SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mr and Mrs Melmoth"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mr and Mrs Melmoth")') 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

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We found 23600 matches on Performance Comments, 7597 matches on Event Comments, 4621 matches on Performance Title, 27 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.
Event Comment: This play was wrote by Mr Moor but as he had some Enemies, came out under ye Name of Mr Spence--went off well, except some few Words & a Song wch are since omitted--Mr Havard not being able to play the part design'd for him The following advertisement was put at ye Bottom of ye Bills for he first 2 Days: N.B. The Managers being engag'd to act two New Plays this Winter, cou'd not longer defer this Tragedy in waiting for Mr Havard's Recovery; Mr Davies at a very short Warning, has willingly undertaken the Character which Mr Havard was to have acted, and humbly hopes for the Indulgence of the Public (Cross). [This N.B. note from the Cross Diary is printed verbatim on the playbill]. Never Acted before. Tis hoped no Gentlemen will desire to be admitted behind the Scenes, this night. Receipts: #217 (Cross)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Gamester

Performance Comment: Beverly-Garrick; Stukely-Davies; Lewson-Mossop; Jarvis-Berry; Mrs Beverly-Mrs Pritchard; Charlotte-Miss Haughton; Bates-Burton; Dawson-Blakes; Waiter-Ackman; Lucy-Mrs Price.
Cast
Role: Mrs Beverly Actor: Mrs Pritchard
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Price.
Event Comment: Paid 6 days salary at #82 16s. 5d. per diem--#496 18s. 6d.; Mrs Abington on cloaths account #2; Mr French on acct #2. Mr D. Garrick's Night. Charges #84 (Treasurer's Book). Profit to D. G. for sixth night of Inst of Garter #115 7s. 6d. Mainpiece: Not acted in 4 years. [See 2 Dec. 1767.] Garrick recovered from his illness (Winston MS 10). [Of the mainpiece: "How the managers could think of shoving Mr Cautherly into the part of Captain Plume, is, to us, a matter of surprize....The part requires elegance, vivacity and the easy deportment of an accomplish'd gentleman. We never remember to have seen this character more completely performed, than by Mr Smith at Covent Garden Theatre (who is everything that criticism can wish) nor much worse, than by Mr Cautherly, who does not possess one requisite for the character, and is the effeminate and insipid School-boy throughout the whole. To this we may add, that he was not perfect, and made a great mistake, by coming in where he should not which oblig'd him to retire again. This was an unpardonable fault, though it was the first time of his appearing in this character."--Theatrical Review, 2 Nov. Of the afterpiece: "We were not a little pleased to observe this evening, that Mr King, in the character of Sir Dingle, omitted the parody on the lines with which the third act of Otway's Orphan concludes. But we think the introducing a chine of roast beef, decorated with a flag, to be carried off in triumph by the rabble, accompanied, from the orchestra with music of the old song of that title is a pitiful addition to the performance, and intended only as a sacrifice to the caprice of the riotous inhabitants of the upper gallery. Had this Entertainment been exhibited at a French theatre it would have had some claim to merit. This seems to be a piece of stage policy, arising from a consciousness, that the whole performance is too contemptible to meet with countenance from any but the sons of riot, for which reason they are brib'd to support it, by this notable trick."--Theatrical Review, 2 Nov.] Receipts: #199 7s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Recruiting Officer

Performance Comment: Plume-Cautherly, 1st time; Justice Balance-Packer; Brazen-King; Worthy-Davies; Kite-Bransby; Second Recruit-Weston; Bullock-Moody; 1st Recruit-Parsons; Melinda-Mrs Reddish; Rose-Miss Rogers; Lucy-Mrs Love; Sylvia-Mrs Barry.
Cast
Role: Melinda Actor: Mrs Reddish
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Love
Role: Sylvia Actor: Mrs Barry.

Afterpiece Title: The Institution of the Garter

Dance: II: Comic Dance, as17710921

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not precisely known, but by 9 May 1693 it had been acted four times (see Dryden's letter, below); on the other hand, the Gentleman's Journal, February 1692@3 (issued in March) had stated that D'Urfey's new farce would not appear until after Easter. Hence, it may well have been the first new play after Passion Week. A dialogue, Behold, the man with that gigantick might, the music by Henry Purcell and sung by Mr Reading and Mrs Ayliff, is in Orpheus Britannicus, 1690. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XXI (1917), viii-x. A dialogue, By these pigsnes eyes that stars do seem, the music by John Eccles and sung by Dogget and Mrs Bracegirdle, is in Joyful Cuckoldom, ca. 1695. Another, Stubborn church division, folly, and ambition, to a Ground of Mr Solomon Eccles, is in Thesaurus Musicus, 1694. And Maiden fresh as a rose, the verse by D'Urfey and sung by Pack, but not printed in the play, is in The Merry Musician, I (1716), 56-57. This last song may have been for a later revival. Gentleman's Journal, April 1693 (issued in May 1693): Since my last we have had a Comedy by Mr Durfey; 'tis called the Richmond Heiress or a Woman once in the right (p. 130). Dryden to Walsh, 9 May 1693: Durfey has brought another farce upon the Stage: but his luck has left him: it was sufferd but foure dayes; and then kickd off for ever. Yet his Second Act, was wonderfully diverting; where the scene was in Bedlam: & Mrs Bracegirdle and Solon [Dogget] were both mad: the Singing was wonderfully good, And the two whom I nam'd, sung better than Redding and Mrs Ayloff, whose trade it was: at least our partiality carryed it for them. The rest was woeful stuff, & concluded with Catcalls; for which the two noble Dukes of Richmond and St@Albans were chief managers (The Letters of John Dryden, pp. 52-53)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Richmond Heiress; Or, A Woman Once In The Right

