Event Comment: Afterpiece: By Desire. The New Tragedy of Zobeide deferr'd on account of Indisposition of Mrs Yates. Zobeide publish'd at 1s. 6d. (Winston MS 10). Paid Younger #2 2s. for license for Zobeide. Advanc'd Cushing as per note #37 10s., and Gardner #30 (Account Book). Receipts: #148 10s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Alterations and additions to the afterpiece in form of a Trip to Naplesv. Includes two views of the eruption of Vesuviusv [a display used afterwards in Harlequin's Invasionv 19 March]. Theatrical Review, 26 Dec.: The Witches; or a Trip to Naples,...one of those Mummeries, in which the carpenters, painters and taylors belong1ng to the theatre are the principal projectors; who torture dull brains to furnish out most contemptible pieces of entertainment...the disgrace of the English stage. This what-shall-we-call-it...now reviv'd with alterations and the addition of two new scenes, viz. two views of Mount Vesuviusv: the first of which represents a Vulcano burning at a distance, and is reflected by the water in the bay of Naplesv. The second is a nearer land view of the Mounts, and represents the manner in which the Lava is thrown out whenever an eruption happens; the torrents of the lava, like a river of liquid fire, falling into a cascade from a rock. As far as carpenters and painters are concerned, these additional scenes seem to be well executed, but whether the resemblance is exact, we cannot pretend to say; though we suppose it is. Be this as it may we cannot help thinking, the terrific ideas these scenes naturally raise in the mind, must defeat every intention of giving pleasure, and consequently afford less satisfaction to curiosity than a written account of that Vulcano, or any descriptive drawing of it. Paid Printer's Bill #9 6d. Receipts: #235 12s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: [The bill for this night and on subsequent nights specifies the additions "Particularly two views of the Eruptions of Mount Vesuviusv." The Gentleman's Magazine this month contained a four-column review of Nipclose's The Theatres, blasting its contentions.] Receipts: #195 5s. (Treasurer's Book)