Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Brent. Part of the Pit will be railed into the boxes. Ladies and Gentlemen, who have taken Boxes, or Places, before Miss Brent's Benefit was advertised, are requested to send for their tickets, otherwise such Boxes or Places cannot be insured. Tickets deliver'd for the 21st of March will be taken. No Person can be admitted behind the Scenes, Nor any money retuned after the curtain is drawn up. Books of the Opera to be sold at the Theatre. Tickets to be had of Miss Brent, in the Piazza, next the Church, Covent Garden; and of Mr Sarjant, at the stage-door of the theatre, where Places for the Boxes may be taken

Event Comment: No Performance. Theatre clos'd for royal death of the Duke of Cumberland. Love for Love & The Royal Chace listed next day. [Opened again 11 Nov.]*c1765 11 01 cg No Performance. Theatre clos'd for royal death of the Duke of Cumberland. Love for Love & The Royal Chace listed next day. [Opened again 11 Nov.

Event Comment: Full Prices. Afterpiece: A Pantomimic dance by Love (Biographia Dramatica). Much followed and brought several crowded houses, and the success chiefly owing to the reports our newspapers were, at that time, daily filled with, of the French wild Beast that was devouring (and yet pursued by) children. This wild beast was happily introduced in this pantomime, pursued by boys led on by a Frenchman. At last the Beast made his Re-entry, and ran across the stage with the poor Frenchman in his mouth, to the great joy of the Pit, Box and Galleries (Victor, History of Theatres, III, 72). Dorilas for the first time by Mr Cautherly--very decent, but wanted spirit. This pantomime is fathered by Mr Lowe [?]--went off with applause, --Mr Garrick made most of the Business to it, which is very good (Hopkins Diary). [Letter from C. V. Theatricus on ladies' removing their hats in the theatre. A Gentleman had requested it and a debate ensued in the Public Advertiser, as to whether he wished to see the play better or to gaze more audaciously on many pretty faces. Long letter also from G. F. Theatricus to the Public Advertiser, commenting on the excellence of Powell, Mrs Yates, Holland, the Palmers, Cautherly and Bensley for their performance in Venice Preserved, Romeo and Juliet, and Mahomet respectively.

Event Comment: AAsh Wednesday. Publish'd this day. Price only 1s. Letters which have passed between John Beard Esq Manager of Covent Garden Theatre, and John Shebbeare, M.D. Wherefore I thus entreat with due Submission, Between the Bard and me you'd make decision, The whole now on your Approbation waits. Prologue to the Perplexities, sung by Mr Beard. Printed for G. Kearsly N.B. This Pamphlet is entered at Stationers Hall, whoever pyrates any part of it will be prosecuted. [This pamphlet of 50 pages is given a four-column review in the Gentleman's Magazine for March (p. 124). The controversy was over a play which Shebbeare submitted to Beard and which the latter finally rejected after holding it two seasons. Beard's letters are quoted. The reviewer is severe upon Shebbeare: Upon the whole for anything that has hitherto appeared, the managers of both theatre have rather been to blame for receiving some pieces that they should have rejected, than for rejecting any they should have received. No piece has yet been printed, by the rejection of which the managers have betrayed their trust, or neglected their duty to the public. There may be such pieces in manuscript, but, if there are, the most effective way of avenging the author on the manager is to print them, for the voice of the public would instantly and effecturally do justice to the writter...by compelling the representation.' Shebbeare was Joseph Pittard?]

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. With the latest improvement by Mr Handel. Pit and boxes to be put together. Tickets will be deliver'd that day, at the Office in the theatre at Half a Guinea each. First Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. 6d. Galleries to be opened at Half an Hour past Four. Pit and Boxes at Five. To Begin at Half an Hour after Six (Public Advertiser, 4 March). [N.B. This is an Advance notice. No notice occurs on this day, but the following: This Day publish'd Esther: An Oratorio, with the last improvements by Mr Handel. To be performed, by Their Majesties Command at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. Price 1s.] Went into the First Gallery at Covent Garden to hear the Oraortio, Esther, composed by Handel. The Stage was formed into an orchestra, like one side of an amphitheatre divided by an organ, atop of which was a head of Handel in a radiated frame. In the front sat the vocal performers, Champney, Vernon, Mrs Arne, Mrs Pinto, Miss Young, and Mrs Frasi. Stanley played on the Organ but retired after the 1st or 2nd act. The house was not much crowded, tho the King and Queen, those idols of fools, were there (Neville MS Diary). Charges: #35 (Account Book)

