Event Comment: [E+Esther] With New Additions. Pit and Boxes to be put together .No persons to be admitted without tickets, which will be deliver'd this day at the office in the Theatre at Half a Guinea each. First Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. 6d. Galleries to be open'd at Half an Hour after Four o'clock. Pit and Boxes at Five. To begin at Half an Hour after Six o'Clock. This day publish'd Esther. An Oratorio, composed by Handel, as is to be performed this day at Covent Garden. Printed for J. Watts

Event Comment: Book of the Farce [The Author] will be sold in the theatre (Public Advertiser). [The Author probably the afterpiece.] Receipts: #180 (Cross)

Event Comment: An Oratorio composed by Sg Gio. Adol. Hasse, With Additions by Sg Giardini. End of the first Act a Concerto on the Organ by Mr Burton, In Act the third a Hautboy Concerto by the two Signori Besozzi, lately come from abroad. Pit and boxes 10s. 6d. First Gallery 5s. Upper Gallery 3s. 6d. Tickets and Places to be had of Mr Varney, at the stage-door of the Theatre. The profits of this performance will be given to A Public Charity. [No receipts recorded by Cross.

Event Comment: Benefit for Lowe. [See following "puff" from the Public Advertiser. "Sir: Perhaps there never was a period when the members of the stage were more respected than at present; and this favour consequently proceeds from the decency of their behaviour, and an emulative pride to please that public, whose generosity is an ample reward for their assiduity and perseverance; and when we consider the many qualifications, as well natural as acquired, requisite to constitute a player, surely the most rigid judge will be of opinion that the encouragement is not more than equal to the excellence. An actor must feel, that is, have the most refined idea of his part, to make an audience feel likewise; and adequate to the pleasures he enjoys in the applause of his approvers, will rise his degree of unhappiness, if by accident or sickness he is obstructed in the execution of his Genius; and should this happen at the era of his benefit, it must then be his misfortune to supplicate that interest which otherwise his merit would have commanded. "I was led to these reflections by accidentally perusing an advertisement prefix'd to a bill for the benefit of Mr Lowe; a performer too well known to need encomiums here; from whom the Town receive no inconsiderable Satisfaction at the theatre, and whose harmonious performance at our deservedly frequented summer scene of pleasure, has long obtained their highest approbation. We are told that a severe cold and Hoarseness have hindered his performing for some weeks past, and that he is now incapable of going abroad." Follows an elaborate plea for Lowe's friends to excuse his not calling on them, and for them to support his Benefit Night. Signed Veritas.

Event Comment: By Cibber and Company. Consisting of a Variety of Entertainments, intermixed with Singing, Dancing, &c. The Scenes, Machines, Habits, and Decorations &c., all new. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gall. 2s. The Doors will be opened at Five; the Concert to begin at Six. To be continued (with Variations) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, during the Summer season. Places for the Boxes to be had at the Theatre. The Performances depending very much on the Music, no Persons can be admitted into the Orchestra; and on account of the Variety of Scenery and Machinery, &c., that there may be no Interruptions in the Performances, 'tis hoped no Gentlemen will take it ill that they cannot possibly be admitted behind the Scenes. No money to be returned after the Curtain is drawn up; nor anything under the full Price to be taken during the Performance

Event Comment: This day at noon, Mr Yates of Drury Lane and Mr Shuter of Covent Garden Theatres at the new erected Great Concert Hall, the Greyhound Inn, Smithfield, intend to divert the Town during the short time of Bartholomew Fair with variety of Entertainments

Event Comment: To the Public: An Impartial Account of Cibber's Impromptu, by a Spectator: @In a frolicsome humour I went t'other day@To see the Diversions collected by THE',@When seen -from Amazement I could not refrain@That such an odd Oglio should come in his brain;@That from Chaos, Confusion and Visible night@He could bring such a queer group of figures to light:@I went-with a critical spleen that disdained@This project -but found myself well entertained.@For the English there's ships; for the Scots a good song;@[what] He sought to provide for Hibernia was Wrong@When this I observ'd to aworthy dear Honey -@He reply'd -"Blurr and Houns? there's enough for your money.@But to state the affair without laughter or fun@All agreed -my shift was superior to none;@With new Scenes, new Machines, Music, Dancing and all,@To risk our Diversions THE' ventured a fall@And if his last trump should unluckily fail,@[Brain?] must lay a scheme to keep out of a jail.@A few trivial errors we ought to forgive@Pay to Merit reward and let Industry live,@For your Candor alone must determine his fate@For the sake of Old Coll', let Theophilus eat.@ His Benefit tomorrow, Wednesday, the 14th Instant, at the Theatre in The Haymarket

Event Comment: At Warner's Booth, Bowling Green. By a Company of Comedians from the Theatres. To begin each day at twelve o'clock and end at ten p.m. during the time of Southwark Fair. The Booth is made very Theatrical and Commodious for the reception of Gentlemen and Ladies, and a good band of music provided consisting of violins, Bassoons, Hautboys, &c. Mainpiece: a diverting droll. [This note repeated on subsequent bills.

Event Comment: As Written by Shakespear. The Words of the songs will be printed and deliver'd Gratis at the Door of the Theatre. [These notes appear on all subsequent announcements of the play this season and will not be recorded further.] Receipts: #150 (Cross)

Event Comment: Receipts: #64 19s. 6d. [Saturday's deficit increased by payment of #200 to Wm. Finny on account of the new building, a partial amortization of purchase of additional structure adjoining the theatre.

