Event Comment: As the Entertainment call'd Taste, was not quite so well receiv'd as was expected, and as it was solely intended for the Benefit of Mr Worsdale, the Author has suspended its representation till Worsdale's Benefit night; by that time some alterations will be made, which, it is hop'd, will render the piece more palatable to the publick (General Advertiser). [The Inspector No. 271 , commented on Foote's Taste of the previous Saturday: A party against it, but the piece was "heard with attention, and, in consequence with Applause. There is, indisputably more genuine Wit in it than in any piece of the kind ever produc'd among us; the characters are natural, tho many of them uncommon ones; their stile and sentiments are adapted to them with perfect propriety, and the incidents are not forced or crowded together upon the audience." A full discussion of each part follows. (Daily Advertiser and Literary Gazette.] Receipts: #140 (Cross)

Event Comment: With New Additions and Alterations. [On 1 March (Baker, Diary, p. 106) went to Handel's and heard the rehearsal by "Frasi, Miss Young als [alias], Miss Scott, Cassandra Frederick, Beard, Champness, Baildon."

Event Comment: At the Great Room, Dean St., Soho. By Desire. An Italian Oratorio in Two Acts. Words by Metastasio. Music by Jomelli. First Time of performing this Grand Musical Entertainment in England, and is judged by all conoisseurs to be the most exquisite piece of composition ever heard before. Pit Half a Guinea, Gallerias 5s. To begin at half past six precisely. A very strong rumour prevails, that leave will be applied for to the higher Power, for a third Theatre in this City; and it is even hinted, that two well-known performers have already ventured on a purchase, and are selecting together a company with that design (Public Ledger)

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. [This seems to be the night referred to by The Volunteer Manager in Theatrical Review of 1 January 1763 who condemns Miss Poitier's scandalous costume and indelicate actions: "Would any person suppose she could have the confidence to appear with her bosom so scandalously bare, that to use the expression of a public writer, who took some moderate notice of the circumstance, the breast hung flabbing over a pair of stays cut remarkably low, like a couple of empty bladders in an oil-shop. One thing the author of that letter has omitted, which, if possible is still more gross; and that is, in the course of Miss Poitier's hornpipe, one of her shoes happening to slipt down at the heel, she lifted up her leg, and danced upon the other till she had drawn it up. This had she worn drawers, would have been the more excusable; but unhappily, there was little occasion for standing in the pit to see that she was not provided with so much as a fig-leaf. The Court turned instantly from the stage-The Pit was astonished! and scarcely anything, but a disapproving murmur, was heard, from the most unthinking spectator in the twelvepenny gallery." Miss Poitier subsequently denied any impropriety in action, and sought hearing in the Theatrical Review. In the Volunteer Manager" section of the number for 1 March 1763 the editiors reaffirmed their stand on her indecency and refused to join further in a personal altercation.

Event Comment: Benefit For the Author. A Riot to demand the same [half-price after third act] agreed to (Cross Diary). [Advertised for Drury Lane that particulars will be published in a few days on the charge of innovation in prices which last night prevented the play being heard.] When Holland appeared for the Prologue-hiss'd. Garrick appeared and agreed to take half-price at the end of the third act to all performances except the first [Winter] of a New Pantomime (Winston MS 9)

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. [Sga Spagnolla had been ill and missed a number of performances. For singers and dancers see following letter.] Sir: I am one of those to whom an Oratorio or an Opera (whether Italian or English) gives exquisite delight; and am therefore glad that, as the town is now full, those entertainments will, very probably, be crowded; and thus amply repay the several managers, for the great risk they run, as to their property, as well as for the vast pains they take to amuse us; for the labour employed, on those occasions, is infinitely greater than is usually imagined. The Italian opera has suffered considerably, this season, by the inability of Sga Spagnoli to exert her musical talents, owing to a most severe cold; but as she has now recovered her voice, 'tis presumed that she will be a source of as great pleasure, among us, to persons of a musical ear, and who have a true taste for that species of dramas, as she was in her native country, where she was always heard with great applause. I myself find great charms in the entertainments, as now exhibiting at the King's Theatre: for, besides Sga Spagnoli's taste I do not perceive the least diminution in Sg Elisi's voice or action, both of which pleased us so much two or three years ago. Ciprandi appears to me a fine player as well as singer; and with regard to Sg Savoi, he is generally thought to have a pleasing voice. [Comments on competence of the Orchestra.] The principal dancers are likewise acknowledged to have considerable merit. The gracefulness and the ease of Sg Adriani are very pleasing, as is the elegant agility of Sga Fabris Monari....Sg Sodi has so often diverted us by his compositions as Ballet master that it were superfluous to bestow any encomiums on him in this place. [Long comment on agreeable performance of Sofonisba, Scenery, etc. A puff by Musidorus in Public Advertiser.

Event Comment: Letter from Impartial to the editor of the Public Advertiser: The managers of the Opera most certainly think themselves peculiarly unfortunate in having incurred the disapprobation of your correspondent Timotheus....If...it has been found...that this Demi-critic has given his opinion to the public too precipitately, little regard will be paid to his animadversions, and the managers who, perhaps, will be found to have spared neither trouble or expense, will meet with the support they solicit....The splenetic gentleman, perhaps, resides chiefly in the country, and only came to town to see some Raree Shew, consequently he might never have heard of our justly celebrated Lovattini, Guadagni, Moriggi, and so forth, with whose performances we have been so highly entertained, to whom the Nightengale, as he is pleased to call Giaccomazzi, and Luciani, for the demi-characters in the Comic will make no inconsiderable additions; from hence I conclude, that our Opera entertainments this season will exceed any we have ever had in this country

Event Comment: Bills were put up for a Word to the Wise. As soon as the Curtain was drawn up a great hissing Mr Garrick went on the Stage Several Plays were propos'd to be done but Mr Kelly's Party would have none but a Word to the Wise & the other Party would not Consent, Mr Garrick offer'd to play himself but that would not satisfy them. at Length the House was dismiss'd about Nine O'Clock (Hopkins Diary). A Word to the Wise, Damn'd (Cross Diary). We stayed from 6 to past 10 in which time Garrick came out 6 or 7 times and talked to the audience, tho' often 5 or 6 minutes before he could be heard. Once he said the author was willing to withdraw his play, but then the party for Kelly [opposed by the Wilkesites] said he had no right to do so: they insisted on the play, the other that it should not be, etc.; the same about what play to be given out, one party calling for the new play and the other against it. When King came on, being called to speak the prologue, the hubbub forced him back, and one or two oranges struck him. The people came away in great numbers after ten and we amongst the rest, and had our money returned. Parson Horne [Horne Tooke] there but did not interfere, tho'at the bottom of it (John Baker, Diary, p. 189)