SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mrs Priscilla Rich"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mrs Priscilla Rich")') 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 23348 matches on Performance Comments, 4593 matches on Event Comments, 4227 matches on Performance Title, 667 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.
Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Mountain. 2nd piece [1st time: CO 2, by James Hook Jun. Larpent MS 1172; not published]: With appropriate Scenery, Dresses, and Decorations. The Overture and Music by James Hook? Sen.. True Briton, 16 May: Tickets to be had of Mrs Mountain, No. 28, Maiden-lane, Covent-Garden. Receipts: #287 3s. (86.4.6; 14.6.0; tickets: 186.12.6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Inkle And Yarico

Performance Comment: As17970509, but Inkle-Bowden; Yarico (for that night only)-Mrs Powell (of dl; 1st appearance in that character). 1st appearance in that character).
Cast
Role: Yarico Actor: Mrs Powell
Role: Wowski Actor: Mrs Martyr
Role: Narcissa Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Patty Actor: Mrs Fawcett

Afterpiece Title: Diamond Cut Diamond; or, Venetian Revels

Performance Comment: Principal Characters-Incledon, Knight, [Fawcett, Powel, Simmons, Curties, [Munden, Mrs Mountain, Mrs Clendining, Mrs Martyr; [Partial cast from musical score (A. Bland & Weller [1797]): Martino-Incledon; Durazzo-Fawcett; Doctor Vivaldo-Munden; Adriana-Mrs Mountain; Julia-Mrs Clendining; Rosa-Mrs Martyr; [Larpent MS lists the other parts: Claudio-; Uberto-; Lento-; Pieto-.
Cast
Role: Adriana Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Julia Actor: Mrs Clendining
Role: Rosa Actor: Mrs Martyr

Afterpiece Title: Cross Purposes

Performance Comment: As17970223, but Mrs Grub-Mrs Davenport.

Song: In: Ma chere Amie-Incledon; End Act I 2nd piece: to conclude with a Grand Serenade-, by Moonlight, on the Water, representing a View in the Bay of Venice, with distant Illuminations; A Madrigal-Incledon, Gray, Linton, which is echoed from various Gondolas, as they pass and repass, sounding their Oars to the Time of the Singers; The Storm-Incledon

Event Comment: Benefit for Mr and Mrs Follett. [Egerton was from the hay (see 23 Jan.).] 2nd piece: In one Act. 3rd piece: Two new Scenes, as 17 Apr.; Procession, as 26 May. Morning Herald. 5 June: Tickets to be had of Follett, No. 46, Drury-lane. Receipts: #360 18s. (116.13.6; 3.11.0; tickets: 240.13.6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Road To Ruin

Performance Comment: As17961014, but Goldfinch (for that night only)-Fawcett (1st appearance in that character); Milford-Egerton (1st appearance on this stage); Sophia (with Somebody)-Mrs Mountain; Sheriff's Officer-_; Tradesmen-_; Milliner-_; Mantuamaker-_.
Cast
Role: Sophia Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Jenny Actor: Mrs Norton
Role: Mrs Ledger Actor: Mrs Platt
Role: Mantuamaker Actor: Mrs Blurton
Role: Mrs Warren Actor: Mrs Mattocks.

Afterpiece Title: The Waterman

Performance Comment: Tom Tug (with additional songs)-Incledon; Bundle-Powel; Robin (with an additional song)-Munden; Mrs Bundle-Mrs Henley; Wilhelmina-Mrs Mountain.
Cast
Role: Mrs Bundle Actor: Mrs Henley
Role: Wilhelmina Actor: Mrs Mountain.

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin and Oberon

Performance Comment: As17970526, but Principal Vocal Parts-Master _Woodham, Master _Platt, Master _Goodwin, Master _Paul, Master _Ramage, Master _Speare, Master _Bernard; Principal Pantomime Characters-Mrs _Gilbert, Mrs _Norton, Mrs _Lloyd, Mrs _Blurton.

