Event Comment: [By
Ambrose Phillips.] At the Desire of several Ladies of Quality.
William Egerton: And in the Spring came on
Mr Phillips's Tragedy,
The Distrest Mother.
Mrs Rogers, an Actress, who in her Turn, had made a considerable Figure on the Stage, was designed the Part of (
Andromache,
Hector's Widow, &. i.e.) the
Distrest Mother. But the Author, as well as his Friends, were soon convinced that
Mrs Oldfield was infinitely the more accomplished Person for so Capital a Part. Upon its being given to Her, Mrs Rogers raised a Posse of Profligates, fond of Tumult and Riot, who made such a Commotion in the House, that the Court hearing of it send four of the Royal Messengers, and a strong Guard, to suppress all Disorders. This being effected, the Play was brought upon the Stage and crowned with deserved Success (
Egerton, pp. 31-32)
Performances
Mainpiece Title: The Distrest Mother