Event Comment: Afterpiece: By Particular Desire. The Masque of Comus oblig'd to be deferr'd. Paid Leverton & Co. (bricklayers) #182 19s. Paid Holme & Co. (timber merchants) #72 1s. Paid Evans (sawyer) #7 12s. (Account Book). Receipts: #168 16s. 6d

Event Comment: Receipts: #138 10s. 6d. Paid three days salary at #85 1s. 11d. per diem, #255 5s. 9d. [Paid the following items which occur regularly each Saturday pay day during the 37 weeks of the 1773-74 season: Lampmen #2 12s.; Billstickers #3 12s.; Handbills 8s.; Candlemen #3 18s.; Carpenter's Bills #8 14s. 6d.; Taylor's Bill #8 11s. 8d.; Mantua Maker's Bill #5 6s.; J. Stevens 18s; Mrs Abington's Cloaths #1; Mr Carver 11 days #11; Mr Royer 2 weeks #9; Mr J. French on act #8 8s.; Supernumeraries and Kettle Drummers #3 14s. (Treasurer's Book). N.B. This pay day was based on a three-day acting week. The average paid out for each of these items over the season, and the total for each computed on this average was as follows. [No further mention will be made of these items this season.] @ Average per week Total for season@Lampmen #3 2s. #113 14s.@Billstickers #2 14s. #99 18s.@Handbills 12s. #22 4s.@Carpenter's #5 10s. #203 10s.@Taylor's #10 2s. #373 14s.@Mantua Maker's #2 10s. #92 10s.@J. Stevens 18s. #33 6s.@Mrs Abington Cloaths #1 12s. 4d. #60@Carver at 1 per diem #189@Royer #4 10s. #166 10s.@Sups and Kettle Drum at #3 10s. per diem #661@Candlemen #7 14s. #277 4s.

Event Comment: Both pieces By Command of their Majesties. Present their Majesties. Gave Yeomen of Guards #2 2s. Paid Mr Burton for playing in the Pippin and Sorcerer last season #20. Paid half year's Land Tax for theatre due Mich. last #39 7s. 6d., and ditto for House in Bow Passage #1 8s. 2d.; Paid Window lights for theatre half year #6 10s. 6d., and ditto for House in Bow Passage 15s. Receipts: #224 18s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: A Comic Opera altered [by Colman] from Gay. The Music entirely new by Dr Arne. Now acted for the first time in 2 Acts. [The 1776 Edition in Bell's British Theatre lists: Achilles-Mattocks; Peripas-$Reinhold; Lycomedes-$DuBellamy; Diphilus-$Dyer; Ajax-$Dunstall; Ulysses-$Owenson; Diomedes-$Fox; Argytes-$Baker; Deidamia-$Mrs Mattocks; Artemona-$Miss Brown; Philoe-$Miss Valois; Thetis-$Miss Catley. [$Miss Pearce may have played Lesbia).] Paid Banks for the Head of a Figure used in The Fair #1 1s.; Paid Mr Gard for performing 5 nights in the Fair and 3 in the Sorcerer #1. Paid Joseph Besford for performing 5 nights in the Fair 12s. 6d. (Account Book). [Afterpiece unfavorably reviewed in the Westminster Magazine.] Receipts: #149 18s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. The tragedy of King Henry II cannot be performed, on account of the indisposition of Miss Miller. Paid Mr Nix the balance for London Lying In Hospital #23 6s.; Paid Garton balance for Theatrical Fund, #89 4s. 6d.; Paid Mr Helme the balance for the Discharge of persons imprison'd for small debts #4 5s. Receipts: #129 12s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Bensley. Mainpiece: Written by Dryden not acted these 15 years.[See 23 April 1750.] Charges #68 2s. Profit to Bensley #37 19s. 6d., plus #38 5s. from tickets (Box 153). Paid Mr Hopkins for the hire of Horses in the Fair #6 16s. Paid Read (scalemaker) #3 13s.; Dobosch (furrier) #4 17s. Paid Dall on acct of his salary #42. Receipts: #106 1s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By Particular Desire. House. So Ends the Season 56 different Plays 37 different Farces 188 Nights in all (Hopkins Diary). Paid Mr J. French on acct #5 5s.; Subscription to Chas Standen #1 1s.; Returned Mr J. Palmer part of his Benefit Balance #30; Sga Hidou in full of 500 Guineas for this season #27 5s. Receipts: #118 14s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). After season receipts and expenses (Treasurers's Book). Receipts: 29 May: Stopages #6 1s.; Watson & Mortimer #25 returned from cash advanced at beginning of season; Mrs Smith in full of debt #14. 2 June: Mr Heath's rent 1 yr to Xmas last #10; Mr Brereton's salary stopt & Benefit after money 3rd May #17 11s. 6d.; Ditto for Reddish #10; Ditto for Dibdin #24 12s. 24 June: Public Advertiser this season #50; Ditto for Gazetter #50; Mr Pope one yrs rent to Lady Day last (#1 10s. land tax deducted) #28 10s.; Harrison's rent ditto (#8 15s. deducted) #34 18s. 4d.; also deducted #2 6s. 8d. sewer's tax; Mr Parsonage 1 yrs ditto (#5 land tax and 15s. Repairs deducted) #42 5s.; Late Mr Banks 1 yrs ditto #3; Their Majesties account #80. 30 June: Mr Burges, 1 yrs rent to Xmas last (#4 4s. land tax deducted) #16 16s.; Discount on #362 1s. 3d. amount of tallow chandler's 10 Bills this season at 8%-#28 19s. 2d.; Remainder of Sinking Fund, #159 12s.; Mr Reddish's Benefit Acct #78 16s. 6d. 15 July: Sundry salary forfeits taken up by Evans #144 18s. 4d.; Music forfeits #18 4s. 6d. B. Richards forfeits #6 12s. Expenditures: 29 May: Salary List #510 6s.; Davies on note #9 9s.; Slingsby in full of #350 for this season #3 1s. 8d.; Mrs Yates ditto of #800 this season 11s. 8d.; Mr Courtney Chorus 27 nights at 5s. per night in full #6 15s.; Advanced to Everard to compleat his ticket acct #1 5s. 6d.; Mr Page on note #5 5s.; Mr Page in full of #25 this season #1 12s. 6d. 3 June: Miss Berkley on note #5 5s.; King in full of #500 salary #32 10s.; Mrs Moffat, dresser, per order D. Garrick #5 5s.; Lamash on note #6 15s.; One yrs watch & rector's rate to Lady Day last (Cov. Garden) #1 10s. 24 June: Repaid Mr Bannister his Bt balance #35 16s. 6d.; Lent Mr Baddeley per order Mr D. Garrick #20; Mr G. Garrick in full of #400, #50; Mr Smart, attending practices of Dances #10 10s.; Mr Pope's bill for Wigs #17 7s. 6d., and his bill for 64 extra nights for dressing #6 8s.; Mr D. Richards 31 weeks 1 day extra salary #31 3s. 4d.; Chaise to Hampton, Mr Evans & Becket 19s. 8d.; J. French on acct #7 7s. 30 June: Mr Vernon's balance of Acct in full #18 9s. 6d.; Mrs Chitty for coals #77; Barrow & Co. for Oil #187 6s. 6d.; Burges (bricklayer) #134 11s.; Tallow chandler's 10th and last bill #28 4s. 10d.; Chettell (timber merchant) #76 12s. 6d.; R. Palmer Jr 47 nights in Maid of Oaks and Harlequin's Jacket #4 14s.; Loss on sale of 75 Guineas & half light cash of Sinking Fund #3 9s. 6d. 5 July: Bibb (sword cutler) #3 6s.; Scott (copper laceman) #100 3s.; Powney (stationer) #5 16s.; Mrs Jones (worsted lace) &c. #8 2s.; Hopkins & Co. (ironmongers) #33 3s. 6d.; Blakes (hatter) #10 4s.; Jennings (glover & furrier) #23 7s. 6d.; Mrs Lowe@and@Co. (glaziers) #2 16s.; Mr Hadley (engine maker) #13; Thomson (smith) #14 9s.; Carter (scowrer) #9 4s.; Cubitt (tinman) #4 8s. 6d.; Hewetson & Co. (laceman) #17 2s. 6d.; Gardner (shoemaker) #3 19s. 7 July: Waller & Co. (hosiers) #24 4s. 6d.; Carpue (silk dyer) #8 10s. 6d.; Cropley (linen draper) #13 9s. 6d.; Mr Knyvett (harpsichord performer) 14 nights #5 5s.; Mrs Vaughan (haberdasher) #13 12s.; J. French on Acct #8 8s.; Cole (turner) #35 5s. 6d. 12 July: Mr Stafford (glassman) per Mr Johnston #29 5s. 6d.; Mr King & Co. for Women's cloaths, per Mr Johnston #10; Mrs Garwood (laundress) per Mr Johnston #15 15s.; Mr Palmer for Spermacetti Candles, per Mr Johnston, #172 4s. 15 July: J. French on Acct #15 15s.; J. Johnston's Music Bill, #12 11s. 10d.; Repaid Mr Reddish's Benefit Acct to Mr Burns for his creditors, #78 16s. 6d. 19 July: Lent to Miss Berkley on note #5 5s.; Mr Victor's Gratuity #30, and two weeks' extra salary #5; Mr Evans in lieu of Benefit #42 and two week's extra salary #3. Books closed and balanced paid. VIZ. Total income #33,614 16s. 6d. Total profit #389 5s. 7d. Total expense #29,719 10s. 11d. Paid Patentees #2840. To Clutterbuck #1000. Left in Victor's hands carried to next season 55 5s. 7d

Event Comment: The last Time of the Company's performing this Season. [On this night Wewitzer acted both at CG and the HAY.] Receipts: #135 3s. 6d. (132/14/6; 2/9/0). Account-Book, 7 June: Paid Harris for One Year's Superintendence #500, Garton [treasurer] in full of his Salary #238, Miss Younge in lieu of Cloaths this Season #200; 30 June: Paid Lewis in full for Salary as Acting Manager #200. Between 7 and 30 June various sums, a few of which are here specified, were entered in the Account-Book as being paid to the following tradesmen and others: perukemaker, fireworks maker, blacksmith [#277 6s.], basketmaker, scalemaker, haberdasher, sadler, bill-sticker, turner, harpsichord-tuner, silk-dyer, printer, sawyer, plumber, linen-draper, woollen-draper, brazier, coal merchant [#189 8s.], timber merchant [#500 8s.], stonemason, hosier, music copier, shoemaker, painter, tinman, oil merchant [#452 2s.], gunsmith, worsted laceman, book-binder, glazier, copper laceman [#127 15s.], silk mercer, tallow chandler, stationer, engine-maker, gold-beater, furrier, watch-maker, bookseller, victualler, rope-maker, embroiderer, bricklayer [#226 14s.], wax chandler [#501 2s.], upholsterer [#729]. Many of these disbursements had to do with the extensive rebuilding of the theatre

Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill retains Mrs Wells, but she "was so ill last night that she could not perform the part of Jane Shore. It was undertaken by Mrs T. Kennedy" (Public Advertiser, 21 Dec.).] Afterpiece [1st time; P 2, by John O'Keeffe]: The Pantomime, and the whole of the Scenery, Machinery, Dresses, &c. designed and invented by Loutherbourg, and executed under his superintendance and direction by Richards, Carver, Hodgins, Catton Jun., Turner, assisted by two other celebrated artists [all subsequent playbills have "a celebrated artist"; he was the Rev. Matthew William Peters (Public Advertiser, 16 Dec.)]. The Music entirely new, composed by Shield. Books containing a short account of the Pantomime, as well as the Recitatives, Airs, Duets, Trios and Chorusses, and a Description of the Procession, to be had at the Theatre. Nothing under Full Price will be taken. [This was the last theatrical piece for which De Loutherbourg designed the scenery. For a detailed account of it see "De Loutherbourg and Captain Cook", by Ralph G. Allen, Theatre Research, IV, 195-211.] Account-Book, 17 Oct.: Paid De Loutherbourg on acct. #120; 20 Dec.: Paid Goodwin for copying Music #10 14s.; 14 Feb. 1786: Paid O'Keeffe in full for Omai #40. Receipts: #309 19s. (302/7; 7/12)

Event Comment: The Last Time of Performing in This Theatre. Kemble Mem.: Sheridan wrote the Address [not listed on playbill; see Gazetteer, 6 June], Palmer delivered it. Universal Magazine, June 1791, p. 438: On Saturday night, of a gradual decay, and in the 117th year of her age, died old Madam Drury, who lived through six reigns, and saw many generations pass in review before her...She had a rout of near 2000 people at her house the very night of her death; and the old lady found herself in so much spirits, that she said she would give them 'No Supper' without a 'Song'; which being complied with, she fell back gently in her chair, and expired without a groan. Dr Palmer, one of her family physicians, attended her in her last moments, and announced her dissolution to the company. [This was written by George Colman, ynger.] Gazetteer, 6 June: Samuel Johnson was powerfully and pathetically shewn the universal horror which men feel of the last even towards things indifferent, or sometimes unpleasant; and there seemed to be some apprehension of this sort of pain on Saturday, for a very few attended to take their leave of the scene where they have been so often regaled with fictitious sorrow and gladness. [This theatre was first opened on 26 March 1674. It has been altered and redecorated on several occasions, notably by the architects Robert and James Adam in the summer of 1775, for which see illustration in The London Stage, Part IV, Vol. III, 1650. The new theatre was not in readiness until April, 1794. The principal reason for the delay was that the patent had lapsed, and "it being necessary to obtain one previous to the payment of their respective sums on the part of the subscribers, application was made to Mr Harris, of Covent Garden Theatre, who possessed a dormant patent." The price set was #15,000, and the patent was sent to a banker for inspection. A Mr George White, who had married a daughter of William Powell, one of the former patentees, and had thereby a financial interest, objected to this price, and "obtained a prohibition in the Court of Chancery which obliged the banker to restore the patent to the Manager of Covent Garden Theatre." The subscribers to the new Drury Lane thereupon refused to pay their subscriptions, and work on the demolition of the old theatre was halted (London Chronicle, 30 July 1792). Sheridan finally offered #20,000: #15,000 to Harris and #5,000 to White, which was accepted, and work on the theatre was resumed, the cornerstone being laid on 4 Sept. 1792 (Morning Chronicle, 6 Sept.; London Chronicle, 12 Sept. 1792). The Actual sum eventually paid to Harris was #11,667.] Paid in lieu of Benefits: Kelly #100; Miss Farren #300; Aickin #60; Williames #42. Received from Their Majesties for Season #78. Paid Renters #20 apiece (Account-Book). Receipts: #105 5s. 6d. (74.7.0; 24.0.6; 6.18.0)

Event Comment: Account-Book: Tickets delivered by Jealous, Walker, Bonsor, Gawdry, Dosel, Paskin, Hay, Wells, Gilbert, Ansell will be admitted. Account-Book, 28 June: Received for His Majesty's Box 11 nights #110; paid Advertisements in The World to 17 June #30 4s1. 6d.; 17 July: paid several Renters #21 15s. 6d. apiece; 2 Aug.: Paid Land, Commutation, Window and House tax half a year #187 12s. 9d. The Last Night of the Company's Performing this Season. Receipts: #300 0s. 6d. (39/3/0; after money: none listed; tickets: 260/17/6)

Event Comment: During February and March 1678@9 two plays, titles unknown, were acted before the King. See an order: To Edward Griffin, Esq. Treasurer of the Chamber, to be paid over to John Lacy, assigne of Charles Killigrew, Mastr of the revells, for two plays acted before his said Majestie in Feb'ry and March 1678@9 (Moneys Received and Paid for Secret Services, ed. J. Y. Akerman, Camden Society, LII 1851, 34)

Event Comment: [Handel paid Miss Robinson #210; on 11 May he paid Signora Franchesina #400. See Deutsch, Handel, 618-19.

Event Comment: The Fair Penitent is deferr'd on account of the Indisposition of a principal performer. Paid Garrick on account #105. Paid Vincent #10 10s. for a pair of Kettle Drum banners. Receipts: #78 9s

Event Comment: Ladies desired to send servants by three o'clock to keep places. [This note repeated for each performance of this play.] Paid Mr Smart the lace man on account #50. Paid Mrs Cleater (Mrs Cibber's Dresser) 5 days last week, 7s. 6d. Receipts: #178 14s

Event Comment: TThe Suspicious Husband deferr'd on account of Garrick's Indisposition (General Advertiser). Paid Quin on Acct. #42; Mrs Cibber on acct. #42. Paid Mr Wainwright [apothecary] in full of a Bill #41 17s. Receipts: #162 19s

Event Comment: Benefit Woodward. [Receipts: #81 3s. 6d., plus #59 9s. from tickets. Charges #63.] Paid Servandoni #10 10s. Paid Price a bill for carpenter's work at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre last week #2 19s. 9d. Tickets to be had of Woodward at his lodgings in King St. (near the Churchyard Gate) Covent Garden; at the Bedford Coffee House; at the Salutation Tavern in Nicholas Lane; and of Page at the stage door. Tomorrow The Distress'd Mother and Miss in her Teens, the part of Fribble by Garrick.--General Advertiser. Daily Advertiser: By Particular Desire of several Persons of Quality. [On 13 April Woodward published a letter of thanks to the former schoolfellow who sent him this speech, promised to present it, and assured him that no copy would be made. See Theatrical Clippings, Folger Library.

Event Comment: At the particular Desire of Several Ladies of Quality. Paid Garrick in full for his performance this season #175. Paid for carpentry at Lincoln's Inn Fields Theatre 12s. 6d. (Account Books, Egerton 2268). Receipts: #82 16s. 6d

Event Comment: [Benefit for twelve on basis of varying percentages of tickets.] Benefit Banks, Trott, Carney, and Bianchini. Tickets deliver'd out by Sadler, Elliot and others will be taken. /For Pit Gallery Value Half-Value/Ruby 145 48 20 #45 9s. #22 14s. 6d./Banks 6 127 144 #34 19s. #17 9s./Carny 8 42 65 #13 11s. #6 15s. 6d./Bianchini 10 38 46 #12 16s. #6 8s. (two-thirds)/Sadler ... 11 28 #4 9s. #2 4s. 6d. (two-thirds)/Elliott 1 20 45 #7 15s. #3 17s. 6d. (two-thirds)/Mrs Hayman 4 22 35 #7 16s. #3 18s./Mrs Russell 7 27 26 #8 8s. #4 4s./Mrs Keene 3 20 23 #6 1s. #3 0s. 6d. (whole)/Mrs Hales ... 16 13 #3 14s. #1 17s./Mrs Hanmore 1 11 16 #3 10s. #1 15s./Mrs Griffiths ... 7 14 #2 9s. #1 4s. 6d./Totals 180 389 475 #150 17s. #75 8s. 6d./ (Account Books, Egerton 2268). Paid Woodfall, printer part of his bill for last season #52 12s. Paid Servandoni #10 10s., and Price (a Smith) for work at lif #9 5s. (Account Books, Egerton 2268)

Event Comment: Being the last time of the company's performing this season (General Advertiser). Paid Mr Granier in full for his children's performances #10 10s. Paid Mrs Pritchard in full for her performances this season #21 13s. 4d., and #10 for her being overcharged for her benefit

Event Comment: fterpiece same as Flora. See 16 Oct.] Paid Mr Lampe by (his letter of attorney). Paid to Kirkman #30. Receipts: #69 10s. 6d

Event Comment: By Desire. Paid Blandford (Tallow Chandler) #18 8s. 1d.; Paid Middlebrook for a B[lack] & W[hite] Feather 15s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #130 (Cross); #88 15s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: [Query: Is Master Jonno the little Swiss?] Paid 1!2 year's Window Tax #3 14s. 9d.; and 1!2 year's Land tax #45 16s.; Paid Mrs Rogers for wax & Brick dust 4s. 8d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #130 (Cross); #122 14s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)