Entertainment: Vaudeville. In 3rd piece: (for that Night only) a Leap through a Wheel of Fire@Works and a Hoop of Daggers-Simpson

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Abington. 1st piece: By Permission of the Author. 2nd piece [1st time; C 1, attributed to Frances Abington. Larpent MS 1209; not published]: From La? Somnambule; or, Sleep Walker [by Antoine deFeriol, comte de Pont-de-Veyle]. Receipts: #303 12s. (176.1.6; 4.1.0; tickets: 123.9.6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Scandal

Cast
Role: Mrs Candour Actor: Mrs Mattocks
Role: Lady Teazle Actor: Mrs Abington.

Afterpiece Title: Matrimony

Performance Comment: Characters-Pope, Munden, Knight, Clarke, Mrs Davenport, Mrs Abington. [Cast from Larpent MS: Toby-Pope [in MS: Fawcett]; Sir Harry Somnus-Munden; Lord Compound-Knight; Plywell-Clarke; Lady Somnus-Mrs Davenport; Lady Compound-Mrs Abington.

Afterpiece Title: High Life below Stairs

Performance Comment: Lord Duke-Lewis; Lovel-Munden; Sir Harry (with the Mock Minuet)-Betterton; Freeman-Clarke; Phillip-Davenport; Tom-Rees; Robert-Thompson; Coachman-Powel; Lady Charlotte-Mrs Follett; Lady Bab-Mrs Gilbert; Cloe-Mrs Masters; Cook-Mrs Norton; Mrs Kitty (with the Song, and Mock Minuet)-Mrs Abington.
Cast
Role: Lady Charlotte Actor: Mrs Follett
Role: Lady Bab Actor: Mrs Gilbert
Role: Cloe Actor: Mrs Masters
Role: Cook Actor: Mrs Norton
Role: Mrs Kitty Actor: Mrs Abington.

Song: In III 1st piece: song-Incledon; in 2nd piece: Strike the Harp in praise of Bragela-

Event Comment: By Desire of his Excellency the Turkish Ambassador [see 9 May]. Benefit for Mrs Mountain. 1st piece: In Act II a Grand Procession representing the ceremonies attending the Sacrifice of an Indian Woman on the Funeral Pile of her deceased Husband. 2nd piece [1st time; CO 2, by Henry Heartwell]: The Overture and Music composed by Attwood. Monologue: The whole of the apparatus painted and designed by Cresswell. Morning Herald, 8 Oct. 1798: This Day is published Reformed in Time (1s.). Ibid, 16 May: Tickets to be had of Mrs Mountain, No. 28, Maiden-lane, Covent-garden. Receipts: #370 18s. (90.17; 4.3; tickets: 275.18)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Widow Of Malabar

Performance Comment: Young Bramin-Holman; Raymond-Toms; Albert-Claremont; Nordain-Thompson; Old Bramin-Murray (1st appearance in that character); Fatima (1st time)-Miss Mansel; Indamora-Mrs Pope (1st appearance in that character).
Cast
Role: Indamora Actor: Mrs Pope

Afterpiece Title: Reformed in Time

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Munden, Farley, Townsend, Philipps (1st appearance this season), Claremont, Incledon, Mrs Martyr, Miss Wheatley, Mrs Mountain. [Cast from text (Cadell and Davies, 1798): Old Insight-Munden; Puff-Farley; Faithless-Townsend; Colonel Fairfield-Philipps [in text: Clarke (see17981005)]; Friendly-Claremont; Sir George Insight-Incledon; Handy-Mrs Martyr; Lady Bell Insight-Miss Wheatley; Lady Charlotte Fairfield-Mrs Mountain [in text: Mrs Follett (see17981005)].in text: Mrs Follett (see17981005)].

Afterpiece Title: The Honest Thieves

Cast
Role: Female Choristers Actor: Mrs Blurton
Role: Joan of Arc Actor: Mrs Parker
Role: Minstrel Actor: Mrs Clendining
Role: Blanche Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Ruth Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Mrs Day Actor: Mrs Davenport.

