Event Comment: LLondon Daily Post and General Advertiser, 13 April. Letter: Upon my Arrival in Town three Days ago, I was not a little surpriz'd, to find that Mr Handel's last Oratorio, (Israel in Egypt) which had been performed but once, was advertis'd to be for the last time on Wednesday....I was indeed concern'd, that so excellent a Work of so great a Genius was neglected, for tho' it was a Polite and attentive Audience, it was not large enough I doubt to encourage him in any future Attempt

Event Comment: Benefit Widow Harper. See Daily Advertiser, 30 April: The case of the Widow of the late John Harper, Comedian: Mr Harper, having been seiz'd about four years since with a Paralitic Disorder, which not only rendered him incapable of acting, but depriv'd him of the use of his limbs, and in some degree affected his senses so as to make him an object of great compassion; during which long and dreadful Indisposition of near four years all possible means were tried (tho' in vain) to recover him, which impair'd and hurt his Circumstances, so greatly, as not to permit him to leave a sufficent Support for his widow, who is in years and unprovided for. Mr Harper dying in January last, according to a custom in the theatre his widow is entitled to a Benefit, and the Comedy of The Miser is to be acted to-morrow night for her Benefit, at Drury Lane; but as she is incapable of making a proper interest for it, without applying to the Compassion and Generosity of the Publick, she hopes to be excused in giving them the Trouble of this her case. Tickets deliver'd out by Roger will be taken.See Garrick's Additional Benefit for her on 11 May.] Receipts: #50

Event Comment: By Henry Fielding. Never acted before. On 25 Jan. Lady Hertford wrote to her son: Mr Fielding has wrote a comedy which has been refus'd by the Licenser, not as a reflecting one, but on account of its immorality. On 19 Feb. she wrote again: Mr Fielding by suffering the bawd to be carted, tho she is his favorite character in the new play, has obtained a license to have it acted, and it was perform'd on thursday for the first time, but so much dislik'd that it is believ'd that it will be impossible to prevail with a second audience to hear it through.-Hughes, Hertford, p. 242. The Larpent MS. shows many question marks, and deletions of suggestive, passionate, and physiological references

Event Comment: To the Publick: Ladies and Gentleman, The Play of Othello, with Dancing by Cooke, Picq, Delamain, and Les Damoiselles Anne and Janneton Auretti, &c., being to be acted for my benefit on Monday next, at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden; and having accidentally heard that a certain person being possess'd of a great quantity of my tickets, has some thoughts of getting them up to a considerable premium, I out of meer Friendship, not at all with regard to my own interest (if you'll believe me) do privately and secretly, in this public manner, advise you, to send away to my house, the corner of Bow St. near the said theatre, where I will oblige you with what number of tickets you please, at Par, to within an Hour of the Play's beginning. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your most obedient and humble servant, Tho. Chapman

Event Comment: Sir, As there have been many reports to my prejudice, I desire you will publish the true and only Reason why I have not yet appear'd upon the stage this winter. Many of the Persons concerned in the late struggle with the Manager, might have been left destitute had I deserted them, therefore I thought it incumbent on me to endeavor at this reconciliation with my own, upon reasonable terms; this I have accomplish'd, and hope I am excusable for not playing 'til it is determin'd. Tho I am sensible my affairs are too inconsiderable to be laid before the Publick, yet as I am their servants, and have been so much favour'd with their Indulgence, I thought it my Duty to convince 'em that it is neither Obstinacy, or Exorbitancy, but a quite different motive, that detains me so long from doing my utmost to contribtte to their Entertainment. I am, Sir your Humble Servant, D. Garrick.--London Daily Post and General Advertiser

Event Comment: At Cibber's Academy in the Hay-Market...will be presented a Concert of Musick, Vocal and Instrumental. The Vocal Parts-Mr Brett, Mrs Hill, and others; the Instrumental by eminent Masters. The Doors to be open'd at Four, the Concert to begin at Five, and no Persons to be admitted after Seven o'clock. The Prices are Four Shillings, Half a Crown and Eighteen Pence. Places may be bespoke at the Academy. After the Concert will be exhibited Gratis, a Rehearsal, in Form, of the Play-(often acted with great Applause) call'd Romeo and Juliet. Written by Shakespear. The Characters personated by the Master of the Academy, his Assistants, Pupils, and Servants. With Proper Habits, Scenes and Decorations. [After Cibber announced his Academy, he received the following letter from the Justice of the Peace: I see by your advertisements, in regard to your Academical Performances, that they are of the same Nature as Mr L/c@y's were some Years ago, which brought him to a great deal of Trouble. Some strong Applications are making now to give you some; of which I think proper to give you Notice, in this private Manner, that you may avoid it.-Tho. de Veil. 31 Oct. Cibber, A Serio-Comic Apology. p. 12.

Event Comment: Tickets deliver'd out by Mr Davis will be taken. [Bransby doubled in Oxford and Tyrrel. The General Advertiser quoted a long Epilogue on the Birthday of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland Written by the Farmer (who had taken over the role of Swift's Drapier) and spoken by Garrick in Dublin. It also quoted the following long puff for Ray's Benefit to come]: Sir, As long acquaintance best entitles us to friendly good natured offices, and as no more proper time can be found to confer them than when the person is in the Decline of life, give me leave to recommend (thro' your means) Mr Ray of Drury Lane Theatre, the oldest actor now belonging to that House, to the Favour of the Town, at his ensuing Benefit next Saturday. A person who once agreeably entertained the Public, should always feel the warmth of their Indulgence, tho' the Infirmities of Old age may have render'd him less pleasing than formerly. This Application is therefore meant to those friends of his, whom Distance of time, and change of Situation may have made it impossible any other way to acquaint them, that The Merchant of Venice is to be acted for his Benefit on Saturday next; therefore 'tis hoped they will be so kind as to send for his Tickets to Mr Hobson, in the Playhouse Passage, or to Mr Ray's lodgings, the second Door in Queen's Court, Great Queen St., Lincoln's Inn Fields, and the Favour will ever be greatly acknowledged by him

Event Comment: To the Author of the General Advertiser, Sir: I have frequently observ'd particular Notice has been taken in your paper of particular Merit, I hope therefore you'll allow room for this short Epistle--I am a great Lover of Public Diversions, especially such as can agreeably amuse, or afford the highest Mirth, without offense to Sense of Decency; Of this kind are the two new dances compos'd by Salomon, and perform'd by him, Mr Cook, Mr Muilment, Madem Violette, Sga Padouana, and the young little Salomon, and others. To say they are excellent in their way is barely doing 'em justice; but in these Dances they may be said to have excell'd themselves. The first, tho' a kind of Serious Pastoral Ballet afforded the Audience great Pleasure; and I believe never did three dancers in a Pas Trois, altogether equal the Execution of Sg Salomon, Madem Violette, and Mr Cook; there was an Elegance peculiar to herself that shone thro' her whole performance. The other Entertainment is the representation of a Fair, to which People of all degrees and nations are suppos'd to resort, it may not improperly be stil'd a very High Piece of Low Humour; and caused as much laughter and applause as the strongest Farce ever produc'd, without offending the Modesty of the Ladies. We have had many performers from abroad, but Sg Salamon and Violette so inimitably express their characters in this entertainment, that I think they excel what we have hitherto seen; and very much deserve the Encouragement of the Town, I am, &c

Event Comment: Tickets deliver'd out by Miss Copin for the Merchant of Venice will be taken to the Conscious Lovers (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, Price 1s., A Letter of Complaint to the Ingenious author of a Treatise on the Passions, so far as they regard the stage; with a critical Enquiry into the theatrical merit of Mr G-k, Mr Q-n, and Mr B-y, &c. With some further remarks on Mr M-n. And a few hints on our modern Actresses, particularly Mrs C-r and Mrs P-d. Magna est Veritas, & pravalebit. Printed for C. Corbett, over against St. Dunstan's Church, Fleet St. (General Advertiser). [Illuminating discussion of actors' abilities]: The Stage is much indebted to Mr M- for his incessant successful endeavours; he not only grac'd it with his own personal merits, but rais'd up several Branches who tho' they have not yet quite eclips'd Mr Giffard's Nursery from Goodman's Fields, will certainly in time prove stars of the first magnitude.--(p. 28). Touch Messrs. Giffard and Ryan and give them better voices; there is nothing else wanting. Help Mr Delane to a new manner and judgment to display the best pipe that ever was heard. Polish a little the rough Beauties of Mr L. Sparkes, give the sensible Mr Havard a few more spirits; and mend the Humour of Hippisley, Chapman, Barrington, and Blakes if you can. Poor Yates wants nothing but a front of brass, a necessary self-sufficient Manner of pushing himself upon a Publick.--(p. 31). If Mrs Giffard's Manner was equal to her understanding, she wou'd compell everybody to acknowledge her a surprising Performer. In Lady Macbeth she is excellent; and Hermione was very near eclipsing a much more popular actress; in short in every Part she performs, the severest of her enemies cannot but own she is more than decent.--(pp. 32-33). [Gives two pages each to discussion of Mrs Clive, Mrs Woffington, Mrs Cibber, and Mrs Pritchard.

Event Comment: Mainpiece: At the Desire of Several Persons of Quality. Benefit John Hippisley. [Receipts: #72 17s. 6d. plus #93 1s. from tickets without Stage (Account Books, Egerton 2268)]. Receipts: #165 18s. 6d. We hear Mr Hippisley is so far recover'd from his late illness, that, tho' considerably alter'd in his physiognomy, and lower'd in spirits, he persuades himself a crowded house on Thursday next, at the Stratagem for his benefit, will create a smile on his countenance, raise his spirits, and make him appear as much a Scrub as ever

Event Comment: CCross: An apology made for Mrs Cibber's being ill, tho she play'd her part. Receipts: #180 (Cross); #181 5s. 6d. (Powel)

Event Comment: CCross: Benefit for ye Author. Mr Garrick order'd ye foundling to be given out for Sat: & as you like it for Mon: But ye Pit rose, & insisted ye Foundling shou'd be given out again for Monday, wch was done, tho; ye Lords who oppos'd it were in ye House. [Horace Walpole's account of the affair Foundling to Sir Horace Mann, in a letter of 11 March 1748 (ed. Cunningham, II, 106) runs as follows: "There has been a new comedy call'd The Foundling; far from good, but it took. Lord Hobart and some young men made a party to damn it, merely for the love of damnation. The Templars espoused the play, and went aamed with syringes charg'd with stinking oil, and with sticking plaisters for Bubby's fair hair; but it did not come to action. Garrick was impertinent, and the pretty men gave over their plot the moment they grew to be in the right."] Receipts: #170 (Cross); house charges #63 (Powel); cash #168 10s. 6d.; tickets #18 5s. (Clay MS)

Event Comment: By Particular Desire. For Mr Garrick's Benefit (Tho not in the Bills) (Cross). Paid Potter (Hatter) #7 3s.; Powney (Stationer) #3 8s.; Cross for Licenser #2 2s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #220 (Cross); #199 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: [The Advertisement of 17 May for the Suspicious Husband repeated for the fourth time, now, however, specifying the Grand Scotch Dance and a concluding Country Dance to round off the evening's entertainment for the benefit of M Monet. Tickets at White's Chocolate House in St James's St., and at the stage door. Being positively the last time of the Company's performing this season. The announcement accompanied by the following statement]: Mr Monett, the innocent tho' unfortunate cause of disgusting the Public by his attempting to represent French Plays, most humbly implores their assistance, by the means of this Benefit Play, to extricate him out of his present most deplorable situation. Without such relief his Misfortunes must detain him a ruined Man in England; a severity which he is persuaded never was proposed as any part of the purpose of the most disoblig'd, or determined against his Undertaking. With this relief he hopes to be able to return to France, and promises never again to risque their favours. He most submissively hopes he shall not be the only the single instance that may seem to contradict the hitherto unimpeached Good Nature and Humanity, which is universally acknowledged the Characteristic of the English Nation (General Advertiser)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these two years. [See 4 April 1749.] Miss Jane Cibber play'd Alicia-quite in old style, not lik'd at all, tho' not hiss'd-given out again and great hiss'd & so not done ($Cross). [The Author of the Midwife (No 1, final Page) reported]: Now I am speaking of Miss Cibber, I must do her the justice to observe that she play'd the part much better than cou'd be expected from one of her years and practice; and if a proper regard is paid to her modesty and Merit, I make no doubt she will become an exceeding good player. Receipts: #130 (Cross)

Event Comment: [Performances] went off better. N.B. Mrs Clive spoke the Epilogue (tho' left out ye bills after ye 6th Night) every Night since ye first except those mark'd X [i.e., Oct. 24, 26, 30] it being call'd for by ye Audience (Cross). We hear M Devisse (the first dancer from the Opera at Paris) will in a few days perform at Drury Lane wiht Mlle Auretti, in a new Comic Dance, and the celebrated Dance of Pigmalion. Receipts: #70 (Cross)

Event Comment: [MS note in hand of Colley Cibber (in R. J. Smith, History of the Stage, Vol. IV. BM 11826r)]: December 25, 1750 Sr. Tho' Death has been cooling his his [sic] heels at my door these three weeks, I have not had time to see him. The Dayly conversation of my friends have kept me so agreeably alive, that I have not passed my time better a great while. If you have a mind to make [?] us, I will order Death to come another day--to be serious I long to see you, and hope you will take the first opportunity. And so wish as merry a Christmas, as many New Years as your heart can hope for, I am Your real friend and Serv't C. Cibber Xmas Day

Event Comment: Benefit for Havard. Mainpiece: By particular desire. No building on the stage on account of the machinery for the Masque. Tho' Mr Havard's long and severe indisposition has prevented his personal solicitation, yet he hopes it will not deprive him of the preference of those Persons of Quality, &c. who used to favour his Benefits. N.B. Those ladies and gentlemen who applied for places and were disappointed the last time the Masque was performed, may have them for this night, by sending to Mr Hobson at the stage door, by whom tickets will be deliver'd; As also at the Bedford Coffee House, and at Mr Havard's in Broad Court, the upper end of Bow St., Covent Garden. Tickets hitherto deliver'd will be taken. Receipts: #200 (Cross)

Event Comment: This play was reviv'd instead of ye London Cuckolds by way of Compliment to the City--not lik'd at all--Mr Ross being ill Mr Mattocks did his part at 2 Day's Notice, wch at the end of the 4 Act Mr Woodward told the Audience, & tho Mr Mattocks was hiss'd before, when he next appear'd they gave him great Applause. Mattocks never play'd a principal part before in London (Cross). Mainpiece: Never Acted there. [Inspector No 206 reports a letter on the lack of wisdom of giving the London Cuckolds on Lord Mayor's Day, as the morals of the trading youth have been corrupted by it the writer rejoices to see the substitution of Eastward Hoe for it (Daily Advertiser and Literary Gazette).] Receipts: #130 (Cross)

Event Comment: Some Hissing, tho' play'd Well-Garrick Kiteley &c. (Cross). Mainpiece: Written by Ben Johnson, never acted there. Characters Dress'd in the Old English@Manner. Receipts: #200 (Cross). We hear that His Majesty intended to go to the theatre Royal in Drury Lane this evening, to see the Comedy of Every Man in his Humour, wrote by Ben Johnson in 1598, acted the same year by the Lord Chamberlain's Servants, and dedicated to the great Mr Camden; and was reviv'd since the Revolution with Great Applause, having a new Epilogue spoken by Ben Johnson's Ghost , written by the late Earl of Dorset (Daily Advertiser)

Event Comment: HHarlequin Ranger oblig'd to be deferr'd. A new Dramatic Entertainment call'd Taste written by Mr Foote. The House was full as soon as open--before the first Music, several Speeches were made in ye Pit, moving the Farce might be acted before the Play, wch was insisted on by some, & oppos'd by others Cross, Cross, Prompter &c. was often call'd--The Curtain went up, & ye Clamour encreas'd, ye farce &c. Mr Mossop (who did Zanga ) came off--I went on, & spoke--Gentlemen, I perceive the farce has been desir'd before ye Play, wch cannot be comply'd with, for ye performers in ye Farce, having nothing to do in the Play, are not come--a great applause follow'd--Mr Mossop went on again--but ye noise renew'd, & he retir'd again, & wanted to undress wch I prevented; Mr Lacy (Manager) then went on, # spoke to ye same effect I had done--The play was then call'd for, & it went on with Applause--Tho' I believe Audience wish'd it over--The play done--Mr Garrick spoke ye Prologue in the Character of an Auctioneer , with surprising Applause--when he had done, he made this Apology--Gents--a performer being taken ill, the Author, Mr Foote, is here & will if you please, perform his part, this he spoke in a Hesitating manner, & was greatly applauded--the first Act went off well, & Mr Worsdale, a painter (to whom Mr Foote had given the profits of the farce) play'd a Woman's part, & was greatly received--When Mr Foote came on--he made this Speech--Gent: I have left the Stage some time, nor have I any hopes of Profit from this Piece, but as a performer is taken ill, I had rather appear my self, than have so many people, whom Curiosity has drawn together, b disappointed--Great Applause--In ye Second Act, the people grew Dull, & towards ye End, hiss'd greatly, wch I believe wou'd not have been, had not Mr Foote, bid Blakes pull off his Wig at ye Discovery of Mr Puff --vide Farce--it ended with ye usual Noise, when given out, of No more--Encore &c. &c. Sunday we had great debates about it, & at last it ended it shou'd be play'd no more 'till Mr Worsdale's benefit & an advertisement was put in the paper to signifie that as ye Farce was not so well receiv'd as was expected, the Author had withdrawn it to Alter &c. &c. we put up--We were told on Monday it wou'd be call'd for by the Audience; but no such thing happen'd. The fact concerning the performer's being taken ill is this--At ye practise, the Night before, Mr Foote seem'd dissatisfied with Mr Yates in the part of Puff, so got Mr Garrick next Day, to prevail with Mr Yates to let 'em say he was sick, that Mr Foote might have occasion to do the part (Cross). Mr Goodfellow begs leave to acquaint his friends that through the Indisposition of two of his principal performers, he is compelled to postpone his Benefit to a farther Day; Timely notice of which shall be given in this paper; Tickets deliver'd out for Monday the 13th Instant will then be admitted.--As the sole intent of this Benefit is to satisfy his creditors, who are to share the profits arising from it, he humbly hopes to meet with encouragement, and assures those ladies and Gentlemen who honour him, that the whole performance shall be carried on with the utmost decorum, and will be free from all danger of interruption (General Advertiser). Receipts: #200 (Cross)

Event Comment: As the Entertainment call'd Taste, was not quite so well receiv'd as was expected, and as it was solely intended for the Benefit of Mr Worsdale, the Author has suspended its representation till Worsdale's Benefit night; by that time some alterations will be made, which, it is hop'd, will render the piece more palatable to the publick (General Advertiser). [The Inspector No. 271 , commented on Foote's Taste of the previous Saturday: A party against it, but the piece was "heard with attention, and, in consequence with Applause. There is, indisputably more genuine Wit in it than in any piece of the kind ever produc'd among us; the characters are natural, tho many of them uncommon ones; their stile and sentiments are adapted to them with perfect propriety, and the incidents are not forced or crowded together upon the audience." A full discussion of each part follows. (Daily Advertiser and Literary Gazette.] Receipts: #140 (Cross)

Event Comment: MMr Francis has successfully avoided the common fault of a buskin'd expression, and left the plain language of nature to be supported by the dignity of the sentiment: He has I think, not above one or two similies, and scarce one unnecessary or purely ornamental epithet. In this he has judiciously imitated the simplicity of the antients, and of our Milton's Samson Agonistes, as he has also done in the contrivance of the fable, by preserving the unities...'Twould be idle in me to observe that this play is a true tragedy, tho' nobody dies in it, as it has so large a share in exciting the only objects, terror and pity. There is one excellency, which I cannot help pointing out, as it is almost universally overlook'd by all dramatic writers: I mean the MORAL without which there is no perfect drama. (Have at you All; Or The Drury Lane Journal, 20 Feb. 1752). Receipts: #170 (Cross)

Event Comment: great Nreat Noise--before the Entertainm[en]t began Mr Garrick went on & said--Gent: as we find the new Scene, tho' it pleases some, offends others & as we wou'd please all, we shall omit it after this Night--but I hope when the other House is merry with us, we may be merry with them--the Song was printed & thrown down from ye Slips--great Noise--great applause--some blows in the pit--some Gents insisted upon its being given out again, wch Mr Lacy did--the Inspector very Impudent to-day (14th) about Woodward for saying I thank you to Fitzpatrick who threw an Apple at him from ye Stage Box on Fryday last--the fool against us to-day (Cross). [Cross omits receipts this night.