we draw,@Your pleasure our support, your will our law.@While such our government, we hope you'll own us;@But should we ever Tyrant prove--dethrone us.@Like Brother Monarchs, who, to coax the nation@Began their reign, with some fair proclamation,@We too should talk at least--of reformation;@Declare that during our imperial sway,@No bard shall mourn his long-neglected Play;@But then the play must have some wit, some spirit,@And We allow'd sole umpires of its merit.@For those deep sages of the judging Pit,@Whose taste is too refin'd for modern wit,@From Rome's great Theatre we'll cull the piece,@And plant on Britain's stage the flow'rs of Greece.@If some there are, our British Bards can please,@Who taste the ancient wit of ancient days,@Be our's to save, from Time's devouring womb,@Their works, and snatch their laurels from the tomb.@For you, ye Fair, who sprightlier scenes may chuse,@Where Music decks in all her airs the Muse,@Gay Opera shall all its charms dispense,@Yet boast no tuneful triumph over sense;@The nobler Bard shall still assert his right,@Nor Handel rob a Shakespear of his night,@To greet the mortal brethren of our skies [upper galleries]@Here all the Gods of Pantomime shall rise:@Yet midst the pomp and magic of machines,@Some plot may mark the meaning of our scenes;@Scenes which were held, in good King Rich's days,@By sages, no bad epilogues to plays.@If terms like these your suffrage can engage,@To fix our mimic empire of the stage;@Confirm our title in your fair opinions,@And crowd each night to people our dominions.@--(Poems and Miscelaneous Compositions, Ed. Capt. Edward Thompson, 1777) Covent Garden opened with the Rehearsal with alterations. I was in the Pit. Powell, from Drury Lane, one of the new managers who have bought the patent from Rich's heirs, spoke an occasional Prologue. Shuter did Bayes pretty much to my liking, adding many crochets of his own.... Entertainment The Mock Doctor,...Young Jasper pretty well by one Massey, being his first appearance on that stage (Neville MS Diary)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rehearsal

Afterpiece Title: The Mock Doctor

Event Comment: Benefit Quin. Written by Shakespear. In which will be restor'd Scenes, Soliloquies, and other Circumstances, originally in the Part of Falstaff, which have been for many Years omitted. [Daily Advertiser lists Prologue as representing the Ghost of Falstaff.]

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Henry The Fourth Part Ii

Related Works
Related Work: Henry ye Fourth, Part II Author(s): William Shakespeare

Dance: I: By Mlle Anne Roland. III: English Maggot by Villeneuve and Mrs Walter. V: Revellers by Essex, Mrs Walter, &c