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Sir Charles Romance-Freeman; Sir Quibble Quere-Bright; Tom Romance-Powel; Dr Guiacum-Sandford; Frederick-Williams; Rice ap Shinken-Bowman; Dick Stockjobb-Underhill; Hotspur-Hudson [Hodgson]; Quickwit-Dogget; Cummington-Bowen; Fulvia-Mrs Bracegirdle; Sophronia-Mrs Barry; Mrs Stockjobb-Mrs Bowman; Madam Squeamish-Mrs Knight; Marmalette-Mrs Lee; Prologue-Mr Dogget [with a Fools Cap with Bells on his Head; Epilogue-.
Cast
Role: Dr Guiacum Actor: Sandford
Role: Fulvia Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Sophronia Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Mrs Stockjobb Actor: Mrs Bowman
Role: Madam Squeamish Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Marmalette Actor: Mrs Lee
Event Comment: Paid 3 day's salary at #100 12s. 6d. per diem #301 17s. 6d. Salaries short-paid last week #168 8s. 6d.; Tabor and Pipe #3 13s. 6d. Louchre [Lauchery] #8 8s. Mr Abington #2; Mr King #3; (Treasurer's Book). [The payment to King was the first of 37 similar ones for extra salary amounting to #111. That to Mrs Abington was the first of weekly payments for her clothes account, amounting to #60 for the season. No further mention will be made of these items.] Receipts: #265 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). [From the Middlesex Journal (7-9 Oct.) quoted by Hampden, Eighteenth Century Journal: "The Way of the World, though confessedly replete with wit and character, is not the most entertaining play in representation. It is so full of plot and intrigue, that it demands an Unusual degree of attention in the performers and audience to excite admiration. On Saturday they seemed averse to assist the author. Mr King in Witwou'd was as entertaining and full of spirits as usual. Mr Jefferson in the gay admired Mirabel (independent of the antique mode of his wig, and formal cut of his clothes, which surely were both uncharacteristic) seemed in attempting to be quite natural, to keep the entire plot of the play in his own bosom, looked more like the father than the Mirabel of Congreve. Mr Reddish was a contrast to his friend Mirabel; he seemed attentive nervous, and played the latter part of his character well....Mrs Abington's person, manner and dress were fashionable and elegant; but though the character was certainly a fine one, there was a want of that spirit best calculated to call her powers into action: her delivery was tediously formal; and had the audience been deprived of their sight they would conclude that Capt. Bobadill had got into petticoats. Her dress was no more decent than Madam Hidou's was on her first appearance last year; stays so low cut before puts modesty to the blush; and will not be countenanced by an English audience, though made after the French fashion....Mrs Greville, to convince the town that she could keep a secret, whispered it to only a few friends in the Pit....her indifference is intolerable, and should be noticed by her employer."

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Way Of The World

Performance Comment: Fainall-Reddish; Mirabel-Jefferson; Petulant-Baddeley; Sir Wilful-Yates; Witwou'd-King; Waitwell-Parsons; Lady Wishfort-Mrs Hopkins; Mrs Marwood-Miss Sherry; Mrs Fainall-Mrs Greville; Foible-Mrs Davies; Mincing-Miss Platt; Millamant-Mrs Abington; in Act III, a Cantata-Mrs Scott.
Cast
Role: Lady Wishfort Actor: Mrs Hopkins
Role: Mrs Marwood Actor: Miss Sherry
Role: Mrs Fainall Actor: Mrs Greville
Role: Foible Actor: Mrs Davies
Role: Millamant Actor: Mrs Abington
Role: a Cantata Actor: Mrs Scott.

Afterpiece Title: The Theatrical Candidates

Cast
Role: Tragedy Actor: Mrs Smith
Role: Comedy Actor: Mrs Wrighten.

Afterpiece Title: The Deserter

Performance Comment: Henry-Vernon; Russet-Bannister; Simpkin-Fawcett; Soldiers-Legg, Kear, Griffith, Carpenter; Skirmish-Parsons; Flint-Wright; Jenny-Mrs Wrighten; Margaret-Mrs Love; Louisa-Mrs Smith.
Cast
Role: Jenny Actor: Mrs Wrighten
Role: Margaret Actor: Mrs Love
Role: Louisa Actor: Mrs Smith.
Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Clive.--At the particular Desire of several Ladies of Quality. Mainpiece: Written by the late Mr Congreve. [The Stage] will be properly inclos'd, and form'd into Boxes, to prevent the Ladies taking Cold. [Tickets at Mrs Clive's House, Cecil Street, the Strand.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Way Of The World

Performance Comment: Millamant-Mrs Clive, in which Character will be produced the Original Song, the Words by Mr Congreve, and new set to Musick by Mr Handel; Mirabel-Milward; Fainall-Mills; Sir Wilful-Turbutt; Witwoud-Chapman; Petulant-Macklin; Waitwell-Shepard; Marwood-Mrs Butler; Lady Wishfort-Mrs Macklin; Mrs Fainall-Mrs Pritchard; Foible-Miss Bennet; Mincing-Mrs Walter.

