Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the premiere is not known. The Dedication to the play, written in Rome, is dated 20 Aug. 1695 N.S., and advertisement of the play in the London Gazette, No 3200, 9-13 July 1696, represent the limits on its production. In a letter, dated (probably) November 1695, Dryden refers to the forthcoming appearance of his son's play, and on 26 May 1696 he negotiates with Tonson for its publication (Letters of John Dryden, pp. 79, 82). Probably the play appeared early in 1696, and certainly not much later than April 1696. John Barnard, The Dates of Six Dryden Letters, Philological Quarterly, XLII (1963), 400-401, believes that Dryden's letter was written ca. 26 May 1695 and that the play was probably acted in late 1695

Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first performance is uncertain, and the play has been sometimes assigned to December 1695. There are indications, however, that the play first appeared at a later time, but certainly not later than 14 March 1695@6, the date attached to the Dedication. The Epilogue has some allusions which suggest mid-February, for it refers to the "Fasting time" of Lent and to "Dancing at Drapers-Hall last Masquerade" (a masquerade ball was held there on 4 Feb. 1695@6). Dedication, Edition of 1696: This Play was given to my Care by a Friend: I promis'd him not to neglect it in the Difficulties it was to pass through. It has had hitherto but an unpleasant Journey; and I knew no better way to make Amends, than by taking up its Rest with you [Sir John Smith]; where I am assured its Reception will be the best a truly Noble and Generous Soul can give. I beg not your Protection, Sir, from those wide-mouth'd Curs, the Criticks: But since they have had their Ends in running it down, 'tis under the Shelter of your Name I desire a poor maim'd Thing, that did its best to shew them Sport, may lye secure from farther Danger....H. Horden. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 18: Damn'd

Event Comment: Post Man, 5-8 Sept. 1696: At Mr Barns's Booth in Southwark Fair, near St Georges Church, will be seen the only English, Dutch, Spanish, High German and Indian Companies of Rope-Dancers, who are all five joined together, and will perform such variety of Dancing, Walking, Vaulting and Tumbling; the like was never seen in England before. 1st, You will see the famous Indian Woman and her Company. 2. You will see the High German Company. 3. You will see the Spanish Company dance excellently well on the Low Rope. 4. You will see the two famous Dutch Children, who are the wonder and admiration of all the Rope Dancers in the World of their Sex and Age. 5. You will see the two famous Englishmen, Mr Edward Barns of Rederiff, and Mr Appleby, who are the only two Master Ropedancers and Tumblers in the old world; also you may see Mr Edward Barnes dance with a Child standing on his shoulders, and with 2 children at his Feet, in Jack-boots and Spurs, and cuts Capers a yard and a half high, and dances a Jig on the Rope with that variety of steps, that few, or no Dancing Masters can do the like on the ground: He likewise walks on a slack Rope no bigger than a penny Cord, and swings himself 6 or 7 yards distance. Afterwards you will see the famous Indian Woman Vault the High Rope with great dexterity. Likewise you will see the famous Mr Appleby, who is the only Tumbler in all Europe, fling himself over 16 mens heads, through 12 Hoops, over 14 Halbards, over a Man on Horseback, and a Boy standing upright on his Shoulders. You will likewise the entertained with good Musick. The merry Conceits of Harlequin and his Son Punch. You will see the English and Dutch Flag on the top of the Booth. Vivat Rex. We shall play in this place 12 days

Event Comment: Post Boy, No 482, 4-7 June 1698: At York Buildings this Day, being the 7th of June, will be performed an Entertainment of New Musick, Vocal and Instrumental, Mr Pate, Mr Leveridge, Mr Freeman, Mr Bowen, and all the best Masters perform their Parts. Composed by Mr Daniel Purcell for his Benefit

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first production is not known, but the Prologue refers to "this Winter," suggesting a date before March 1700. A song, Ah Belinda I am pressed, in this play, appeared in Orpheus Britannica, 1698, the music by Henry Purcell, who had died some years before its appearance in this collection. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), pp. 26-27, referring to the rivalry between lif and dl in reviving Shakespeare and Jonson: The Battel continued a long time doubtful, and Victory hovering over both Camps, Batterton Sollicts for some Auxiliaries from the same Author, and then he flanks his Enemy with Measure for Measure

Event Comment: Benefit the Author of the Farce. [R. Fabian.] By Their Majesties Command. Afterpiece: a Farce of Two Acts. Intermix'd with Songs. London Daily Post and General Advertiser, 13 May: On Saturday Night last, during the Play time, one Mr Mechlin (alias Macloughlin) who lately belong'd to [DL], having had a Dispute with Mr Hallam, of the same Theatre, about a particular Wig, which the latter had from the Wardrobe, to wear in his Part that Night, in the Farce, and which he resign'd to Mr Mechlin; but reproved him for his Behaviour, and ill Language. Some time after Mr Mechlin, thrust a Crabtree Stick that was in his Hand, at the Face of Mr Hallam, which enter'd at his Left Eye, and penetrated into his brain, of which Wound he languish'd till Sunday Night 6 o'clock, when he died

Event Comment: For the Benefit and Increase of a Fund establish'd for the Support of Decay'd Musicians and their Families. Mainpiece: With the Original Scenes and Habits. Pit and Boxes half a guinea. Gallery 5s. 6:30 p.m

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By desire. To Mr G-, Sir: You will very much oblige many of your friends by reviving the play of Ulisses wrote by the celebrated Mr Rowe; We apprehdnd there are four characters in which yourself, Mr Barry, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Pritchard would shine inimitably. If you think this hint worthy your notice, we make no doubt it will in every Respect answer your expectations, as well as gratify the town in general. S. W., S. T., &c. (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, at 1s. Lethe Rehears'd or a critical discussion of the beauties and blemishes of that performance; interspers'd with occasional remarks upon dramatick satires in general, as well as on some that have been best receiv'd in particular. The whole in a free conversation amongst several persons of distinction. Printed for J. Roberts (General Advertiser). [This is a fifty@two@page puff for Lethe, and for the usefulness of the stage for propagating morals. The characters who lead the discussion are: Sir Francis Friendly , a sensible learned Gentleman; Dr Heartfree , a candid, judicious person; who has a great opinion of Mr Garrick; Mr Snip@Snap , a vociferous modern Critic; and Two Women .] Receipts: #120 (Cross); #118 12s. 6d. (Powel)

Event Comment: Benefit for a Gentlewoman depriv'd of Sight (her name is Ann Williams). Mrs Ridout dy'd (Cross). Part of Pit to be laid into Boxes, Amphitheatre to be formed on stage. Tickets of Mrs Sheward, at the Turk's Head in Newport St., Long Acre; Mr Dodsley, in Pall Mall; Mr Millan, at Charing Cross; Mr Millar in the Strand; Mr Newberry in St Paul's Churchyard; Mr Payne in Paternoster Row, Booksellers; and at stage door. Receipts: #260 (Cross)

Event Comment: TThe London Chronicle for 1758 (p. 455): On Friday the 3rd instant was presented Coriolanus. The two first acts of this play, as it is performed at the above theatre, were written by Shakespear; the three last for the most part by Mr. Thomson. But how a man of Mr Sheridan's knowledge (who first introduc'd it there about four years ago) could think of pounding into one substance two things so heterogeneous in their natures as the productions of those authors, is to me amazing. Mr Smith enters in the first act, after having (as we are to suppose) just overcome the Volsci, to the tune of violins and hautboys; but I am a little afraid the grandeur of his triumph is a little misapplied, considering the early times in which Coriolanus lived, before the Roman empire had arrived to any degree of splendor and magnificence, and was great in virtue only. However it makes a fine show; and Mr Smith, who has an excellent person, by the help of a little burnt cork and a real coat of mail cuts a very martial appearance. I think it was one of the Gracchi, who, when he was speaking to the people, always had a servant behind him in the Rostrum with a pitch-pipe which he touched whenever he found his master's voice rising beyond a certain height; such an instrument as this would, in my opinion, be of service to Mr Smith, for his fault seems to be that of keeping too much at the top of his vioce. Mrs Hamilton in the part of Veturai, especially in the last act, excells herself; and in particular, she repeats that line: "He never can be lost who saves his country," with the genuine spirit of a free-born Englishman. By the unnatural conjunction which is attempted to be made in this tragedy, most of the other characters are robbed of their significance. Those two excellent actors, therefore, Ryan and Sparks, only give us just cause to regret that the parts of Tullus and Volscius are not longer....After the play was presented a Ballad Opera called The Contrivances; in which some good comedians are oblig'd to submit to the drudgery of supporting as contemptible a trifle as ever was acted on the stage