Event Comment: Last time of company's performing this season. Benefit for Bowers and Widow Veal. Tickets deliver'd by Berrisford, Hodges, and Burroughs will be taken. Thus Ends the Season-63 different plays-36 different Farces-186 Nights in all (Hopkins Diary). Paid Watch, Rector, Cleansing, &c., cg to Lady Day last #5 18s. 4d. (Treasurer's Book). After Season Receipts: 11 June: Box Office Keeper's cash #25; Condill's 3rd and last payment for Fruit Office #20. 16 June: Candles, Oyl and Lampmen of Theatrical Fund Night 2nd inst. #3 18s. 6d. 23 June: Mr Johnston for Candle ends sold to sundry #11 7s. 6d.; Ditto for Lace burnt form the Wardrobe #205 8s. 26 June: Harrison's rent 1 yr to Lady Day last #46 but with #12 5s. in taxes deducted amount rec'd #33 15s.; Williams rent ditto (#48 with #8 6s. 8d. taxes deducted) #39 13s. 4d.; From Public Advertiser this season #50; From Daily Gazetteer #50. 3 July: Remainder of Sinking Fund #160 2s. 6d. 6 July. Mr Rowland 1 yrs rent to Lady Day last with #3 8s. in taxes deducted, #139 12s.; Mr Pope 1 yrs rent to ditto with #3 11s. 2d. taxes deducted #26 8s. 10d. 10 July: Benefit deficiencies cleared and Cash taken up by Evans as per acct. #89 7s. (Treasurer's Book). After Season expenditures: 11 June: Hopkins, Prompters Bill #8 15s.; Miss Hopkins 18 Nights full #2 5s. 13 June: 2 days salary list at #72 6s. 5d. per diem #144 12s. 10d.; S. French 6 days #1 10s. 16 June: Davies on note #7 6s.; Printer's 2 bills #11 14s.; Mas. Thomson 3 nights in full 15s.; Mrs Mann on note #2 2s.; Tallow chandler's 9th bill (#30 14s. 4d. with a discount of #26 15s. 6d. on all bills for season) #3 18s. 10d. 19 June: Miss Berkley on note #5 5s. 3 July: J. Stevens 2 weeks as usual #1 16s; Sandys & Co. for Colours #10 4s. Dorman for Coals #20 10s. and for attending practices of dances, as usual #10 10s.; Cole (turner) #14 3s.; Bibb (sword cutler) #3 12s.; Barret (wax chandler) #20 6s. 6d.; Blakes, (hatter), #5 12s.; Lowe and Co (glaziers) #16 6d.; Cropley, (linen draper) #14 7s. 6d.; Chamberlain & Co. (ironmongers), #25; Carter (scowerer) #14 12s.; Jennings (glover and furrier) #18 6d.; Scott (copper laceman), #51 19s.; Carpue, (silk dyer) #9 1s. 6d.; Mrs Chitty (coals) #28; Carver's bill #2 1s.; Chettell (timber) #14 9s.; Cubitt (Tinman) #18 2s. 6d.; Waller (hosier) #24 19s. 6d.; Barrow & Co. (only) #118; Vaughan (haberdasher) #3 6s.; Hatsell (mercer) #28 2s.; Thomson (smith) #10 15s. 6 July: B. Lyon, Wardrobe & Carp Bills #10 10s. 6d.; Stephens (manson) #6 4s.; Pope (peruke maker) #29 6s. and #3 16s. for 38 extra nights dressing &c.; Mrs Slaughter's Bill #9 2s. 6d.; Roberts (shoemaker) #3 12s. 6d.; D. Richards, 30 weeks 5 days extra salary in full for this season #30 16s. 8d.; Hewetson (laceman) #17 6s.; Mr Page in full of #25 this season #1 17s. 6d. 8 July: J. Johnston's Music Bill #37 13s. 6d.; Powney & Co., (stationers) #3 14s.; Landall for Mrs Cape's Funeral per order #4 7s. 6d.; Kirkman, (harpsichord maker) #18 14s.; John French, painter's bill #5 3s. 10 July: Palmer for Spermacetti Candles #255 8s.; Miss Collett's schooling #2 8s. 10d.; Stafford (glassman) #4 19s.; A. Johnston's bill for feathers &c. #15 6s. 6d.; Ditto four Housekeeping Bills #10 1s. 4d.; Chapman (Jubilee horsekeeping) #3 13s. 6d.; Victor 2 weeks salary as usual #5; Victor gratuity as usual #30; Evans 2 weeks salary as usual #3 and #42 in lieu of a Benefit. Books Closed 10 July. Total income #32,538 6s. 1d. Total outgo #26,410 8s. 8d. Profit #6,127 17s. 5d. paid To Managers #5,040 To Clutterbuck #1,087 17s. 5d

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Jealous Wife

Performance Comment: Capt. O'Cutter-Moody; Lady Freelove-Mrs Reddish; Harriet-Miss Rogers; Oakly-Reddish; Major Oakly-Love; Charles-Cautherley; Lord Trinket-Dodd; Sir Harry Beagle-Palmer; Russet-Bransby; Tom-Ackman; Paris-Baddeley; William-Wheeler; Mrs Oakly-Mrs Abington.
Cast
Role: William Actor: Wheeler

Afterpiece Title: Miss in Her Teens

Dance: End: Hornpipe-Walker

Event Comment: Benefit for Johnstone. 1st piece [1st time; C 5, by William Macready, based on The Artful Husband, by William Taverner. Prologue by William Thomas Fitzgerald. Epilogue by Robert Houlton (see text)]. 2nd piece [1st time; M. INT 1, author unknown. Larpent MS 1076; not published]: The Music part new and part compiled by Shield. Morning Herald, 4 June 1795: This Day is published The Bank Note (2s.). Morning Chronicle, 18 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Johnstone, No. 19, Piazza, Covent-garden. Receipts: #434 19s. 6d. (168.1.0; 8.0.6; tickets: 258.18.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Bank Note Or Lessons For Ladies