Afterpiece Title: The Devil to Pay

Cast
Role: Nell Actor: Mrs Clive
Role: Lady Loverule Actor: Mrs Pritchard

Dance: I: Le Tambourine-Mlle Chateauneuf; In IV: Muilment; V: Ballet-Denoyer, Mlle Chateauneuf

Song: III: Would You Taste the Noon@Tide Air (Comus)-Miss Edwards

Event Comment: Paid Mr Heath for point lace, 9s.; Mr Cropley (linen draper) 2 bills #93 12s. 6d.; 8 extra trumpets for 6 nights, #18; Wax Chandler's Bill #21 3s. 4d.; Mr Squire, Chorus, 15 nights #3 15s.; Printer's Bill #9 6s.; Mr Weston's Note & Bill to Mr Flaherty #5 6s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). Mrs Robinson Angelica-very indifferent (+Hopkins MS Notes). Receipts: #133 11s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love For Love

Performance Comment: Sir Sampson-Love; Valentine-Reddish; Tattle-Dodd; Scandal-Palmer; Foresight-Parsons; Ben (with song)-Moody; Trapland-Hartry; Buckram-Keen; Officer-Wright; Miss Prue-Mrs Abington; Mrs Foresight-Mrs Reddish; Mrs Frail-Mrs Egerton; Nurse-Mrs Bradshaw; Angelica-a young Gentlewoman, being her first appearance.
Cast
Role: Scandal Actor: Palmer
Role: Trapland Actor: Hartry
Role: Miss Prue Actor: Mrs Abington
Role: Mrs Foresight Actor: Mrs Reddish
Role: Mrs Frail Actor: Mrs Egerton
Role: Nurse Actor: Mrs Bradshaw

Afterpiece Title: The Institution of the Garter

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 2. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 347. There is no certainty that this is the premiere. A song, A heart in love's empire, with music by Robert Smith, and another, Let's drink dear friends, set by Thomas? Farmer, are in Choice Songs and Ayres, The First Book, 1673. The Dedication in the edition of 1672 is to Prince Rupert and states: tho' of thirty times it has been acted, you seldom fail'd to honour it with your presence. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 32): The next new Comedy [at dg] was the Mamamouchi, or the Citizen turn'd Gentleman, Wrote by Mr Ravenscroft [cast as in edition of 1672 except French Tutor and Singing Master, by Mr Haines: (He having Affronted Mr Hart, he gave him a Discharge and then came into our House)]; This Comedy was look[ed] upon by the Criticks for a Foolish Play; yet it continu'd Acting 9 Days with a full House; upon the Sixth the House being very full: The Poet added 2 more Lines to his Epilogue, viz. @The Criticks came to Hiss, and Dam this Play,@Yet spite of themselves they can't keep away.@ However, Mr Nokes in performing the Mamomouchi pleas'd the King and Court, next Sir Martin, above all Plays

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Citizen Turned Gentleman

Performance Comment: Edition of 1672: Mr Jorden-Nokes; Young Jorden-Cademan; Mr Cleverwit-Crosby; Sir Simon Softhead-Underhil; Trickmore-Harris; Cureal-Sandford; Maistre Jaques-Angel; Lucia-Mrs Bitterton; Marina-Mrs Burroughs; Betty Trickmore-Mrs Leigh; Prologue-; Epilogue-. See also below.
Cast
Role: Cureal Actor: Sandford
Role: Lucia Actor: Mrs Bitterton
Role: Marina Actor: Mrs Burroughs
Role: Betty Trickmore Actor: Mrs Leigh
Event Comment: N.B. This was Mr Packer's first appearance at Drury Lane Theatre. He had acted one night at Covent Garden in the preceding season, Johnson, in the Rehearsal and the Frenchman in Lethe, which pieces were perform'd for Mr Lee's Benefit. Mr Garrick was there, and engag'd Mr Packer, who was going to Ireland, with Mr Barry, and Mr Woodward, into the Drury Lane Company. I am writing this on the sixth of April 1801--tonight Mr Packer told me the above Particulars at Drury Lane Playhouse, where he has always remained since his first being engaged there (J. P. Kemble's note on Huntington bill). Receipts: #100 (Cross); #107 1s. 6d. (Winston MS 8)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Mourning Bride

Performance Comment: Osmyn-Mossop; Zara-Mrs Pritchard; King-Berry; Gonzalez-Havard; Garcia-Austin; Heli-Blakes; Alonzo-Burton; Perez-Mozeen; Selim-Packer; Leonora-Mrs Bennet; Almeria-Miss Macklin.
Cast
Role: Zara Actor: Mrs Pritchard
Role: Leonora Actor: Mrs Bennet

Afterpiece Title: The Virgin Unmask'd

Dance: TThe German Hunters, as17580916

Event Comment: Afterpiece: by Particular Desire. N.B. Mr Yates refus'd to play Kastril. (Mr King play'd it.) Mr Weston play'd Abel Drugger, was well receiv'd & indeed he play'd much better than could Expect from him. his figure was much in his favour (Hopkins). Mr Weston Drugger. great applause (Cross Diary). Mr Yates would not play his part [Kastril].-Abel Drugger by Mr Weston,-who went thro' it much beyond what any one could expect,-and, considering so great a man as Mr Garrick was his predecessor, twas wonderful. Upon the whole, I think he played it very decently. His figure is much in his favour.-He received great applause (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan). Receipts: #85 14s. 6d. (MacMillan)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Alchymist

Performance Comment: Abel Drugger-Weston, first time; Kastril-King; Dol Common-Mrs Lee; Surly-Baddeley; Sir Epicure Mammon-Love; Subtle-Burton; Face-Palmer; Ananias-Philips; Tribulation-Clough; Lovewit-Packer; Dame Pliant-Mrs Bennet; Dapper-Vaughan.
Cast
Role: Dol Common Actor: Mrs Lee
Role: Dame Pliant Actor: Mrs Bennet