Event Comment: The Maid of the Mill oblig'd to be deferr'd on account of indisposition of a principal performer. Rec'd of Mr Leverton (bricklayer), for overdrafts on the theatre #67 18s. 6d. and of Sarjant for Timber used at the houses in Bow St. and Hart St., charged to the Theatre account #16 14s. Paid Sarjant for part of a #5 2s. 6d. bill for Ironmonger's work done for the house in Bow Passage #1 12s. (Account Book). Receipts: #148 1s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Shuter. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Afterpiece: By Particular Desire of several persons of Distinction, to be added for that night only. Neville MS Diary: Covent Garden Theatre after being shut up for the season was open'd tonight as a high favour to Shuter...Before [the farce] the Gods having call'd for the Music to play Roast Beef, would not suffer the play to begin till their request was complied with. They pelted Davies and Hull, who appeared first, with orange skins, crying Off, Off'...Glad Shuter had a good house. He is an excellent comedian and is said to have a good heart. [The income for this night not listed in the Account Books. On 10 June however, the treasurer received from Shuter #10 'for the renters for the night of his benefit," and #1 13s. 9d. for oyl that night. On 20 July the treasurer received from Shuter #43 15s. for tickets for his first benefit, and #1 4s. 1 1!2d. in money, along with #20 for his second benefit." On July 22, the treasurer paid "to sundry Creditors of Mr Shuter as per Receipt Books #245 4s. 1 1!2d., and to Mr Wilford by order of Shuter #60, and to Beard #26 16s." N.B. On Wednesday 1 July The sum of #60,000 was this day paid down for the purchase of the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden, pursuant to agreement. The patentees are Messieurs Colman, Harris, Rutherford and Powell"--Gentleman's Magazine, p. 379.

Event Comment: [Benefit for Dibdin, but not acted,] Princess Louisa Anne, sister to His Majesty died in the morning. All Theatres and Gardens closed for 8 days. Rec'd of Mrs Squibb for her deficiency the 10th Inst. #11 5s. Rec'd of Davis for his deficiency the 4th inst. #4 12s. Received of Perry for his deficiency the 4th inst. #4 12s. (Account Book).*c1768 05 13 cg [Benefit for Dibdin, but not acted,] Princess Louisa Anne, sister to His Majesty died in the morning. All Theatres and Gardens closed for 8 days. Rec'd of Mrs Squibb for her deficiency the 10th Inst. #11 5s. Rec'd of Davis for his deficiency the 4th inst. #4 12s. Received of Perry for his deficiency the 4th inst. #4 12s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Being desir'd by many Persons of Quality, for ONE NIGHT ONLY, and By Permission of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of the Catch-Club, at the Thatch'd House in St Jame's St., will be perform'd the Favourite Catches and Glees which were exhibited Last Summer at Ranelagh-House, With TWO DESIR'D ALTERATIONS. After the 2nd Act, a Concerto on the Violin, by Barthelemon. A Considerable number of the Best Vocal and Instrumental Performers are engag'd on this occasion. Books for the Performance to be had at the theatre. Great care will be taken to keep the Theatre Cool. Ladies and Gentlemen send servants before the opening of the doors, which will be at Half-past 4. No persons can possibly be admitted behind the scenes. To Begin at exactly Seven o'clock. Tickets to be had and places to be taken (ONLY) of Mr Johnston at the stage Door (playbill)

Event Comment: This year was publish'd, Observations on the Importance and use of Theatres, present Regulation and possible Improvement [40 pp. Advocates Government control of Theatres and selection of plays and taxation on theatrical entertainments.

Event Comment: At the Theatre Royal in the Haymarket. Places to be taken of Mr Jewell at the Theatre. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. No Admittance behind the Scenes. No Money to be returned after the Curtain is drawn up. The Doors to be open at Six. To begin precisely at Seven. Vivant Rex et Regina. The Servants to keep Places are desired to be at the House by Five. [Repeated.

Event Comment: Doors open by 5 o'clock. Play to begin at 6 o'clock. Winston MS 10: 7 Sept. Garrick has given two silver cups to be play'd for at cricket between Chertsey and Hampton. [The Town and Country Magazine for this month (from Theatre No XX) gives much about actors employed at both patent theatres, their relationships and articles of agreement.

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)

