SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "The Rev Mr Smith"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "The Rev Mr Smith")') GROUP BY eventid ORDER BY weight() desc, eventdate asc OPTION field_weights=(perftitleclean=100, commentpclean=75, commentcclean=75, roleclean=100, performerclean=100, authnameclean=100), ranker=sph04

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We found 4504 matches on Event Comments, 2929 matches on Performance Comments, 759 matches on Performance Title, 37 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 18-21 Dec. 1697, suggests that the premiere occurred not later than late November. This play was originally given to the company in Drury Lane, but withdrawn. See G. Thorn-Drury, An Unrecorded Play Title, Review of English Studies, VI (1930), 316-18. Edition of 1698: A Dialogue in the fourth Act, between Mr Bowman and Mrs Bracegirdle; The words by Mr Durfey and set by Mr Eccles: When will Stella kind and tendre. A Dialogue in the fifth Act, between a Boy and a Girl, and an Old Man, Written by Mr Motteux, set to the Musick by Mr J. Eccles. Preface: I look upon those that endeavour'd to discountenance this Play as Enemys to me

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Deceiver Deceived

Event Comment: Rich's Company. That this day was the premiere is implied by the Post Boy, 6-9 July 1700: This Day at the Theatre Royal in Drury-Lane, will be presented a New Comedy, never Acted before, called Courtship Alamode. Preface, Edition of 1700: This Play was so long expected e're it came into the World, that I'm oblig'd in Justice to my self, to excuse its appearance at at time when there were scarce Witnesses in Town of its Birth. It was enter'd in the other House [lif], where Mr Betterton did me all the Justice I cou'd indeed reasonably hope for. But that Example he gave, was not it seems to be follow'd by the whole Company, since 'tis known that Mr Bowman (I mention his Name to keep the reflection from other sharers) kept the first Character of my Play six weeks, and then cou'd hardly read six lines on't. How far that Way of management makes of late for the Interest and Honour of that House, is easie to be judg'd. Some who valu'd their reputations more, were indeed rarely or never absent. To these I gave my thanks; but finding that six or seven people cou'd not perform what was design'd for fifteen, I was oblig'd to remove it after so many sham Rehearsals, and in two days it got footing upon the other Stage [dl]. Where twas immediately cast to the best Advantage, and Plaid in less than twenty days. [In the Dedication Penkethman states that he saw the play into print after its being received well by the town.] A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1700), pp. 104-5: Ramble: Courtship Alamode, the Author, one Crawford, a Caledonian. Sullen: I remember it, and its Adventures; it was enter'd into the New-House, at the Recommendation of a certain Scotch Lord, and sojourning there six Months to no purpose, it travell'd afterwards to the Old-House, where it was with much ado Acted. Ramble: And Damn'd-there I was in with you

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Courtship A La Mode

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Tunbridge Walks

Music: A piece of Instrumental Musick- to be perform'd on the Stage

Song: Mr Laroon, Mrs Hughs; particularly a Two/part Song-Mr Laroon, Mrs Hughs compos'd by the late Mr Henry Purcell

Song: Country Farmer's Daughter, Highland Lilt-the Devonshire Girl; The Whip of Dunbyn-Claxton; a new Entry-Mrs Campion, others; A Scotch Dance-Mrs Bicknell; a new Scaramouch Man and Scaramouch Woman-Laferry, Mrs Lucas

Event Comment: Benefit Penkethman. The Boxes and Pit 2s. 6d., the Boxes being laid open to the Pit. Note, No Subscribers' Tickets to pass this Day. To begin exactly at 5 of the Clock, by reason that the Gentlemen and Ladies that come from London may have time to return home before Night. Note, The Tide happens very luckily for Mr Penkethman's Friends in London: It Ebbs to Greenwich from 10 in the Morning till 6 at Night, flows from 6 in the Evening till 11, it being Moon-light

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rover

Performance Comment: Ned Blunt-the famous true Comedian Mr Cave Underhill, to oblige Mr Penkethman's Friends; Rover-Powell; Belville-Husband; Frederick-Cory; Angelica-Mrs Kent; Helena-Mrs Baker; Florinda-Mrs Shepard; Moretta-Mrs Powell; With an Epilogue-Mr Penkethman on an Ass.