Afterpiece Title: The Deuce Is in Him

Dance: End: Reviv'd The Prussian Camp-Grimaldi, Aldridge, Lauchery, Miss Baker

Event Comment: Benefit for Powell. Ladies send Servants by 3 o'clock (playbill). Othello (for first time) Mr Powell. This Night there was the greatest over flow ever known. the Crowd was so great it prevented the Ladies from coming into the Boxes till near Seven o clock at half past Six begun the play. As the Ladies were not come into the Boxes, being prevented by passage being Stopt up by the Crowd the Gentlemen Cry'd out. off off &c. Mr King & Mr Havard remaind on the Stage some time but the Noise increasing. Mr King address'd the Audience & told them it would be equally agreeable to the performers to stay half an hour longer, upon which there was a great Clap & the Curtain was drop'd & a quarter before Seven begun the play again. N.B. The Farce was hiss'd all thro'(Hopkins). This night one of the greatest overflows that ever was known. The crowd was so great it preventdd the ladies from coming to their places in the boxes till near seven o'clock-At half past six the play began, and in the first scene they cried Off, off.' Mr King and Mr Havard remained on the Stage some time; but the noise increasing, Mr King went forward and said, It would be equally agreeable to the performers to stay half an hour longer, before they began-upon which there was a great clap, and the curtain was dropped; and in about a Quarter of an hour began the play again (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan). Receipts: #268 11s. (MacMillan). charges. #64 9s. [Profit to Powell: #204 2s.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Othello

Performance Comment: Othello-Powell (first time); Iago-Havard; Cassio-Palmer; Roderigo-King (first time); Desdemona-Mrs Yates (first time); Emelia-Mrs Hopkins; Ludovico-Packer; Montano-Mozeen; Gratiano-Parsons; Messenger-Ackman; Brabantio-Burton; Duke-Bransby.
Cast
Role: Desdemona Actor: Mrs Yates
Role: Emelia Actor: Mrs Hopkins

Afterpiece Title: Thomasand Sally

Performance Comment: Dorcas-Mrs Love; Sally-Miss Young; Thomas-Champnes; Squire-Vernon.
Cast
Role: Dorcas Actor: Mrs Love

Dance: The Irish Lilt, as17630922

Event Comment: Benefit Penkethman. The Boxes and Pit 2s. 6d., the Boxes being laid open to the Pit. Note, No Subscribers' Tickets to pass this Day. To begin exactly at 5 of the Clock, by reason that the Gentlemen and Ladies that come from London may have time to return home before Night. Note, The Tide happens very luckily for Mr Penkethman's Friends in London: It Ebbs to Greenwich from 10 in the Morning till 6 at Night, flows from 6 in the Evening till 11, it being Moon-light

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rover

Performance Comment: Ned Blunt-the famous true Comedian Mr Cave Underhill, to oblige Mr Penkethman's Friends; Rover-Powell; Belville-Husband; Frederick-Cory; Angelica-Mrs Kent; Helena-Mrs Baker; Florinda-Mrs Shepard; Moretta-Mrs Powell; With an Epilogue-Mr Penkethman on an Ass.
Cast
Role: Belville Actor: Husband
Role: Angelica Actor: Mrs Kent
Role: Helena Actor: Mrs Baker
Role: Florinda Actor: Mrs Shepard
Role: Moretta Actor: Mrs Powell

Entertainment: Young Gentlewoman, as17100817; Likewise a Vaulting the Managed Horse-famous Master who never appear'd on the Publick Stage

Dance: Ladder Dance-; French Peasant-; Wooden Shoe-; Harlequin Scaramouch Cooper and Wife-

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

Performance Comment: Sir Harry Wildair-Mrs Greville (of DL); Colonel Standard-Brinsley; Young Clincher-Swords (from the Theatre Royal, Dublin); Vizard-Cotton; Alderman Smuggler-Barrett; Tom Errand-Forrest; Beau Clincher-A Gentleman (1st appearance on any stage [unidentified]); Wife-Mr Pressley; Angelica-Miss Read; Parley-Miss Plain; Lady Darling-Mrs Fowler; Lady Lurewell-Mrs Child .

Afterpiece Title: The Irish Widow

Performance Comment: Whittle-Barrett; Sir Patrick O'Neale-Lloyd; Bates-Booth; Kecksey-Pressley; Nephew-Forrest; Thomas-Swords; Widow Brady (with the Epilogue Song)-Mrs Greville .
Cast
Role: Widow Brady Actor: Mrs Greville

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

Performance Comment: imitations. End of mainpiece, Vocal and Rhetorical, by the Gentleman who performs Beau Clincher .
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but it lies between Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 April. Luttrell, A Brief Relation (II, 413) stated on 9 April that the Queen had prohibited its being acted; on 16 April (II, 422) he reports that it has been acted. Luttrell, A Brief Relation, II, 422, 16 April: Mr Dryden s play has been acted with applause, the reflecting passages upon this government being left out. The Gentleman's Journal, May 1692 (licensed 14 May): I told you in my last, that none could then tell when Mr Dryden's Cleomenes would appear; since that time, the Innocence and Merit of the Play have rais'd it several eminent Advocates, who have prevailed to have it Acted, and you need not doubt but it has been with great applause. Preface, Edition of 1692: Mrs Barry, always Excellent, has, in this tragedy, excell'd Herself, and gain'd a Reputation beyond any Woman whom I have ever seen on the Theatre. [See also Cibber, Apology, I, 160, for a discussion of Mrs Barry in Cleomenes.] A song, No, no, poor suffering heart no change endeavour, the music by Henry Purcell, is in Comes Amoris, The Fourth Book, 1693, and also, with the notice that it was sung by Mrs Butler, in Joyful Cuckoldom, ca. 1695. See also Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XVI (1906), xviii-xix; Epistolary Essay to Mr Dryden upon his Cleomenes, in Gentleman's Journal, May 1692, pp. 17-21. When the play was revived at Drury Lane, 8 Aug. 1721, the bill bore the heading: Not Acted these Twenty-Five Years

