Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; MD 3, by
Prince Hoare.
Larpent MS 1126; not published; synopsis of plot in
Monthly Magazine, May 1796, p. 320]: With new Scenes, Dresses, Decorations, &c. The Musick principally composed by the late
Mr Storace [who had died on 19 Mar.], with a few Selections from
Paisiello,
Haydn and
Sarti. [
Grove, under Storace, states that the music was completed and prepared for the stage by
Kelly and
Sga Storace.] The Scenes designed and executed by
Marinari and assistants. The Dresses by
Johnston,
Gay and
Miss Rein. Books of the Songs to be had in the Theatre. "It was exceedingly tedious the first night, not being over till eleven o'clock. Since, it has been prudently cut down, and yet has lost nothing. A prologue, written on the very morning of representation, deploring the loss of the composer, was spoken (perfectly) by the last unfortunate
Benson [for whom see 9 June. It was written by Hoare (
Universal Magazine, May 1796, p. 362), and Was perhaps spoken only on the 1st night; it is not listed on any playbill]" (
Monthly Magazine, May 1796, p. 320). "In short, possessing all the science of
Harrison, the melody of
Incledon, and the pleasing articulation of the late
Mrs Kennedy, we have no hesitation in pronouncing [
Braham] the first public singer of the present day. He was three times encored.
His action is indifferent, and
his dialogue scarcely audible" (
Morning Herald, 2 May). Receipts: #297 14s. (258.10.6; 38.19.6; 0.4.0)