Event Comment: Timon published at 1s. 6d. Tomorrow will be publish'd, Beautifully printed, The Theatres: A poetical Dissection by Sir Nicholas Nipclose, printed for John Bell. [See 17 Dec. and 1 Jan. 1772.] King's share of Bristol Theatre purchas'd by Dodd (Winston MS 10). Paid Mr Weston's Bill to Mr Best #4 5s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #136 13s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: By Command of Their Majesties. Tickets and places to be taken of Mr Johnston at the Stage Door of the Theatre at Half a Guinea. Pit 5s. First Gallery 3s. 6d. Second Gallery 2s. Doors to be opened at Five o'clock. To begin at Half past Six. Theatrical Review (London, 1772), appendix, pp. 207-8: The Oratorios performed at this House were conducted by Messrs. Stanley and Smith, for their own emolument; the Managers of the theatre having had no Share of the profit arising from these performances, nor any advantage, except a premium for the use of the house. Mr Stanley's musical abilities are well known. Mr Smith, was, if we are not mistaken, a pupil of the celebrated Mr Handel's; and, we believe, that Gentleman left Mr Smith the greatest part of his music, if not his whole library; so that Mr Smith may with great propriety claim the right of succeeding Mr Handel in the exhibition and conduct of his Oratorios, which he has undertaken (in conjunction with Mr Stanley) every since Mr Handel's death. Their band was composed of some of the most capital performers in this kingdom, and was led by Mr Ximenes. The vocal performers (exclusive of Chorus singers) were Mr Norris, well known to all lovers of Music, for his taste and delicacy of execution. Mr Parry (a Bass voice) from the Cathedral Church of Salisbury. This gentleman, though very young, has an extensive compass, and a great power of voice, and acquits himself with considerable reputation. Mrs Weichsel and Mrs Scott, of whom it would be superfluous and unnecessary to say anything, since their abilities are generally known. And lastly Signora Grassi, a performer of great merit. Theatrical Review, 6 March: This is Mr Dryden's celebrated Ode on St Cecelia's Day, and not an Oratorio, but performed as such...It contains many beauties and such as are worthy of Mr Handel's genius...Being much shorter than the usual length of oratorios, Mr Handel's celebrated Coronation Anthems were added in order to make the evening's entertainment of a proper length. Also a Solo on the Violincello by Mr Janson...lately arrived from Paris, said to have been a pupil of Mr Duport's but, though his taste and excution is very astonishing, we cannot give him the preference of his master. [See 13 April 1773.Charge seems to have been #28 per night plus expenses for oil, candles &c.

Event Comment: [Maria Macklin in a MS letter to her father this date (See dl 1 Feb. 73) complains that Elfrida alone drew houses at cg this season, and that even that play failed to fill the galleries; that Colman was difficult to see; that Younger carried on all the business of the theatre, everyone kowtowing to him: "Savigny has been discharged from the theatre; Ross has been laid up all the winter with the Gout, and has lately played Lear to a thin house. The Town is big with expectation of Foote's Puppet Show."] Receipts: #166 6s

Event Comment: Paid One Year's Rector's rate for theatre due Xmas #8 15s., and ditto for House in Bow Passage #6s. 3d.; Paid ditto for Watch rate for theatre #17 10s., and same for House in Bow Passage 12s. 6d. (Account Book). Receipts: #175 14s

Event Comment: Benefit for Miss Miller. Mainpiece: Not Acted these 5 years. [See 13 April 1768.] Charges #66 5s. 6d. Profit to Miss Miller #11 9s. 6d., plus #20 4s. from tickets (Box 52; Pit 48). Paid half year's Land Tax for Theatre due Lady Day last #35; ditto for House in Bow Passage #1 5s. 6d.; ditto for Window Lights for theatre #6 10s. 6d., and for House in Bow Passage 15s. (Account Book). Receipts: #78 5s

Event Comment: Both pieces By Command of their Majesties. Present their Majesties. Gave Yeomen of Guards #2 2s. Paid Mr Burton for playing in the Pippin and Sorcerer last season #20. Paid half year's Land Tax for theatre due Mich. last #39 7s. 6d., and ditto for House in Bow Passage #1 8s. 2d.; Paid Window lights for theatre half year #6 10s. 6d., and ditto for House in Bow Passage 15s. Receipts: #224 18s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Kennedy. Afterpiece: Never performed in this theatre. [No mention of permission.] Mr Kennedy intended having this performance before the Benefits commenced at Drury Lane and Covent Garden Theatres, but having been detained at Bristol, could not pay his respects to his friends sooner

Event Comment: Portia by Mrs Siddons being her first appearance upon this Stage a good figure rather handsome--wants Spirit and ease her Voice a little course very well receiv'd (Hopkins, Diary). Paid Mr Wrighten on note #100; Mr Garrick 2 nights for Bon Ton and Little Gipsey, #238. Receipts: #197 (Treasurer's Book). Books of the Songs and Chorusses of the Afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. [This note appeared on all subsequent bills advertising the Jubilee this season.] The most accomplished actress can display little other abilities in this part [Portia] than a correct elocution, and a knowledge of the author. The lady of last night being thus circumstanced [her first appearance] it is impossible to pronounce what the nature or extent of her powers may enable her to execute when placed in a situation that calls them forth. But from the speciman she gave there is not room to expect anything beyond mediocrity. Her figure and face, although agreeable, have nothing striking, her voice (that requisite of all public speakers) is far from being favourable to her progress as an actress. It is feared she possess a monotone not to be got rid of; there is also vulgarity in her tones, ill calculated to sustain that line in a theatre she has at first been held forth in; but as these observations are formed when the lady laboured under the disadvantages of a first attempt in the metropolis, her future efforts may perhaps entirely remove them (Middlesex Journal, 30 Dec. Quoted in Hampden, Journal)