Event Comment: [This is
the only occasion in
the 18th century when a play was acted in
London on this date. "
The performance at
the Haymarket on
the 30th of January has been noticed by
his Majesty in a manner which is still a topic of conversation in
the higher circles...
There will be no more
theatrical performances on
the 30th of January" (
London Chronicle, 28 Feb.). On 3 Feb.
the Lord Chamberlain wrote to
Sheridan as follows: "Sir--Information has been received at this Office that
Theatrical Entertainments were exhibited at
the Theatre, under your direction, in St. James's Haymarket on
the 30th of Last Month, contrary to all precedent, and repugnant to Decency, being
the Anniversary of
the Martyrdom of King
Charles the First. I do not know by what Authority such a Step was taken but, as Chamberlain of His Majesty's Household, think it my Duty to desire that you will be pleased to Cause
the Practice to be discontinued in future. I am, Sir, Your Obedient, Humble Servant,
Salisbury" (MS
Letters to Sheridan from Various Correspondents,II, 64, in
Harvard Theatre Collection).
The Morning Chronicle on 31 Jan. offered ano
ther opinion: "It gave us infinite pleasure that last night we happily broke through one of
the most absurd fasts in
the calendar.
The Managers of
Drury Lane, with proper regard to
the public, rescued
them from
the common dullness of a 30th of January." But
the absurd fast remained in force until 1843.] Receipts: #339 18s. (291.4; 40.0; 8.11; ticket not come in: 0.3)
Performances
Afterpiece Title: The Englishman in Paris