Entertainment: Young Gentlewoman, as17100817; Likewise a Vaulting the Managed Horse-famous Master who never appear'd on the Publick Stage

Dance: Ladder Dance-; French Peasant-; Wooden Shoe-; Harlequin Scaramouch Cooper and Wife-

Event Comment: This is a farce of Macklin's Writing, it went off very greatly-he play'd Shylock too (Cross). Receipts: #190 (Cross). [Garrick and Lacy had contracted with Macklin for this Farce two weeks before this performance, according to the following document (BM Add. MS 27925): Memorandum of an Agreement relating to Mr Macklin's Farce and his Playing & performing in the said Farce, with such plays as shall be performed on which the said Farce shall be acted as aforesaid as follows: Imprimis: The said Farce to be publicly performed before Christmas, otherwise not this season on account of the Managers other engagements. Item: Mr Macklin to have for his performing in the said plays and Farce a Fifth part of the profits of the first five nights after deducting sixty-three pounds for the charges of each night during the said five nights-and the sixth night to be for the Benefit of Mr Macklin, he paying the usual charges of sixty-three pounds. Item: The Managers to have it in their power to stop the performances of the said Farce at the end of Six nights on account of their other engagements,-and in case the Receipt of any one night of the said nights on which the said Farce shall be performed as aforesaid shall fall short of One Hundred pounds. Then the Managers to have it in their power to stop the performance of said Farce as the Receipt does not amount to One Hundred pounds. Item: The said Six nights for the said Farce & plays in which Mr Macklin shall perform as aforesaid not to be played immediately succeeding one another, but alternately with such plays as the Managers shall think Convenient. Lastly: That if the said Farce shall meet with the disapprobation of the Publick, that then it shall be in the Power of Discretion of the Managers to stop the performance thereof. Dated this 28th day of November, 1759. S@ James Lacy, D. Garrick. Witness: R. Cross, Geo. Garrick.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Merchant Of Venice

Afterpiece Title: Love a la Mode

Performance Comment: Actors only listed, but Genest, IV, 579, lists: Sir Archy Macsarcasm-Macklin; Sir Callaghan-Moody; Squire Groom-King; Mordecai-Blakes; Sir Theodore Goodchild-Burton; Charlotte (with Prologue)-Miss Macklin.

Dance: IV: A Dutch Dance-Master Settree, Master Blagdon, Miss Blagdon

Event Comment: By Permission of the Lord Chamberlain. Benefit for Mrs Greville and Williams. Mainpiece: Not acted these 5 years. Tickets delivered for the 17th of December will be admitted. Tickets and places to be had of Williams at Mr Spoke's, Tottenham Court; Mr White, Auctioneer, Queen street, Westminster; Messrs Ellis and Scott, Old Bond-street; Mr Hewitt, New Bond-street; Mr Cowcieroy, Great Russell-street, Bloomsbury; and at the Excise Office Coffee-House, Old Bond-street

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Constant Couple Or A Trip To The Jubilee

Performance Comment: Sir Harry Wildair-Mrs Greville (of DL); Colonel Standard-Brinsley; Young Clincher-Swords (from the Theatre Royal, Dublin); Vizard-Cotton; Alderman Smuggler-Barrett; Tom Errand-Forrest; Beau Clincher-A Gentleman (1st appearance on any stage [unidentified]); Wife-Mr Pressley; Angelica-Miss Read; Parley-Miss Plain; Lady Darling-Mrs Fowler; Lady Lurewell-Mrs Child .

Afterpiece Title: The Irish Widow

Performance Comment: Whittle-Barrett; Sir Patrick O'Neale-Lloyd; Bates-Booth; Kecksey-Pressley; Nephew-Forrest; Thomas-Swords; Widow Brady (with the Epilogue Song)-Mrs Greville .
Cast
Role: Widow Brady Actor: Mrs Greville

Song: End of Act I of afterpiece Horn sweet are the Woodlands by Forrest and Groves. imitations. End of mainpiece, Vocal and Rhetorical, by the Gentleman who performs Beau Clincher

Performance Comment: imitations. End of mainpiece, Vocal and Rhetorical, by the Gentleman who performs Beau Clincher .
Event Comment: The United Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@147, p. 68: The King and Queene & a Box for ye Maydes of Honor at the Opera. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 350, and 1 Jan. 1684@5. The opera was certainly given on 3 June, probably on 10 June, and probably on 13 June, the day that the news of the Duke of Monmouth's landing reached London; as Downes states that it was acted six times, there were three additional performances between 3 and 13 June 1685. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 40): In Anno 1685. The Opera of Albion and Albanius was perform'd; wrote by Mr Dryden, and Compos'd by Monsieur Grabue: This being perform'd on a very Unlucky Day, being the Day the Duke of Monmouth, Landed in the West: The Nation being in a great Consternation, it was perform'd but Six times, which not Answering half the Charge they were at, Involv'd the Company very much in Debt. Roger North: The first full opera that was made and prepared for the stage, was the Albanio of Mr Grabue, in English, but of a French genius. It is printed in full score, but proved the ruin of the poor man, for the King's death supplanted all his hopes, and so it dyed (Roger North on Music, ed. John Wilson [London, 1959], p. 311). The Prologue and Epilogue, published separately, are reprinted in Wiley, Rare Prologues and Epilogues, pp. 244-46. The score and the libretto were published in 1687 (licensing date of 15 March 1686@7): Albion and Albanius; An Opera; Or, Representation in Musick. Set by Lewis Grabu, Esq; Master of His late Majesty's Musick

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Albion And Albanius

Performance Comment: Edition of 1685: Prologue to the Opera By Mr Dryden-; Epilogue to the Opera by Mr Dryden-.
Event Comment: The United Company. On 23 April 1689 Luttrell purchased a copy of the Prologue. The broadside copy, with Luttrell's date of acquisition, is in the possession of Mr Louis Silver, Wilmette, Illinois, to whose courtesy I am indebted for permission to use this date. When the Prologue, which is reprinted in Wiley, Rare Prologues and Epilogues, pp. 271-72, appeared in The Fourth and Last Volume of the Works of Mr Tho. Brown (1719), the Prologue has the title: Jo. Haines in Penance; Or, his Recantation-Prologue, at his acting of Poet Bays in the Duke of Buckingham's Play call'd The Rehearsal. Spoken in a white Sheet, with a burning Taper in his Hand, upon his Admittance in to the House after his Return from the Church of Rome. In the Preface to his play, The Fatal Mistake (1691-92), Haines stated: In troth I have Acted Mr Bays so often, and so feelingly, that I could not possibly forbear copying after so fair an Original

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rehearsal

Performance Comment: Bayes-Haines. Mr Haynes His Recantation-Prologue Upon his first Appearance on the Stage After His Return from Rome.
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but it very probably occurred not later than May 1691, as the play was advertised in the London Gazette, 4-8 June 1691. For discussions of it, see E. W. White, Early Performances of Purcell's Operas, Theatre Notebook, XIII (1958-59), 44-45, and R. E. Moore, Henry Purcell and the Restoration Theatre, Chapter III. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42: King Arthur an Opera, wrote by Mr Dryden: it was Excellently Adorn'd with Scenes and Machines: The Musical Part set by Famous Mr Henry Purcel; and Dances made by Mr Jo. Priest: The Play and Musick pleas'd the Court and City, and being well perform'd, twas very Gainful to the Company. Roger North: I remember in Purcell's excellent opera of King Arthur, when Mrs Butler, in the person of Cupid, was to call up Genius, she had the liberty to turne her face to the scean, and ner back to the theater. She was in no concerne for her face, but sang a recitativo of calling towards the place where Genius was to rise, and performed it admirably, even beyond any thing I ever heard upon the English stage....And I could ascribe it to nothing so much as the liberty she had of concealing her face, which she could not endure should be so contorted as is necessary to sound well, before her gallants, or at least her envious sex. There was so much of admirable musick in that opera, that it's no wonder it's lost; for the English have no care of what's good, and therefore deserve it not (Roger North on Music, ed. John Wilson [London, 1959], p. 217-18)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: King Arthur Or The British Worthy

Performance Comment: Edition of 1691: King Arthur-Betterton; Oswald, King of Kent-Williams; Conon-Hodgson; Merlin-Kynaston; Osmond-Sandford; Aurelius-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Albanact-Bowen; Guillamar-Harris; Emmeline-Mrs Bracegirdle; Matilda-Mrs Richardson; Philidel-Mrs Butler; Grimbald-Bowman; Prologue to the Opera-Mr Betterton; The Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle.
Related Works
Related Work: Bonduca Author(s): George Colman, the elder
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but it lies between Saturday 9 and Saturday 16 April. Luttrell, A Brief Relation (II, 413) stated on 9 April that the Queen had prohibited its being acted; on 16 April (II, 422) he reports that it has been acted. Luttrell, A Brief Relation, II, 422, 16 April: Mr Dryden s play has been acted with applause, the reflecting passages upon this government being left out. The Gentleman's Journal, May 1692 (licensed 14 May): I told you in my last, that none could then tell when Mr Dryden's Cleomenes would appear; since that time, the Innocence and Merit of the Play have rais'd it several eminent Advocates, who have prevailed to have it Acted, and you need not doubt but it has been with great applause. Preface, Edition of 1692: Mrs Barry, always Excellent, has, in this tragedy, excell'd Herself, and gain'd a Reputation beyond any Woman whom I have ever seen on the Theatre. [See also Cibber, Apology, I, 160, for a discussion of Mrs Barry in Cleomenes.] A song, No, no, poor suffering heart no change endeavour, the music by Henry Purcell, is in Comes Amoris, The Fourth Book, 1693, and also, with the notice that it was sung by Mrs Butler, in Joyful Cuckoldom, ca. 1695. See also Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XVI (1906), xviii-xix; Epistolary Essay to Mr Dryden upon his Cleomenes, in Gentleman's Journal, May 1692, pp. 17-21. When the play was revived at Drury Lane, 8 Aug. 1721, the bill bore the heading: Not Acted these Twenty-Five Years

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Cleomenes The Spartan Heroe

Performance Comment: Edition of 1692: Prologue-Mr Mountfort; Cleomenes-Betterton; Cleonidas-Lee; Ptolomy-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Sosybius-Sandford; Cleanthes-Mountford; Pantheus-Kynaston; Coenus-Hudson; Cratisiclea-Mrs Betterton; Cleora-Mrs Bracegirdle; Cassandra-Mrs Barry; Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle.
Cast
Role: Cleanthes Actor: Mountford
Role: Pantheus Actor: Kynaston
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not precisely known, but by 9 May 1693 it had been acted four times (see Dryden's letter, below); on the other hand, the Gentleman's Journal, February 1692@3 (issued in March) had stated that D'Urfey's new farce would not appear until after Easter. Hence, it may well have been the first new play after Passion Week. A dialogue, Behold, the man with that gigantick might, the music by Henry Purcell and sung by Mr Reading and Mrs Ayliff, is in Orpheus Britannicus, 1690. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XXI (1917), viii-x. A dialogue, By these pigsnes eyes that stars do seem, the music by John Eccles and sung by Dogget and Mrs Bracegirdle, is in Joyful Cuckoldom, ca. 1695. Another, Stubborn church division, folly, and ambition, to a Ground of Mr Solomon Eccles, is in Thesaurus Musicus, 1694. And Maiden fresh as a rose, the verse by D'Urfey and sung by Pack, but not printed in the play, is in The Merry Musician, I (1716), 56-57. This last song may have been for a later revival. Gentleman's Journal, April 1693 (issued in May 1693): Since my last we have had a Comedy by Mr Durfey; 'tis called the Richmond Heiress or a Woman once in the right (p. 130). Dryden to Walsh, 9 May 1693: Durfey has brought another farce upon the Stage: but his luck has left him: it was sufferd but foure dayes; and then kickd off for ever. Yet his Second Act, was wonderfully diverting; where the scene was in Bedlam: & Mrs Bracegirdle and Solon [Dogget] were both mad: the Singing was wonderfully good, And the two whom I nam'd, sung better than Redding and Mrs Ayloff, whose trade it was: at least our partiality carryed it for them. The rest was woeful stuff, & concluded with Catcalls; for which the two noble Dukes of Richmond and St@Albans were chief managers (The Letters of John Dryden, pp. 52-53)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Richmond Heiress Or A Woman Once In The Right

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not precisely known, but the Gentleman's Journal, April 1693 (issued in May) states that it followed D'Urfey's comedy: And since that [The Richmond Heiress] another by Mr George Powell, call'd, a very good Wife, which hath already been acted five times (p. 130). It is likely that Powell's comedy first appeared late in April or very early in May. Dedication, Edition of 1693: The unexpected Success of this Play. A Comparison between the Two Stages (p. 16): Ramble: The next? Sullen: A very good Wife. Ramble: That's almost a Solaecism: whose is't? Sullen: Oh an excellent Author's! one George Powell's, the Player. Ramble. What was it's Fate? Sullen: Damn'd, damn'd, as it deserv'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: A Very Good Wife

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Prologue [By Mr Congreve-Mr Hains; Epilogue-Mrs Knight; Courtwitt-Powell; Wellborn-Hodgson; Bonavent-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Squeezwit-Bowen; Venture-Bright; Hickman-Trafusis; Sneaksby-Hains; Aminadab-Cibber; Jeremy-Lee; Crack-Lawson; Annabella-Mrs Mountfort; Widow Lacy-Mrs Knight; Carroll-Mrs Lassels; Mrs Sneaksby-Mrs Lee.
Cast
Role: Mr Congreve Actor: Mr Hains
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 12-16 Dec. 1695, suggests that it was probably first acted not later than November 1695. The edition of 1696 mentions two songs and their performers: A lass there lives upon the green, the words by an unknown hand, set by Courteville, and sung by the Boy to Miss Cross; and Bright Cynthia's pow'r divinely great, words by Mr Cheek, set by Courtevill, sung by Leveridge. These two songs are also in Deliciae Musicae, The Fourth Book, 1696, as is a third, Celemene, pray tell me, set by Henry Purcell and sung by the Boy and Girl. The words were written by D'Urfey; and the Boy presumably was Bowen, and the Girl, Miss Cross. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XXI (1917), v-vi. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 19: Sullen: Oronooko. Ramble: Oh! the Favourite of the Ladies. Sullen: It had indeed uncommon Success, and the Quality of both Sexes were very kind to the Play, and to the Poet: No doubt it has Merit, particularly the last Scene; but 'tis as certain, that the Comick Part is below that Author's usual Genius. Ramble: I have a particular regard for Mr Southern's Stile and agreeable Manner; there's a Spirit of Conversation in every thing he writes. Sullen: I think very few exceed him in the Dialogue; his Gallantry is natural, and after the real manner of the Town; his acquaintance with the best Company entered him into the secrets of their Intrigues, and no Man knew better the Way and Disposition of Mankind. But yet I must say, his Diction is commonly the best part of him, especially in Comedy; but in Tragedy he has once in this, and in one other, Drawn the Passions very well

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Oroonoko

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue to Oroonoko [Sent by an Unknown Hand,-Mr Powell; Oroonoko-Verbruggen; Aboan-Powell; Lieutenant Governor-Williams; Blanford-Harland; Stanmore-Horden; Jack Stanmore-Mills; Captain Driver-Ben Johnson; Daniel-Mich. Lee; Hottman-Sympson; Imoinda-Mrs Rogers; Widow Lackit-Mrs Knight; Charlot Welldon-Mrs Verbruggen; Lucy Welldon-Mrs Lucas; Epilogue to Oroonoko [Written by Mr Congreve, edition of 1699]-Mrs Verbruggen.
Related Works
Related Work: Oroonoko Author(s): Thomas Southerne
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Man, 29 Feb.-2 March 1695@6, and the London Gazette, No. 3165, 9-12 March 1695@6, suggests that its first appearance was not later than early February. One song, The town rakes, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Mr Edward, was separately printed ca. 1696. Epistle Dedicatory, Edition of 1696: The unjust Sentence this Play met with before very partial Judges in the Acting....So that I may reasonable impute its miscarriage to some Faction that was made against it, which indeed was very Evident on the First day, and more on the endeavours employ'd, to render the Profits of the Third, as small as could be...Ch. Gildon

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Younger Brother Or The Amorous Jilt

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 25-28 April 1696, suggests that it was acted not later than the period preceding Passion Week (6-11 April 1696). In addition, the large number of minor performers in the cast suggests a Lenten performance by the young actors. In Act I, Scene i, there is an Entertainment of Instrumental Musick, Compos'd by Signior Finger: Then a Song, set by Mr John Eccles, and Sung by Young La Roche. In III, iii: A Dialogue set by Seignior Baptist. The play is an adaptation of John Webster's Cure for a Cuckold. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702): The City Bride, by another Player, Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The City Bride Or The Merry Cuckold

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Thurmond; Bonvile-Boman; Friendly-Thurmond; Justice Merryman-Bright; Summerfield-Scudemore; Mr Ventre-Arnold; Mr Spruce-Bayly; Compasse-Freeman; A Councellor-Davis; Pettifog-Trefusis; Dodge-Eldred; Arabella-Mrs Boman; Clara-Mrs Boutell; Mrs Ventre-Mrs Lacy; Peg-Mrs Perin; Nurse-Mrs Lawson; Lucy-Miss Prince; Epilogue-the City-Bride.
Cast
Role: Epilogue Actor: the City-Bride.
Role: the City Actor: Bride.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Man, 7-9 July 1696, suggests that it was first presented not later than June 1696. The cast also has a large number of relatively new players, suggesting a performance in the early summer, when the young actors had more opportunities to act. Several Songs, with the names of the singers, were published separately: Hark you, madam, can't I move you, set by John Eccles, and sung by Bowman and Mrs Bracegirdle; Shou'd I not lead a happy life, set by John Eccles and sung by Reading and M. Lee; From Aberdeen to Edinburgh, set by Ackeroyd and sung by Mrs Hudson; all in Deliciae Musicae, The Second Book of the Second Volume, 1696. Preface, Edition of 1696: I am almost asham'd to mention the extraordinary Success of a Play which I myself must condemn....Let me leave this ungrateful Subject to acknowledge my obligations to Mr John Eccles, who not only set my three Dialogues to most charming Notes, but honour'd the Words to Admiration. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 44: Love's a Jest, a Comedy, done by Mr Mateox; succeeded well, being well Acted, and got the Company Reputation and Money

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Loves A Jest

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Bowen in a Riding-Dress; The Epilogue-Underhil, Bowen; Gypsies-Mr Mynns; Lord Lovewel-Hodgson; Sir ThomasGaymood-Freeman; Sam Gaymood-Bowen; Railmore-Betterton; Airy-Bowman; Sir Topewel Clownish-Underhil; Squire Illbred-Trefusis; Humphrey Doddipole-Trout; Humdrum-Eldred; Major Buff-Harris; Plot-Bright; Frankly-Bailey; Lady Single-Mrs Barry; Kitty-Mrs Howard; Francilia-Mrs Bowtell; Christina-Mrs Bracegirdle; Doll Hoyden-Mrs Perrin.
Cast
Role: The Epilogue Actor: Underhil, Bowen
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the Dedication of the play is dated 15 Jan. 1696@7 suggests that it was probably first acted not later than December 1696. The play was advertised in the Post Man, 21-23 Jan. 1696@7. The music was set by John Eccles. Dedication, Edition of 1697: I make you a Present of a Play, that miscarri'd on the first Nights Performance; tho' afterwards, without any farther Discouragement, it kept it self alive till the third day was over, and then I must confess the City Lady expir'd....This I am confident on, that the like Unfortunate Accidents which attended this Comedy, wou'd have been sufficient to have Dam'd a much better Play. The tedious waiting to have the Curtain drawn, after the Prologue was spoke, occasion'd by Mr Underhill's violent Bleeding, put the Audience out of Humour, and made it susceptible of the least Disgust; and when once the Torrent of its Displeasure break bounds, nothing cou'd put a stop to his Vehemence. After Mr Underhill was no longer able to come upon the Stage, scarce any thing was done but by Halves, and in much Confusion; in the midst of which, I think my self oblig'd to applaud the Justice I receiv'd from the Incomparable Mrs Barry. I very well know that the Ode in the third Act seems to be introduc'd something unseasonably. It was made and set long since, in hopes of having it perform'd before the King, at his return from Flanders; and the Music being so finely compos'd by Mr John Eccles, I was loath it shou'd be wholly lost to the Town. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 20: Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The City Lady Or Folly Reclaimd

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but Dryden, on 14 Dec. 1699, indicated that the run of the play had been completed by that day. A copy in the Folger Shakespeare Library has a notice of its publication. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 45: Iphigenia a Tragedy, wrote by Mr Dennis, a good Tragedy and well Acted; but answer'd not the Expences they were at in Cloathing it. [In The Life of Mr John Dennis (London, 1734) the author states that Colonel Codrington prevailed on all his friends to take tickets for the dramatist's third night.] Preface, Edition of 1700: And from the first representations I expected all the success that I could reasonably desire. I never in my life at any Play took notice of a more strict attention, or, a more profound silence. And there was something like what happen'd at the Representation of Pacuvius his Tragedy. For upon Orestes discovering his passion to Iphigenia in the fourth Act, there was a general murmur through the Pit, which is what I had never seen before. But after three or four representations, several people, who during that time had wholly abandon'd themselves to the Impression which Nature had made on them, began to study how to be discontented by Art; and repented heartily at having been pleas'd with what Athens and Rome and Paris had been pleas'd before. A Comparison between the Two Stages (1702), p. 23: Critick: I must needs Complement him [Dennis] with the Success of his laborious Iphigenia: Ay, here's a Tragedy with a witness--show a more tragick Poet if you can--'twas a smart Epilogue. But I marvel a Man of Mr Dennis's Penetration wou'd suffer, nay beg his Friend to Burlesque him at that unreasonable rate: But the Author was conscious the Audience might mistake it for a Comedy, and so he gets Colonel C-(he was sure his Word wou'd be taken) to tell 'em it was not a Comedy but a Tragedy: The hint was good and necessary, for o' my word very few knew what to make of it before, tho' there were many Tremendous things in't. [The dialogue continues to examine Dennis' Preface, and Dennis's assertions there concerning his play.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Iphigenia

Performance Comment: Edition of 1700: Prologue-Mr Verbruggen as the Genius of England; Epilogue by Coll. Codrington-; Orestes-Betterton; Pilades-Williams; Queen-Mrs Barry; Iphigenia-Mrs Bracegirdle; Euphrosine-Mrs Martin.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first production is not certain, but tradition states that Dryden died on the third day (1 May 1700); if this report is correct, the first performance occurred on 29 April 1700. In A Collection of New Songs...Compos'd by Mr Daniel Purcel, Perform'd in the Revis'd Comedy call'd the Pilgrim (1700) is a song, Chronos, Chronos, mend thy pace, with Janus sung by Freeman, Momus by Pate, Diana by Mrs Erwin. Gottfried Finger apparently composed the passage sung by Venus, Calms appear when storms are past. William Egerton, Faithful Memoirs of...Mrs Anne Oldfield (1731): The Pilgrim was indeed reviv'd for the Benefit of Mr Dryden, Ann. 1700, but he dying on third Night of its Representation, his Son attended the Run of it, and the Advantages accrued to his Family. Cibber, Apology, I, 269-70: This Epilogue, and the Prologue the same Play [The Pilgrim], written by Dryden, I spoke myself, which not being usually done by the same Person, I have a mind, while I think of it, to let you know on what Occasion they both fell to my Share....Sir John Vanbrugh, who had given some light touches of his Pen to the Pilgrim to assist the Benefit Day of Dryden, had the Disposal of the Parts, and I being then as an Actor in some Favour with him, he read the Play first with me alone, and was pleased to offer me my Choice of what I might like best for myself in it. But as the chief Characters were not (according to my Taste) the most shining, it was no great Self-denial in me that I desir'd he would first take care of those who were more difficult to be pleased; I therefore only chose for myself two short incidental Parts, that of the stuttering Cook and the mad Englishman....Sir John, upon my being contented with so little a Share in the Entertainment, gave me the Epilogue to make up my Mess; which being written so much above the Strain of common Authors, I confess I was not a little pleased with. And Dryden, upon his hearing me repeat it to him, made a farther Compliment of trusting me with the Prologue. Cibber, Apology, I, 305-6: In theYear 1699, Mrs Oldfield was first taken into the House, where she remain'd about a Twelve-month almost a Mute and unheeded, 'till Sir John Vanbrugh, who first recommended her, gave her the Part of Alinda in the Pilgrim revis'd. This gentle Character happily became that want of Confidence which is inseparable from young Beginners, who, without it, seldom arrive to any Excellence: Notwithstanding, I own I was then so far deceiv'd in my Opinion of her, that I thought she had little more than her Person that appear'd necessary to the forming a good Actress; for she set out with so extraordinary a Diffidence, that it kept her too despondingly down to a formal, plain (not to say) flat manner of speaking. Nor could the silver Tone of her Voice 'till after some time incline my Ear to any Hope in he favour. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 27: [After Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields had revived Shakespeare and Johnson] Nay then, says the whole party at D. Lane, faith we'll e'en put the Pilgrim upon him--ay faith, so we will, says Dryden, and if youll let my Son have the Profits of the Third Night, I'll give you a Secular Mask: Done, says the House, and so the Bargain was struck

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Pilgrim

Event Comment: Benefit Mrs Clive.--At the particular Desire of several Ladies of Quality. Mainpiece: Written by the late Mr Congreve. [The Stage] will be properly inclos'd, and form'd into Boxes, to prevent the Ladies taking Cold. [Tickets at Mrs Clive's House, Cecil Street, the Strand.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Way Of The World

Performance Comment: Millamant-Mrs Clive, in which Character will be produced the Original Song, the Words by Mr Congreve, and new set to Musick by Mr Handel; Mirabel-Milward; Fainall-Mills; Sir Wilful-Turbutt; Witwoud-Chapman; Petulant-Macklin; Waitwell-Shepard; Marwood-Mrs Butler; Lady Wishfort-Mrs Macklin; Mrs Fainall-Mrs Pritchard; Foible-Miss Bennet; Mincing-Mrs Walter.
Related Works
Related Work: The Way of the World Author(s): William Congreve

Afterpiece Title: The Devil to Pay

Related Works
Related Work: The Devil to Pay; or, The Wives Metamorphos'd Author(s): Theophilus Cibber

Dance: I: Le Tambourine-Mlle Chateauneuf; In IV: Muilment; V: Ballet-Denoyer, Mlle Chateauneuf

Song: III: Would You Taste the Noon@Tide Air (Comus)-Miss Edwards

Event Comment: Benefit Mr Connor, who kept the Key and Garter Tavern in Pall-Mall. Written by the late Mr Addison, and Set to Musick by Mr Arne. Reduced to Two Acts. 6:30 p.m

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Rosamond

Performance Comment: King Henry-Lowe; Queen Elinor-Mrs Arne; Rosamond-Mrs Clive; Page-Miss Edwards; Sir Trusty-Savage; Grideline-Mrs Jones; between the Interludes will be performed several Grand Concertos-; end Act I, will be performed the Solemn Invocation@Scene in Oedipus-; with the Chorusses-; And after the Opera the Songs and Chorusses in As You Like It-; In which (By Desire) will be introduced the Song of Sweet Bird in the L'Allegro-Mrs Arne; accompanied on the Violin-Mr Arne.
Event Comment: [T$Theophilus Cibber opened the theatre this one night. Mainpiece, a Mock Tragedy by Joseph Reed. Afterpiece, anonymous.] Tickets to be had at the Swan, Westminster Bridge; Forest's Coffee House and Cannon Tavern, Charing Cross; the Tuns in the Borough, Southwark; the Rainbow Coffee House, near the Royal Exchange; and the Bedford Coffee House, Covent Garden. N.B. Tickets for the Author to be had at Mr Briscall's at Parliament-Street Coffee House; the Bedford Head, Southampton St.; Mr Wells at the Crown and W in Russel Court, Covent Garden; Mr Long's in Little Britain; the Union Coffee House in Cornhill; the White Lion in Talbot Court; and the Sun Tavern, Shadwell

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Madrigal And Truletta

Afterpiece Title: Sir ThomasCallico or The Mock Nabob

Performance Comment: Taken from the Comedy of Sir Courtly Nice.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fair Quaker Of Deal

Afterpiece Title: The Diversions of the Morning

Performance Comment: As17590514, but Caleb-_; Ald Pentweazle-_; Manly-_; Parts-_Burton; Crambo (the Poet)-Austin.

Entertainment: S+Specialty.II: An Ode in Honour of the Anti@Gallicans written by Mr Boyce-Beard

Performance Comment: II: An Ode in Honour of the Anti@Gallicans written by Mr Boyce-Beard.
Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Thomas Holcroft, based on Le Glorieux, by Philippe Nericault, dit Destouches. In 1793 reduced by the author to an afterpiece of 3 acts. Prologue and Epilogue by the author (Knapp, 101, 307). This play was originally attributed to James Marshall (Public Advertiser, 5 Feb.); on 8 Feb. he wrote a letter to the editor of the Oracle, stating that "The School for Arrogance is not mine, but Mr Holcroft's...By appearing for a time as the ostensible author I hope I have contributed to heal what was most unaccomodating between Mr Harris and Mr Holcroft." And see Genest, VII, 24, 27.] Oracle, 19 Feb. 1791: This Day is published The School for Arrogance (1s. 6d.). "If Mrs Wells could be prevailed upon to speak out, so that the audience might hear, it would be of some advantage to the new play. At present, the performer who happens to be on the stage with her has it all in confidence" (Gazetteer, 9 Feb.). Receipts: #186 11s. (181.8; 5.3)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Arrogance

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Lewis, Johnstone, Aickin, Farren, Wilson, Munden, Marshall, Thompson, Farley, Evatt, Cross, Mrs Wells, Miss Brunton, Mrs Mattocks. [Cast from text (G. G. J. and J. Robinson, 1791): Count Conolly Villars-Lewis; MacDermot-Johnstone; Mr Dorimont-Aickin; Edmund-Farren; Sir Paul Peckham-Wilson; Sir Samuel Sheepy-Munden; Picard-Marshall; Exempt-Thompson; Footmen-Farley, Evatt, Letteney, Blurton; Bailiffs-Cross, Lee; Lucy-Mrs Wells; Lydia-Miss Brunton; Lady Peckham-Mrs Mattocks; Prologue-Bernard [in the Character of a News-hawker]; Epilogue-Mrs Mattocks. [These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]

Afterpiece Title: The Picture of Paris

Cast
Role: Catherine Actor: Mrs Webb

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Provokd Husband

Performance Comment: Townly-Chapman; Manly-Milward; Sir Francis-Morgan; Squire Richard-Salway; Basset-Houghton; Moody-Bullock; Poundage-Hall; Lady Townly-Mrs Templer; Lady Grace-Mrs Grace; Lady Wronghead-Mrs Morgan; Jenny-Mrs Rice; Mrs Motherly-Mrs Martin; Myrtilla-Mrs Chapman; Trusty-Mrs Ogden.
Cast
Role: Mrs Motherly Actor: Mrs Martin

Dance: Smith, Mrs Ogden