Event Comment: A New Pantomime of
Mr Messinks went off with great Applause (
Hopkins Diary). Music By Dibdin. New Scenes, Habits, and Machines. Nothing under Full Prices will be taken. [Repeated.] Paid 4 days salary list at #85 12s. 11d., #342 11s. 8d.;
Miss Mansell on acct #5 5s.;
Mr Clinch ditto, #6 6s.;
Dr Arne for
Mrs Bradley 2 nights per order #5 5s.; Stopages nil (Treasurer's Book). [Full description of
the New Pantomime is given in
the Westminster Magazine (January 1773):
Harlequin born to
the Pigmies comes to manhood, gets a job from
the Register Office in a Nobleman's family where he meets
Colombine.
They love, and elope, a chase ensues through several noted places in
London, which are detailed in
the review.
The union of
the lovers is finally consended to, and all closes with dancing. "Some of
the paintings in
the scenery are well executed; and
the generality of
Mr Dibdin's music deserves equal praise." In it
Mrs Wrighten gives a ludicrous imitation of
Miss Catley's manner of singing.
The reviewer's general
thesis about
the London stage of this period, given first in
the preliminary number, 1 Jan. 1773 continues: "
The Stage seems now buried in universal darkness...
The Publick for several weeks, has been fed with
the lean carcass of two villainous pantomimes."] Receipts: #162 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)