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Cleomenes, The Spartan Heroe

Performance Comment: Edition of 1692: Prologue-Mr Mountfort; Cleomenes-Betterton; Cleonidas-Lee; Ptolomy-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Sosybius-Sandford; Cleanthes-Mountford; Pantheus-Kynaston; Coenus-Hudson; Cratisiclea-Mrs Betterton; Cleora-Mrs Bracegirdle; Cassandra-Mrs Barry; Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle.
Cast
Role: Ptolomy Actor: Alexander
Role: Sosybius Actor: Sandford
Role: Cratisiclea Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Cleora Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Cassandra Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Man, 29 Feb.-2 March 1695@6, and the London Gazette, No. 3165, 9-12 March 1695@6, suggests that its first appearance was not later than early February. One song, The town rakes, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Mr Edward, was separately printed ca. 1696. Epistle Dedicatory, Edition of 1696: The unjust Sentence this Play met with before very partial Judges in the Acting....So that I may reasonable impute its miscarriage to some Faction that was made against it, which indeed was very Evident on the First day, and more on the endeavours employ'd, to render the Profits of the Third, as small as could be...Ch. Gildon

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Younger Brother; Or, The Amorous Jilt

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue by an unknown hand-Mr Powel; Epilogue-Mr Horden; Prince Frederick-Verbruggen; Sir Rowland Marteen-Johnson; George Marteen-Powel; Welborn-Horden; Sir Merlin Marteen-Pinkerman; Sir Morgan Blunder-Bullock; Mr Twang-Smeaton; Brittone-Kent; Mirtilla-Mrs Knight; Olivia-Mrs Verbrugen; Teresia-Mrs Temple; Lady Blunder-Mrs Powel; Mrs Menage-Mrs Willis; Lady Youthly-Mrs Harris.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Man, 7-9 July 1696, suggests that it was first presented not later than June 1696. The cast also has a large number of relatively new players, suggesting a performance in the early summer, when the young actors had more opportunities to act. Several Songs, with the names of the singers, were published separately: Hark you, madam, can't I move you, set by John Eccles, and sung by Bowman and Mrs Bracegirdle; Shou'd I not lead a happy life, set by John Eccles and sung by Reading and M. Lee; From Aberdeen to Edinburgh, set by Ackeroyd and sung by Mrs Hudson; all in Deliciae Musicae, The Second Book of the Second Volume, 1696. Preface, Edition of 1696: I am almost asham'd to mention the extraordinary Success of a Play which I myself must condemn....Let me leave this ungrateful Subject to acknowledge my obligations to Mr John Eccles, who not only set my three Dialogues to most charming Notes, but honour'd the Words to Admiration. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 44: Love's a Jest, a Comedy, done by Mr Mateox; succeeded well, being well Acted, and got the Company Reputation and Money

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love's A Jest

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Bowen in a Riding-Dress; The Epilogue-Underhil, Bowen; Gypsies-Mr Mynns; Lord Lovewel-Hodgson; Sir ThomasGaymood-Freeman; Sam Gaymood-Bowen; Railmore-Betterton; Airy-Bowman; Sir Topewel Clownish-Underhil; Squire Illbred-Trefusis; Humphrey Doddipole-Trout; Humdrum-Eldred; Major Buff-Harris; Plot-Bright; Frankly-Bailey; Lady Single-Mrs Barry; Kitty-Mrs Howard; Francilia-Mrs Bowtell; Christina-Mrs Bracegirdle; Doll Hoyden-Mrs Perrin.
Cast
Role: Lady Single Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Kitty Actor: Mrs Howard
Role: Francilia Actor: Mrs Bowtell
Role: Christina Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Doll Hoyden Actor: Mrs Perrin.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the Dedication of the play is dated 15 Jan. 1696@7 suggests that it was probably first acted not later than December 1696. The play was advertised in the Post Man, 21-23 Jan. 1696@7. The music was set by John Eccles. Dedication, Edition of 1697: I make you a Present of a Play, that miscarri'd on the first Nights Performance; tho' afterwards, without any farther Discouragement, it kept it self alive till the third day was over, and then I must confess the City Lady expir'd....This I am confident on, that the like Unfortunate Accidents which attended this Comedy, wou'd have been sufficient to have Dam'd a much better Play. The tedious waiting to have the Curtain drawn, after the Prologue was spoke, occasion'd by Mr Underhill's violent Bleeding, put the Audience out of Humour, and made it susceptible of the least Disgust; and when once the Torrent of its Displeasure break bounds, nothing cou'd put a stop to his Vehemence. After Mr Underhill was no longer able to come upon the Stage, scarce any thing was done but by Halves, and in much Confusion; in the midst of which, I think my self oblig'd to applaud the Justice I receiv'd from the Incomparable Mrs Barry. I very well know that the Ode in the third Act seems to be introduc'd something unseasonably. It was made and set long since, in hopes of having it perform'd before the King, at his return from Flanders; and the Music being so finely compos'd by Mr John Eccles, I was loath it shou'd be wholly lost to the Town. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 20: Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The City Lady; Or, Folly Reclaim'd