Song: In course: Old Towler, Black Ey'd Susan-Incledon

Monologue: Monologue. End 1st piece: (for that night only) a humourous, satirical Recitation, Kraniographon; selected from the favourite parts of G. A. Stevens's Lecture on Heads. in which: The Head of Alexander the Great-; The Head of a Lawyer-; The Head of a Cherokee-; Every Body's Coat of Arms-; The Head of a Quack Doctor-; The Head of Flattery-; Girdle of Venus-; The Quack Doctor's Coat of Arms-; The Head of Nobody-Mrs Mountain in the Character of a Student

Performance Comment: End 1st piece: (for that night only) a humourous, satirical Recitation, Kraniographon; selected from the favourite parts of G. A. Stevens's Lecture on Heads. in which: The Head of Alexander the Great-; The Head of a Lawyer-; The Head of a Cherokee-; Every Body's Coat of Arms-; The Head of a Quack Doctor-; The Head of Flattery-; Girdle of Venus-; The Quack Doctor's Coat of Arms-; The Head of Nobody-Mrs Mountain in the Character of a Student.
Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill retains Mrs Pope, but she "was suddenly taken ill on Monday evening, in consequence of which the part of that interesting and favourite actress, in Reynolds's new comedy, was undertaken at a few minutes notice by Mrs Litchfield" (Morning Herald, 19 Dec.).] Receipts: #274 10s. 6d. (265.5.0; 9.5.6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Laugh When You Can

Performance Comment: As17981211, but Mrs Mortimer-Mrs Litchfield in place of Mrs Pope; Epilogue-Mrs Litchfield.

Afterpiece Title: Albert and Adelaide

Cast
Role: Algonde Actor: Mrs Whitmore
Role: Adelaide Actor: Mrs Johnson

Dance: As17981211

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. lists at Harvard. See VanLennep, "Plays on the English Stage", p. 16. Whether this is the premiere is not known. A song, Amintas that true-hearted swain, with music by John Bannister, is in Choice Ayres, Songs, and Dialogues, 2d. Ed., 1675. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 34: The Jealous Bridegroom, Wrote by Mrs Bhen, a good Play and lasted six Days; but this made its Exit too, to give Room for a greater. The Tempest. Note, In this Play, Mr Otway the Poet having an Inclination to turn Actor; Mrs Bhen gave him the King in the Play, for a Probation Part, but he being not us'd to the Stage; the full House put him to such a Sweat and Tremendous, Agony, being dash't, spoilt him for an Actor

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Forc'd Marriage; Or, The Jealous Bridegroom

Performance Comment: Edition of 1671: Prologue-; Epilogue-a Woman; King-Westwood [ThomasOtway, however, played it the first night]; Philander-Smith; Alcippus-Betterton; Orgulious?-Norris; Alcander-Young; Pisaro-Cademan; Fallatius-Angel; Cleontius-Crosby; Gallatea-Mrs Jennings; Erminia-Mrs Betterton; Aminta-Mrs Wright; Olinda-Mrs Lee; Isilia-Mrs Clough.
Cast
Role: Gallatea Actor: Mrs Jennings
Role: Erminia Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Aminta Actor: Mrs Wright
Role: Olinda Actor: Mrs Lee
Role: Isilia Actor: Mrs Clough.
Event Comment: The King's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 359. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 346. There is no certainty that this performance is the premiere, but as the play was licensed for printing on 9 Jan. 1676@7, this performance may well be the first one. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, pp.9-10) lists the same cast except for the ommission of Letice. It is not certain which Mrs Knight played Letice. Possibly it was Frances Maria Knight (see Wilson, All the King's Ladies, where she is tentatively listed for that role), but the presence of Mrs Ursula Knight on an undated L. C. list, 3@24, with the date of her swearing into the company given as 12 March 1676@7, it is quite likely that she played this role. (I owe this reference to Ursula Knight to Professor John Harold Wilson.) John Dennis: And when upon the first representations of the Plain Dealer, the Town, as The Authour has often told me, appeard Doubtful what Judgment to Form of it; the foremention'd gentlemen [The Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Rochester, Earl of Dorset, Earl of Mulgrave, Savil, Buckly, Sir John Denham, Waller] by their loud aprobation of it, gave it both a sudden and a lasting reputation (Defense and Defects of Dramatick Poetry, 1725, in The Works of John Dennis, ed. Hooker, II, 277)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Plain Dealer

