Event Comment: Benefit Marr, Pierce, Mason, Witty, Lloyd, Costin, Mrs Barclay

Event Comment: MMrs Elmy ill--Pritchard did Indiana (Cross). Paid salary list #305 5s. 6d.; Norton 3 chorus 15s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #150 (Cross); #175 7s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for the Widow Reinhold and her four small children in great distress. Tickets at Mrs Reinhold's at his house, the Green Door in Little Chapel St., and of Hobson at the stage ooor. Being posivitively the last time of performing this season. A Gift Day for ye Wid: Reinhold & 4 Small Children (Cross). Receipts: #101 (Cross)

Event Comment: A Quarrel in ye Green room between old Cibber & Mrs Clive occasioned by his saying, the stage wanted a handsome Woman, &c. (Cross). Receipts: #70 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Gibbons, Watson, and Master Moore. Tickets deliver'd out by Mr Walker, Dancing Master, and Marr will be taken. Tickets for the Revenge will be taken. Receipts: #120 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for the Lying In Hospital, Aldersgate St. Receipts: #76 15s. Income from Tickets #80 11s. (boxes 114; pit 273; gallery 111). Charges #84 (Account Book). Tomorrow the First Part of King Henry IV. [A long plea for attendance at this performance appeared in the Public Advertiser: "It affords me the greatest satisfaction when I peruse your paper, and find so many advertisements for charitable Benefits at the Theatres; which must greatly add to the Entertainment of the Stage, when we are sensible that the profits are to be appropriated towards the relief and support of the Indigent and distress'd; for the refief of whom, it must (at the same time it gives us secret pleasure) raise the astonishment of foreigners to see so many charitable piles raise their benevolent roofs in and about this great Metroplis. Amongst which I must beg leave to recommend to the Public, the City of London Lying In Hospital in Aldersgate Street (for the Benefit of which the Play of the Conscious Lovers will be performed this evening at Covent Garden); whose charitable doors have been opened for the relief of a much greater Number since the late dearth of Provisions, than its Annual Income (being supported by voluntary contributions) can possibly support, without further aid from the Public." The plea continues by emphasizing the need for expert and tender care for pregnant women, and by pointing out the satisfaction British sailors will have in knowing their wives may be delivered in this hospital.] [The Occasional Prologue (Written by Mr Lockman, Secretary to the Society of Free British Fisheries) was published in the Public Advertiser on 16 Dec.: @"Not sweeter Joy the wond'ring Indian feels,@When his far dazzling Glory Sol reveals@Than warms my heart at this auspicious Sight,@The splendid Audience of this cheerful night."@ Much emphasis on the misery of child-bearing, yet the need for a large population "to a commercial land." Also included was the Epilogue, by Lockman, "Intended for Mrs Hamilton," ending, "May each youth, here, breathe Bevil's gen'rous flame@Each virgin merit Indiana's fame."

Event Comment: Benefit of Mrs Skeffington

Event Comment: Benefit for Weller, Murden, Lewes. Afterpiece for 52nd and last time this season. Tickets deliver'd for Friday the 15th will taken. Tickets sold at the Door will not be admitted. Charges #65 10s. [Deficit to each beneficiary #1 14s. 4d., covered by income from tickets. Weller #41 14s. (Box 7; Pit 145; Gallery 182); Murden #41 12s. (Box 31; Pit 111; Gallery 172); Lewes #61 10s. (Box 45; Pit 239; Gallery 144).] Paid the Duke of Bedford half year's ground rent due Lady Day last for the theatre #41 13s. 4d. (#50 minus half year's Land Tax #8 6s. 8d.). Paid Duke of Bedford half year's ground rent for the New Building adjoining the theatre #12 10s. (#15 minus half year's Land Tax #2 10s.). (Account Book). Receipts: #60 1s. (Account Book). At 5 went to Covent Garden to see Conscious Lovers &c....Got a bad place hn the First Gallery...Lewis did Harlequin, but not so well as Woodward; and Miss D. Twist did ye Miller's Bride, Miss Wilford's Character. Mrs Mahon does the jealous fellow's wife (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: [Mainpiece in place of King Lear, announced on playbill of 3 Nov.] On playbill of 3 Nov.: Tamerlane [usually acted on this night (see 4 Nov. 1782)] is obliged to be laid aside on account of Mrs Barry's Indisposition. Receipts: #92 18s. 6d. (91.10.0; 1.8.6)