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Paid Mr Vincent for 3 sets of Abels Symphonies #2 5s. (Account Book). Receipts: #116 11s. (Account Book). This was the last time Mr Beard appeared on the stage. John Beard Esq Buried in the vault (at Hampton) 12 Feb. 1791. This celebrated actor was bred up at the King's Chapel, and was afterwards one of the singers at the Duke of Chandos's Chapel at Canons, where he took a part in Handel's Oratorio of Hester. His first appearance on the stage was 30 August 1737, in the character of Sir John Loverule [Devil to Pay], at Drury Lane. In 1739 he married Lady Henrietta Herbert, daughter of James, Earl of Waldegrave, and Widow of Lord Edward Herbert. Upon this event he quitted the Stage. After a few years he returned to it again, and continued to be a great favourite with the public both as an actor and a vocal performer till 1767, when he finally retired from the theatre. Lady Henrietta Beard died in 1753; and in 1759 Mr Beard married a Daughter of John Rich Esq Patentee of Covent Garden Theatre. On this occasion he removed a second time to that theatre, where he had acted from 1744 to 1748; and on the death of his father-in-law in 1761, was appointed Manager. Mr Beard, who was as much esteem'd in private life as he was admired on the stage, was for many years an Inhabitant of Hampton. See Lysons's Middlesex Parishes, p. 89 and 80. Mr Beard died 4 Feb. 1791, aged 74 years. See his Epitaph, ibidem. See Lady Beard's Epitaph in St Pancreas Churchyard (Hopkins MS Notes)

Event Comment: Last time of performing both pieces this season. Zenobia deferr'd. Hopkins MS Memorandum Book: waited on Mrs Dancer & told her the Managers gave their compliments to Mr Barry and her & as their going to Ireland would be of such advantage to 'em, they would not hinder 'em, & they had their permission to go the 15th. The only reason they wish'd they would have stay'd a few days longer, was to have kept up the reputation of Zenobia, as the play had got a reputation. They were sorry it had not been played oftener. Mrs Dancer's answer was: Their compliments to the Managers, that it was now too late, & that Mr Barry has wrote word they should not go to Ireland as the Managers seem'd against it & that Mr Barry & She was ready to do anything the Managers desir'd, as long as the House was open. I ask'd, if they stay'd, if she thought Mr Barry would be able to play in Zenobia the Thursday following, & if it would be agreeable to her do play Mrs Sullen [Stratagem] the next week. Her answer was she would play that or anything else the Managers pleas'd & that she was going to Mr Barry the next morning & that she would send word if he thought he should be able to play in Zenobia on Thursday next. When I left her the Maid follow'd me into the street & told me Mrs Dancer meant by saying as long as the House was open was--as long as the usual time of keeping the House open

Event Comment: Paid tallow chandler's 4th Bill #44 14s.; half year's lighting &c. to Mich. last St Martin's #12 3s.; Mr Thomson (smith) #58 8s. 6d.; Mr Cole (turner) #10 6s.; Mr Scott (copper laceman) #46 4s. 6d.; Mr Palmer for Spermacetti Candles #275 4s.; Messrs Barrow & Co. for oil #50 15s.; Mr Chettell (timber merchant) #67 16s. 6d.; One year's Insurance of Wardrobe &c. to Xmas 1774 #15; 2 extra Guitars, 3 nights (6th Inst. incl.) #2 5s. Receipts: #220 11s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Rec'd Remainder of Sinking Fund #561 15s.; Mr Bank's 1 yrs rent to Lady Day last #3; Box Office Keeper's cash returned Watson #10; Archeveque #15; Remainder of S. Barry's Bag #75 14s. 2d. (Treasurer's Book). Paid Salary List #525 12s.; half yrs. Cleansing & Lighting to Lady Day last for St Martin's #12 3s.; Mr King's extra salary #3; Manager's gift to the sufferers by fire in King Street not belonging to the theatre (#10 10s., but Mr Kennedy's Bt. under charged #3 12s. deducted) #6 18s.; Mr Millidge, printer 15s.; Mr J. French on acct #5 5s.; half yrs Land and Window Tax for Covent Garden Parish to Lady Day last-#2 18s. 6d.; Church rate for 1 yr ditto 10s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit Miss Norsa. At the Desire of several Persons of Quality. Written by the late Mr Gay. Receipts: money #55 4s.; tickets #86 19s. [For a discussion of Rich's treatment of The Mock Lawyer, see Grub St. Journal, 26 April.

Event Comment: By Command. The Prince and Princess of Wales present. Paid Mr Davis for a pair of stays for Miss Granier #1 1s. Receipts: #85 8s