Performance Comment: Edition of 1677: Prologue-; Epilogue-Widow-Blackacre; Manly-Hart; Freeman-Kynaston; Vernish-Griffin; Novell-Clark; Major Oldfox-Cartwright; Lord Plausible-Haines; Jerry Blackacre-Charlton; Olivia-Mrs Marshall; Fidelia-Mrs Boutell; Eliza-Mrs Knep; Letice-Mrs [Ursula or Frances] Knight (see below); Widow Blackacre-Mrs Cory.
Cast
Role: Olivia Actor: Mrs Marshall
Role: Fidelia Actor: Mrs Boutell
Role: Eliza Actor: Mrs Knep
Role: Letice Actor: Mrs
Role: Widow Blackacre Actor: Mrs Cory.
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@145, p. 120. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 349. There is no certainty that this is the first performance, but a licensing date of 28 Jan. 1677@8 and Mrs Behn's statement in the Preface that she hurried the play into print suggest a premiere not far from this date. Edition of 1678: To the Reader: I Printed this Play with all the impatient haste one ought to do, who would be vindicated from the most unjust and silly aspersion, Woman could invent to cast on Woman; and which only my being a Woman has procured me, That it was Bawdy, the least and most Excusable fault in the Men Writers, to whose Plays they all crowd, as if they came to no other end then to hear what they condemn in this: but from a Woman it was unnaturall. One song, Sitting by yonder river side, with music by Thomas? Farmer, is in Choice Ayres and Songs, The Second Book, 1679

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Sir Patient Fancy

Performance Comment: Edition of 1678: Prologue-Mr Betterton; Sir Patient Fancy-Anthony Leigh; Leander Fancy-Crosby; Wittmore-Betterton; Lodwick Knowell-Smith; Sir Credulous Easy-Nokes; Curry-Richards; Lady Fancy-Mrs Corrar; Lady Knowell-Mrs Gwin [Quin]; Lucretia-Mrs Price; Isabella-Mrs Betterton; Maundy-Mrs Gibbs; Epilogue-Mrs Gwin [Quin].Quin].
Cast
Role: Curry Actor: Richards
Role: Lady Fancy Actor: Mrs Corrar
Role: Lady Knowell Actor: Mrs Gwin
Role: Lucretia Actor: Mrs Price
Role: Isabella Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Maundy Actor: Mrs Gibbs
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Gwin
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. The date of the first production is not known, but as the play was licensed for printing on 27 March 1679, the premiere must have been no later than March 1679. It is possible that Midnight's Intrigue--see introductory note to the 1676-77 season-is an earlier version of this play. The Epilogue suggests that the players faced thin audiences during the spring and that Drury Lane had been closed for some time: So hard the Times are, and so thin the Town, @Though but one Playhouse, that must too lie down. It is possible that Mrs Behn's The Young King may have been acted at this time. See September 1679

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Feign'd Curtizans; Or, A Night's Intrigue