Performance Comment: Edition of 1697: Prologue-Mr Hodgson; Epilogue-Miss Howard; Sir Geo. Grumble-Bright; Bevis-Underhill; Bellardin-Bowman; Lovebright-Hodgson; Pedanty-Harris; Burgersditius-Freeman; Brassby-Scudamore; Flash-Baily; Cash-Arnold; Jasper-Bowen; Lady Grumble-Mrs Barry; Lucinda-Mrs Bowman; Formosa-Mrs Prince; Secreta-Mrs Leigh; Fidget-Mrs Lawson; Biddy-Mrs Robinson.
Cast
Role: Lady Grumble Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Lucinda Actor: Mrs Bowman
Role: Formosa Actor: Mrs Prince
Role: Secreta Actor: Mrs Leigh
Role: Fidget Actor: Mrs Lawson
Role: Biddy Actor: Mrs Robinson.
Event Comment: The Rose is a New Musical performance of Two Acts by Dr Arne a very dull insipid piece. Mr G. protested against its being perform'd its being perform'd it was hiss'd from the beginning & wd not Suffer it to be given out again, therefore Mr King went on & told them it Should not be perform'd again until it be alter'd (Hopkins Diary). [Macmillan's note from Kemble differs slightly. See critical damnation of The Rose in British Theatre Article in The London Magazine, Dec. 1772.] Book of the Entertainment to be had at the Theatre (playbill). Paid Mr Petit for men's cloaths, #8 8s. CTreasurer's Book). [Reviewer for Town and Country Magazine (Theatre, No. XLI) disappointed with the Rose: "We are told that this precious piece of stuff is the production of an Oxford student; it may be so, of this every auditor is certain, that the collegian who penned it was so entirely lost in the pursuit of some abstruse study, that he has totally forgot grammar, common sense, and even his mother tongue...it was unanimously damn'd."] Receipts: #172 6s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Gamesters

Cast
Role: Penelope Actor: Mrs Abington
Role: Mrs Wilding Actor: Miss Younge

Afterpiece Title: The Rose

Performance Comment: Parts by Vernon, Bannister, Dodd, Dibdin, Kear, Fawcett, Wright, Ackman, Miss Weller, Mrs Davies, Mrs Love, Miss Platt, Miss Hopkins, Miss Collett, Mrs Smith. With a Dance in Act I, incidental to the piece-Atkins, Sga Giorgi; Lord Gainlove-Vernon; Jack Rattle-Dodd; Sir Humphrey Carbuncle-Bannister; Buckskin-Dibdin; Town Crier-Kear; Mr Violet-Wright; Letland-Ackman; Servant(?)-Fawcett; Billy Viodet-Miss Collett; Millclack-Miss Weller; Miss Clara Violet-Mrs Davies; Mrs Violet-Mrs Love; Lady Willmore-Miss Platt; Kitty Willmore-Miss Hopkins; Miss Serina Violet-Mrs Smith (Genest, V, 342, MacMillan, and Edition of 1773.).
Cast
Role: Letland Actor: Ackman
Role: Miss Clara Violet Actor: Mrs Davies
Role: Mrs Violet Actor: Mrs Love
Role: Miss Serina Violet Actor: Mrs Smith

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Venice Preserv'd

Afterpiece Title: The Cobler; or, a Wife of Ten Thousand

Performance Comment: Parts by Bannister, Dibdin, Legg, Kear, Griffiths, Everard, Parsons, Fawcett, Wrighten, Blanchard, Mrs Love, Mrs Wrighten. Snob-Bannister; Nipikin-Dibdin; Froth-Parsons; Grumble-Legg; Jenkins-Fawcett; Muggins-Kear; Contusion-Wrighten; Pest-Griffiths; Exciseman-Blanchard; Hone-Everard; Mrs Nipikin-Mrs Love; Alice-Mrs Wrighten (Edition of 1774 and Genest, V, 444).
Cast
Role: Mrs Nipikin Actor: Mrs Love
Role: Alice Actor: Mrs Wrighten
Event Comment: Benefit for Bannister. Afrerpiece: Never performed there, a Musical Entertainment, which went off with great Applause the New Scene of the Regatta was properly introduc'd in the Farce (Hopkins Diary). Rec'd Stopages #10 4s. 6d.; Mr Burges one quarter's rent (land tax deducted) #4 4s.; Paid Mr Grist by order of Mr Garrick #10; Mr Johnston's Music bill #14 3s. 6d.; Mr Burges (bricklayer) #52 2s. 6d. Receipts: #82 3s. 6d. Charges: #66 18s. Profits to Bannister: #15 5s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: As You Like It

Cast
Role: Orlando Actor: Reddish
Role: Audrey Actor: Mrs Bradshaw
Role: Phoebe Actor: Mrs Davies
Role: and a Song Actor: Mrs Scott.