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Quick, Holman, Johnstone, Fawcett, Middleton, Hull, Townsend, Macready, Powel, Miss Standen, Mrs Mattocks, Mrs Lee, Miss Hopkins, Mrs Davenport, Mrs Norton, Miss Wallis. Cast from text (T. N. Longman, 1795): Mr Hale-Quick; Sir Charles Leslie-Holman; Killeavy-Johnstone; Ned Dash-Fawcett; Mr Bloomfield-Middleton; Father-Hull; Tim-Townsend; Lieutenant Selby-Macready; Careful-Powel; Young Bloomfield-Miss Standen; Mr Bloomfield's Servant-Abbot; Porter-Coombs; Gentleman-Platt; Cook-Ledger; Butler-Williamson; Mrs Bloomfield-Mrs Mattocks; Sally Flounce-Mrs Lee; Miss Emma Hale-Miss Hopkins; Lady Supple-Mrs Davenport; Maid-Mrs Norton; Miss Russel-Miss Wallis; Gentlewoman-Mrs Follett; Prologue-Macready; Epilogue-Mrs Mattocks.
Cast
Role: Butler Actor: Williamson
Related Works
Related Work: The Bank Note; or, Lessons for the Ladies Author(s): William Macready

Afterpiece Title: The Sailors Prize or May Day Wedding

Afterpiece Title: Three Weeks after Marriage

Dance: 2nd piece to conclude with: a Garland Dance (composed by Byrn)-Byrn, Mlle St.Amand, Mme Rossi

Song: Incidental to 1st piece: The Irishman's Peep at the Continent-Johnstone; End II: Old Towler-Incledon; In course 2nd piece: New Ballad-Mrs Martyr; Fat Dolly-Munden; Battle Song-Bowden; Let us love and let us drink-Munden; Bowden, Mrs Martyr; Teddy O'Shaughnessey's History-Johnstone; When 'tis Night and the Mid@Watch is come, Admiral Benbow-Incledon; Now landed from the Ocean-

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

Afterpiece Title: The Irish Widow

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

Event Comment: Rosetta first time by Miss Sharp--a loud Voice a bad face and mean figure She had Applause--but it won't do (Hopkins Diary). [MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly and adds: Miss Sharpe was a Scholar of Mr Bates's--since married to Mr William Palmer, brother to Mr John and Mr Robert Palmer."] Rec'd the late Mr Powell's bond for #200 and 9 years interest in full #290; Stopages #11 18s. Paid Barrow and Co., Oil Bill #50 3s.; Powney, (stationer) #14 11s. 6d.; Tallow Chandler's third bill #47 12s. 4d.; Evans on Wardrobe acct #10 10s.; Grist on acct #6 6s.; Machin, Chorus 13 nights, #3 5s. Receipts: #116 13s. [Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love In A Village

Cast
Role: Sir William Actor: Aickin

Afterpiece Title: Queen Mab

Dance: II: The Savage Hunters, as17751118

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 Naturd Man

Related Works
Related Work: Birth of Merlin; or, The Childe hath found his Father Author(s): William Rowley
Related Work: The Injured Lovers; or, The Ambitious Father Author(s): William Mountfort
Related Work: The Rival Father; or, The Death of Achilles Author(s): William Hatchett
Related Work: The Roman Father Author(s): William Whitehead
Related Work: The Choleric Fathers Author(s): William Shield

Afterpiece Title: The Irish Widow

Dance: As17780919

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Oedipus

Performance Comment: Edition of 1679: Prologue-; Oedipus-Betterton; Adrastus-Smith; Creon-Samford; Tiresias-Harris; Haemon-Crosby; Alcander-Williams; Diocles-Norris; Pyracmon-Boman; Phorbas-Gillo; Ghost of Lajus-Williams; Jocasta-Mrs Betterton; Eurydice-Mrs Lee; Manto-Mrs Evans; Epilogue-.
Cast
Role: Alcander Actor: Williams
Role: Ghost of Lajus Actor: Williams