Performance Comment: Edition of 1679: The Prologue-Mrs Currer; Morisini-Norris; Julio-Crosby; Octavio-Gilloe; Petro-Leigh; Sir Harry Fillamour-Smith; Galliard-Betterton; Sig Signall Buffoon-Nokes; Tickletext-Underhill; Laura Lucretia-Mrs Lee; Marcella-Mrs Currer; Cornelia-Mrs Barry; Phillipa-Mrs Norris; Sabina-Mrs Seymour; Epilogue-Mr Smith.
Cast
Role: The Prologue Actor: Mrs Currer
Role: Laura Lucretia Actor: Mrs Lee
Role: Marcella Actor: Mrs Currer
Role: Cornelia Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Phillipa Actor: Mrs Norris
Role: Sabina Actor: Mrs Seymour
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. The date of the premiere is not known. Pepys saw it on 6 March 1679@80, calling it a "New Play," and that may have been the first day. The Prologue alludes also to the Duke of York's triumphant return from Scotland on 24 Feb. 1679@80, and the play was entered in the Term Catalogues, May 1680. For Mrs Bracegirdle as the "little Girl," see Edmund Curll, History of the English Stage (1741), p. 26, and Lucyle Hook, Anne Bracegirdle's First Appearance, Theatre Notebook, XIII (1959), 134. For Betterton as Castalio and Mrs Barry as Monimia, probably as they performed in the next decade, see Cibber, Apology, ed. Lowe, I, 116, 160. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 37) gives the same cast except for omissions and except for Serina-Mrs Barry">Mrs Mountfort, who acted it later. Downes (pp. 37-38) adds: [Monimia, Belvidera in Venice Preserved, and Isabella in The Fatal Marriage] These three Parts, gain'd her the Name of Famous $Mrs Barry, both at court and City; for when ever She Acted any of these three Parts, she forc'd Tears from the Eyes of her Auditory, especially those who have any Sense of Pity for the Distress't. These 3 Plays, by their Excellent Performances, took above all the Modern Plays that succeeded. A song for this play, Come all the youths whose hearts have bled, the music by Forcer, is in Choice Ayres and Songs, The Third Book, 1681

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Orphan; Or, The Unhappy Marriage

Performance Comment: Edition of 1680: Acasto-Gillow; Castalio-Batterton; Polydore-Jo. Williams; Chamont-Smith; Ernesto-Norris; Paulino-Wiltshire; Cordelio-the little Girl [Anne Bracegirdle]; Chaplain-Percivall; Monimia-Mrs Barry; Serina-Mrs Boteler; Florella-Mrs Osborn; Prologue-; Epilogue-.
Cast
Role: Monimia Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Serina Actor: Mrs Boteler
Role: Florella Actor: Mrs Osborn
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: Cratisiclea Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Cleora Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Cassandra Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle.
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but Dryden, on 12 Dec. 1693, reported that it had then been acted eight times. If these performances were consecutive, the premiere probably occurred in November; but the fact that the play was advertised in the London Gazette, 4-7 Dec. 1693, suggests tnat the premiere was near the end of October or early in November. Henry Purcell composed the overture and act tunes. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XVI (1906), xxxi. Two of the songs whose music he composed are in Thesaurus Musicus, 1694: Cynthia frowns when e're I woo her, sung by Mrs Ayliff; and Ancient Phillis has young Graces, sung by Bowman. See also 12 Dec. 1693 and 22 March 1692@3

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Double Dealer

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Prologue-Mrs Bracegirdle; Epilogue-Mrs Mountford; Maskwell-Betterton; Lord Touchwood-Kynaston; Mellefont-Williams; Careless-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Lord Froth-Bowman; Brisk-Powell; Sir Paul Plyant-Dogget; Lady Touchwood-Mrs Barrey; Cynthia-Mrs Bracegirdle; Lady Froth-Mrs Mountfort; Lady Plyant-Mrs Leigh.
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but according to the Gentleman's Journal, May 1694, it followed Have at All: the other call'd The married Beau, or the Curious Impertinent, by Mr Crown, already acted many times (p. 134). The manuscript of a song composed by John Eccles and sung by Doggett is in Bodleian, School of Music Collection, c. 95, f 102. One by Henry Purcell, See, where repenting Celia lyes, sung by Mrs Ayliff, is in Thesaurus Musicus, 1695. See also Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XX (1916), xvii-xviii

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Married Beau; Or, The Curious Impertinent

Performance Comment: Edition of 1694. The Prologue-; see Epilogue; The Epilogue-Mr Dogget who Acts Thorneback. A copy of the 1694 quarto in the Folger Shakespeare Library has a manuscript cast which appears to be the original one; Loveley-Powell; Polidor-Betterton; Thorneback-Dogget; Sir John-Bowen; Mrs Loveley-Mrs Barry; Cecilia-Mrs Bowman; Camilla-Mrs Bracegirdle; Lionell-Mrs Verbruggen; Prologue-Mr Powell?.
Cast
Role: Mrs Loveley Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Cecilia Actor: Mrs Bowman
Role: Camilla Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Lionell Actor: Mrs Verbruggen
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but the fact that the play was advertised in the London Gazette, 6-11 May 1696, suggests that it was first acted not later than April 1696. A song, Come, Hodge, come, Robin, set by John Eccles and sung by Wiltshire and Mrs Hudson, was printed in Deliciae Musicae, The Second Book of the Second Volume, 1696. Dedication, Edition of 1696: Which I wrote three Years ago....nor the Displeasure of the Judicious, who I hope will not condemn this Play from the appearance it had upon the Stage, where it suffer'd in the Acting....Tho. Dogget. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), pp. 16-17: Ramble: Oh that's Dogget's: The Players have all got the itching Leprosie of Scribling as Ben. Johnson calls it; twill in time descend to the Scene-keepers and Candle-snuffers: Come, what came on't? Sullen: Not then directly Damn'd, because he had a part in't himself, but it's now dead and buried

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Country-wake

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mrs Barry; Epilogue-Mrs Betterton; Sir ThomasTestie-Underhill; Woodvill-Betterton; Friendly-Kenneston; Old Hob-Trefise; Young Hob-Dogget; Lady Testie-Mrs Barry; Flora-Mrs Bracegirdle; Lucia-Mrs Bowman; Betty-Mrs Lee.
Cast
Role: Prologue Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Lady Testie Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Flora Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Lucia Actor: Mrs Bowman
Role: Betty Actor: Mrs Lee.
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: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but the evidence points to this day as a strong Possibility. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus (p. 44) states that it was given thirteen days consecutively, and John Coke (see 16 March 1696@7) states that it was acted "till Saturday" (16 March 1696@7). If the tragedy was acted on Wednesdays but not Fridays, as was often the practice in Lent, and if the farce alluded to for Saturday, 16 March 1696@7, comprised the entire program, this day was probably the premiere. The following sequence of performances is based on these premises. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 44: The Mourning Bride...had such Success, that it continu'd Acting Uninterrupted 13 Days together. Gildon, English Dramatick Poets, p. 23: This Play had the greatest Success, not only of all Mr Congreve's, but indeed of all the Plays that ever I can remember on the English Stage, excepting some of the incomparable Otway's. Aston, A Brief Supplement (in Cibber, Apology, II, 302): His [Betterton's] Favourite, Mrs Barry, claims the next in Estimation. They were both never better pleas'd, than in Playing together.--Mrs Barry outshin'd Mrs Bracegirdle in the Character of Zara in the Mourning Bride, altho' Mr Congreve design'd Almeria for that Favour

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Mourning Bride

Performance Comment: Edition of 1697: Prologue-Mr Betterton; Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle; Manuel-Verbruggen; Gonsalez-Sanford; Garcia-Scudamour; Perez-Freeman; Alonzo-Arnold; Osmyn-Betterton; Heli-Boman; Selim-Baily; Almeria-Mrs Bracegirdle; Zara-Mrs Barry; Leonora-Mrs Boman.
Cast
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Almeria Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Zara Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Leonora Actor: Mrs Boman.
Event Comment: Benefit of a Young Orphan-Child of the late Mr Verbruggen and Mrs Verbruggen

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Squire Of Alsatia

Performance Comment: See17071106, but Sir William-Penkethman; Sir Edward-Keene; Belfond Sr-Bullock; Belfond Jr-Wilks; Trueman-Mills; Scrapeall-Norris; Isabella-Mrs Rogers; Teresia-Mrs Oldfield; Mrs Termagent-Mrs Knight; Ruth-Mrs Powell.
Cast
Role: Isabella Actor: Mrs Rogers
Role: Teresia Actor: Mrs Oldfield
Role: Mrs Termagent Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Ruth Actor: Mrs Powell.
Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Oldfield. At the Desire of several Ladies of Quality. Receipts: #134 3s. [In a complaint by Mrs Oldfield in lc, 7/3. See also Nicoll, p. 291.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Stratagem