Afterpiece Title: The Waterman

Performance Comment: Parts by Bannister, Davies, Parsons, Mrs Wrighten, and Mrs Jewell. Tom Tug-Bannister; Bundle-Davies; Robin-Parsons; Mrs Bundle-Mrs Wrighten; Miss Wilelmina-Mrs Jewell (MacMillan) to conclude with the grand scene of the Regatta.
Cast
Role: Mrs Bundle Actor: Mrs Wrighten
Role: Miss Wilelmina Actor: Mrs Jewell

Dance: I: The Sailors Revels, as17751220

Entertainment: A Variety of New Imitations, vocal and rhetorical-Bannister

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not precisely known, but the Gentleman's Journal, April 1693 (issued in May) states that it followed D'Urfey's comedy: And since that [The Richmond Heiress] another by Mr George Powell, call'd, a very good Wife, which hath already been acted five times (p. 130). It is likely that Powell's comedy first appeared late in April or very early in May. Dedication, Edition of 1693: The unexpected Success of this Play. A Comparison between the Two Stages (p. 16): Ramble: The next? Sullen: A very good Wife. Ramble: That's almost a Solaecism: whose is't? Sullen: Oh an excellent Author's! one George Powell's, the Player. Ramble. What was it's Fate? Sullen: Damn'd, damn'd, as it deserv'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: A Very Good Wife

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Prologue [By Mr Congreve-Mr Hains; Epilogue-Mrs Knight; Courtwitt-Powell; Wellborn-Hodgson; Bonavent-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Squeezwit-Bowen; Venture-Bright; Hickman-Trafusis; Sneaksby-Hains; Aminadab-Cibber; Jeremy-Lee; Crack-Lawson; Annabella-Mrs Mountfort; Widow Lacy-Mrs Knight; Carroll-Mrs Lassels; Mrs Sneaksby-Mrs Lee.
Cast
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Bonavent Actor: Alexander
Role: Annabella Actor: Mrs Mountfort
Role: Widow Lacy Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Carroll Actor: Mrs Lassels
Role: Mrs Sneaksby Actor: Mrs Lee.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 25-28 April 1696, suggests that it was acted not later than the period preceding Passion Week (6-11 April 1696). In addition, the large number of minor performers in the cast suggests a Lenten performance by the young actors. In Act I, Scene i, there is an Entertainment of Instrumental Musick, Compos'd by Signior Finger: Then a Song, set by Mr John Eccles, and Sung by Young La Roche. In III, iii: A Dialogue set by Seignior Baptist. The play is an adaptation of John Webster's Cure for a Cuckold. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702): The City Bride, by another Player, Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The City Bride; Or, The Merry Cuckold

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Thurmond; Bonvile-Boman; Friendly-Thurmond; Justice Merryman-Bright; Summerfield-Scudemore; Mr Ventre-Arnold; Mr Spruce-Bayly; Compasse-Freeman; A Councellor-Davis; Pettifog-Trefusis; Dodge-Eldred; Arabella-Mrs Boman; Clara-Mrs Boutell; Mrs Ventre-Mrs Lacy; Peg-Mrs Perin; Nurse-Mrs Lawson; Lucy-Miss Prince; Epilogue-the City-Bride.
Cast
Role: Arabella Actor: Mrs Boman
Role: Clara Actor: Mrs Boutell
Role: Mrs Ventre Actor: Mrs Lacy
Role: Peg Actor: Mrs Perin
Role: Nurse Actor: Mrs Lawson
Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Thomas Holcroft, based on Le Glorieux, by Philippe Nericault, dit Destouches. In 1793 reduced by the author to an afterpiece of 3 acts. Prologue and Epilogue by the author (Knapp, 101, 307). This play was originally attributed to James Marshall (Public Advertiser, 5 Feb.); on 8 Feb. he wrote a letter to the editor of the Oracle, stating that "The School for Arrogance is not mine, but Mr Holcroft's...By appearing for a time as the ostensible author I hope I have contributed to heal what was most unaccomodating between Mr Harris and Mr Holcroft." And see Genest, VII, 24, 27.] Oracle, 19 Feb. 1791: This Day is published The School for Arrogance (1s. 6d.). "If Mrs Wells could be prevailed upon to speak out, so that the audience might hear, it would be of some advantage to the new play. At present, the performer who happens to be on the stage with her has it all in confidence" (Gazetteer, 9 Feb.). Receipts: #186 11s. (181.8; 5.3)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Arrogance

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Lewis, Johnstone, Aickin, Farren, Wilson, Munden, Marshall, Thompson, Farley, Evatt, Cross, Mrs Wells, Miss Brunton, Mrs Mattocks. [Cast from text (G. G. J. and J. Robinson, 1791): Count Conolly Villars-Lewis; MacDermot-Johnstone; Mr Dorimont-Aickin; Edmund-Farren; Sir Paul Peckham-Wilson; Sir Samuel Sheepy-Munden; Picard-Marshall; Exempt-Thompson; Footmen-Farley, Evatt, Letteney, Blurton; Bailiffs-Cross, Lee; Lucy-Mrs Wells; Lydia-Miss Brunton; Lady Peckham-Mrs Mattocks; Prologue-Bernard [in the Character of a News-hawker]; Epilogue-Mrs Mattocks. [These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]
Cast
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Wells
Role: Lady Peckham Actor: Mrs Mattocks
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Mattocks.