Event Comment: [Benefit] for a Gentlewoman under Misfortunes (Cross). Tickets to be had fo Mrs Powell, at the Golden Leg in Fleet St.; at the Turk's Head Coffee-House in New Bond St.; and of Mr Varney at the theatre, where places in the Boxes may be taken (Public Advertiser). Receipts: #160 (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 for ye Middlesex Hospital. Part of Pit laid into Boxes. Tickets to be had at Mr John Horne's, Treasurer of the Hospital, in Market St., near Newport Market; At Tom's Coffee House, Cornhill; The White Hart Tavern, Holborn; The Bedford Coffee House, Covent Garden; Berkeley Square Coffee House; at the Hospital, and of Varney at the Theatre, where places may be taken. Receipts: #280 (Cross)

Event Comment: MMr Cibber having obtained Leave to act Plays, etc. at the Theatre in the Haymarket, humbly solicits Subscription, from his Patrons among the nobility, Gentry, etc. @Conditions. Each Subscriber will have@for Five Guineas 25 Box, or 40 Pit Tickets@for four Guineas 20 Box, or 32 Pit Tickets@for three Guineas 15 Box, or 24 Pit Tickets@for two Guineas 10 Box, or 16 Pit Tickets@for one Guinea 5 Box, or 8 Pit Tickets@for Half a Guinea 4 Pit Tickets or 6 Gallery@ Subscription Tickets will be taken any Night of the first Ten Performances. No Subscriptions will be received after Thursday 1 Jan. 1758, the first Day of Performance. The Play, Farce, and Entertainments will be timely mentioned in the Bills, Advertisements, &c

Event Comment: Receipts: #92 17s. Mem: Princess Caroline died this day in the afternoon, and the two theatres &c. were silenc'd to Friday the 6th of January following, seven nights. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Froment. Places in the Boxes to be had at the theatre. [The customary heading "By Authority" not in the bill.

Event Comment: An Oratorio. With several New Additions. Pit and Boxes to be put together. No person to be admitted without tickets, which will be deliver'd this day at the Office of the Theatre at Half a Guinea each. First Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. 6d. Galleries to be opened at Half past Four, Pit and Boxes at Five. To begin at Half an Hour after Six. [Customary note for all oratorios this season.

Event Comment: [B$Barry's one-third of surplus came to #40 16s. 4d. The fourteen Renters who received payments on 23 Feb. were New Renters (i.e., they had purchased shares only since the beginning of the current season). The Hutchison Mure Esq Account (See cg 1757 Estimate of Constant Expenses) lists forty shares outstanding for Old Renters at 2 shillings per night. Rich, during the next thirty days, sold new shares until by 27 March 1758 he had on his books forty-five New Renters in addition to the 40 old ones. Their names will appear as they bought in. On this night (25 Feb.) George Wolley purchased one share. This was an appropriate time to sell stock in the theatre since Rich could now show a favorable balance on his nightly Account Books of #620 3s. 9d. with all bills paid, including interest to Old Renters.] Receipts: #202 9s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mr Arne. In the Manner of an Oratorio. The Music composed by Arne. Boxes Half a Guinea. Pit 5s. First Gallery 3s. Upper Gallery 2s. To begin exactly at half an hour after Six. Tickets to be had and places to be taken of Varney at the Stage Door; and of Arne, next door to the Passage, in Charles St., Covent Garden. The Book is sold at R. Francklin's in Covent Garden, and at the Theatre the night of the performance. Price 1s. [Cross lists no receipts.

Event Comment: The Words by Mrs Elizabeth Rowe. The Musick by Chas. Barbandt. Pit and Boxes 5s. Gallery 3s. To begin at Seven o'Clock. Books of the Oratorio to be had at the Theatre 6d

Event Comment: Benefit for Clarke. Mainpiece: Not acted these 8 years. [See 22 March 1750.] No building on the Stage. Receipts: #49 4s. 6d. Charges: #63. Deficiency covered by #114 14s. from tickets (boxes 160; pit 394; gallery 156). Rec'd from John Rich, #300, being part of the sum paid Mrs Finny on account of the New Building. Paid out for sundries from the theatres and sum, to Barry and Lee, #284 14s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: We play'd the Beggar's Opera & ye Oracle by Children for the Benefit of some distress'd Actors who formerly belong'd to the Theatres. There was #102 in the House, the following Persons receiv'd from it Mr Marshall #23. Mr Morgan #21. Mrs Edgerton #5 5s. Mr Bowman #5 5s. Mr Phenix #10 10s. Mrs Gardner (formerly printer to ye house) #2 2s. N.B.: Mrs Clive refus'd to play her part of Lucy , it was done by Miss Young. New performers engag'd Y: Fletewood, Obrien, Packer, Perry, Miss Glen (Cross)

Event Comment: Boxes 5. Pit 3s. First Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr Crudge at the stage-door of the theatre. To begin exactly at six o'clock. [These customary announcements on all playbills will not be noted again; only significant differences will be noted during remainder of season.

Event Comment: N.B. This was Mr Packer's first appearance at Drury Lane Theatre. He had acted one night at Covent Garden in the preceding season, Johnson, in the Rehearsal and the Frenchman in Lethe, which pieces were perform'd for Mr Lee's Benefit. Mr Garrick was there, and engag'd Mr Packer, who was going to Ireland, with Mr Barry, and Mr Woodward, into the Drury Lane Company. I am writing this on the sixth of April 1801--tonight Mr Packer told me the above Particulars at Drury Lane Playhouse, where he has always remained since his first being engaged there (J. P. Kemble's note on Huntington bill). Receipts: #100 (Cross); #107 1s. 6d. (Winston MS 8)