Performance Comment: Aimwell-Mills; Archer-Wilks; Sullen-Keene; Bonniface-Bullock; Gibbet-Cibber; Scrub-Norris; Foigard-Bowen; Mrs Sullen-Mrs Oldfield; Dorinda-Mrs Bradshaw; Cherry-Mrs Bicknell.
Cast
Role: Mrs Sullen Actor: Mrs Oldfield
Role: Dorinda Actor: Mrs Bradshaw
Role: Cherry Actor: Mrs Bicknell.
Event Comment: Benefit Elrington and Mrs Mills. At the Desire of several Ladies of Quality

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Gamester

Performance Comment: Gamester-Mills; Hector-Pack; Sir Thomas-Bullock; Marquis-Bowen; Cogdie-Bullock Jr; Lovewell-Elrington; Lady Wealthy-Mrs Porter; Angelica-Mrs Bradshaw; Mrs Security-Mrs Willis; Favorite-Mrs Mills; Boxkeeper-Leigh.
Cast
Role: Lady Wealthy Actor: Mrs Porter
Role: Angelica Actor: Mrs Bradshaw
Role: Mrs Security Actor: Mrs Willis
Role: Favorite Actor: Mrs Mills
Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Rogers. Written by Mr Steele. N.B. The Tickets deliver'd out for King Lear will be taken at this Play

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Funeral

Performance Comment: Brumpton-Keene; Hardy-Cibber; Campley-Wilks; Trusty-Mills; Sable-Johnson; Trim-Penkethman; Lady Brumpton-Mrs Rogers; Lady Sharlot-Mrs Porter; Lady Harriet-Mrs Bradshaw; Mrs d'Epingle-Mrs Bicknell; Fardingale-Norris.
Related Works
Related Work: The Funeral, or, Grief a la Mode Author(s): Richard Steele
Event Comment: Benefit Smith, Cook, Mrs Scot. [At this performance] a Gentleman sitting in a Side-Box pointed at a young Gentlewoman, which another Gentleman perceiving, and she being one of his Acquaintance, he went to him and challenged him: They made some passes at each other, which put the Play-House in an Uproar, but they were parted, and neither was killed.-Weekly Journal or Saturday's Post, 3 May

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fair Example

Performance Comment: As17171207, but Mrs Whimsey-Mrs Finch; Mrs Furnish-Mrs Cook; Laetitia-Mrs Elsam.
Cast
Role: Mrs Whimsey Actor: Mrs Finch
Role: Mrs Furnish Actor: Mrs Cook
Role: Laetitia Actor: Mrs Elsam.
Role: Florinda Actor: Mrs Thurmond
Role: Lucia Actor: Mrs Bullock
Role: Flora Actor: Mrs Spiller
Role: Mrs Fancy Actor: Mrs Hays.
Related Works
Related Work: The Fair Example: or the Modish Citizens Author(s): Richard Estcourt

Dance: As17171022; Thurmond's new Comic Dance-Thurmond, Miss Smith

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Amorous Widow

Song: Mrs Margaritta, Mrs Barbier, Mrs Fletcher, Mrs Pulmon

Dance: Moreau, Miss Schoolding, delaGarde's Two Sons; Four Scaramouches-

Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Horton

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Funeral; Or, Grief A La Mode

Performance Comment: Brumpton-Thurmond; Hardy-Cibber; Campley-Wilks; Trusty-Mills; Sable-Johnson; Trim-Miller; Lady Brumpton-Mrs Horton; Lady Charlot-Mrs Porter; Lady Harriet-Mrs Booth; Mlle D'Epingle-Mrs Bicknell; Tattleaid-Mrs Saunders; Mrs Fardingale-Norris; Kate Matchlock-Burkhead.
Related Works
Related Work: The Funeral, or, Grief a la Mode Author(s): Richard Steele

Dance:

Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Tenoe

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Way Of The World

Afterpiece Title: The Escapes of Harlequin

Performance Comment: See17231123, but Harlequin-Shaw; Mll Harlequin-Mrs Booth; other parts-Thurmond, Topham, Topham Jr, Boval, Mrs Bullock, Mrs Willis, Mrs Tenoe, Miss Lindar.