Afterpiece Title: The Picture of Paris

Event Comment: [For the King (Cross). With New Music, Scenes, Machines, Habits, and other Decorations. Compos'd by Mr Noverre. All our Dancers appear. A good deal of hissing & Clapping & some Cries of No french Dancers; a great clapping too-the Dance is fine-(Mr Delaistre is a good Dancer) (Cross). [See for details of preparation, importation of dancers, especially of M Delaistre, The Chevalier Noverre, Father of Modern Ballet, Deryck Lynham (London, 1950), pp. 26-40. See also advertisement in Public Advertiser: 'Mr Noverre, whose entertainments of Dancing have been celebrated in almost all the courts of Europe, exhibits this evening his Chinese Festival at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, in pursuance of a contract made above a year ago with the managers of the said theatre: The Insinuation that at this time, an extraordinary number of French dancers are engaged, is groundless, there being at Drury Lane at present as few of that nation, as any other theatre now has, or perhaps ever had. Mr Noverre and his brothers are Swiss, of a protestant family in the Canton of Berne, his wife and her sisters Germans; there are above sixty performers concerned in the entertainment; more than forty of which are English, assisted only be a few French (five men and four women) to complete the Ballet as usual. As the intention of the Managers on this occasion is to give Variety to Entertainments of the town, it is not doubted it will meet with public approbation.'] Receipts: #210 (Cross)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fair Quaker Of Deal

Cast
Role: Fair Quaker Actor: Mrs Davies
Role: Advocate Actor: Mrs Hippisley
Role: Barmaid Actor: Mrs Bennet

Afterpiece Title: New Grand EntertainmentThe Chinese Festival

Performance Comment: Parts-Mons Delaistre, Sg Baletti, Lauchery, Noverre Jun, Dennison, StLeger, Shawford, Mathews, Pochee, L'Clert, Harrison, Granier, Hust, Sarny, Walker, Mrs Vernon, Miss Noverre, Morris, Rooker, Sturt, Atkins, Ackman, Walker, Sga Pietro, Mrs Addison, Mrs Noverre, Robinson, Mrs Gibbons, Mlle Charon, Mlle Rousselet, Mrs Preston, Mlle Rouend, Mrs Philips, Mrs Lawson, Little Pietro, Master Simson, Master Pope, Master Blagden, Master Hust, Master Spilsbury, Miss Bride, Miss Popling, Miss Simson, Miss Heath, Scrase, Jefferson, Burton, Marr, Vaughan, Chamness, Bullbrick, Clough, Allen, Gray, Mrs Bradshaw, Mrs Hippisley, Mrs Mathews, Mrs Simson, Miss Mills.
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. It is not certain this is the first performance, but it may well have been. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@139, p. 125. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 346. Pepys, Diary: Sir W. Pen and I to the Duke's house, where a new play. The King and Court there: the house full, and an act begun. And so went to the King's. Downes (p. 28): Sir Martin Marral, The Duke of New-Castle, giving Mr Dryden a bare translation of it, out of a Comedy of the Famous French Poet Monseur Moleire: He adapted the Part purposely for the Mouth of Mr Nokes, and curiously Polishing the whole....All the Parts being very Just and Exactly perform'd, specially Sir Martin and his Man, Mr Smith, and several others since have come very near him, but none Equall'd, nor yet Mr Nokes in Sir Martin: This Comedy was Crown'd with an Excellent Entry. In the Last Act at the Mask, by Mr Priest and Madam Davies; This, and Love in a Tub, got the Company more Money than any preceding Comedy

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Feign'd Innocence; Or, Sir Martin Marall

Performance Comment: Edition of 1668: No actors' names. Prologue-; Epilogue-; Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 28): Sir Martin Marall-Nokes; Sir John Swallow-Smith; Lord Dartmouth-Young; Old Moody-Underhill; Warner-Harris; Lady Dupe-Mrs Norris; Mrs Millisent-Mrs Davies.
Cast
Role: Lady Dupe Actor: Mrs Norris
Role: Mrs Millisent Actor: Mrs Davies.
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but it very probably occurred not later than May 1691, as the play was advertised in the London Gazette, 4-8 June 1691. For discussions of it, see E. W. White, Early Performances of Purcell's Operas, Theatre Notebook, XIII (1958-59), 44-45, and R. E. Moore, Henry Purcell and the Restoration Theatre, Chapter III. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42: King Arthur an Opera, wrote by Mr Dryden: it was Excellently Adorn'd with Scenes and Machines: The Musical Part set by Famous Mr Henry Purcel; and Dances made by Mr Jo. Priest: The Play and Musick pleas'd the Court and City, and being well perform'd, twas very Gainful to the Company. Roger North: I remember in Purcell's excellent opera of King Arthur, when Mrs Butler, in the person of Cupid, was to call up Genius, she had the liberty to turne her face to the scean, and ner back to the theater. She was in no concerne for her face, but sang a recitativo of calling towards the place where Genius was to rise, and performed it admirably, even beyond any thing I ever heard upon the English stage....And I could ascribe it to nothing so much as the liberty she had of concealing her face, which she could not endure should be so contorted as is necessary to sound well, before her gallants, or at least her envious sex. There was so much of admirable musick in that opera, that it's no wonder it's lost; for the English have no care of what's good, and therefore deserve it not (Roger North on Music, ed. John Wilson [London, 1959], p. 217-18)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King Arthur; Or, The British Worthy

Performance Comment: Edition of 1691: King Arthur-Betterton; Oswald, King of Kent-Williams; Conon-Hodgson; Merlin-Kynaston; Osmond-Sandford; Aurelius-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Albanact-Bowen; Guillamar-Harris; Emmeline-Mrs Bracegirdle; Matilda-Mrs Richardson; Philidel-Mrs Butler; Grimbald-Bowman; Prologue to the Opera-Mr Betterton; The Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle.
Cast
Role: Osmond Actor: Sandford
Role: Aurelius Actor: Alexander
Role: Emmeline Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Matilda Actor: Mrs Richardson
Role: Philidel Actor: Mrs Butler
Role: The Epilogue Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle.