Event Comment: Mainpiece:In I A Grand
Masqueradev. Afterpiece [1st time; M. INT 1, by
Thomas John Dibdin]: To conclude with a new Scenic
Representation of Britannia Triumphantv. Interspersed With a Variety of favorite old Airs, popular Songs, Parodies, &c.
The Overture and new Songs composed and
the Music in general arranged by
Moorehead.
The Machinery invented and executed by
Cresswell. Books of
the Songs to be had in
the Theatre, price Six-pence.
Morning Chronicle, 16 Oct. 1799: T
his day is published
The Naval Pillar (price not listed).
The afterpiece had reference to
the contemplated erection of a "Naval Pillar" on
Portsdown Hill, near
Portsmouth, in commemoration of
the recent victbries of
the English navy. A plain pillar is at
the last introduced, with
the names of
the most celebrated admirals on a scroll, round which
the sailors and
their swee
thearts dance with peculiar festivity.
The pillar now flies open, and displays a most magnificent and appropriate spectacle--consisting of Britannia, personated by
Mrs Chapman, under a rich canopy, with
the figures of a sailor and a soldier for supporters, pointing to
the letters G. R. over a brilliant sun, which turns on
the center; shrouded in clouds above, and surrounded by angels, is a medallion of
Lord Howe, and on columns on each side of
the canopy are medallions of your great living naval commanders" (
Monthly Visitor, Oct. 1799, p. 180). Receipts: #284 10s. 6d. (277.18.6; 6.12.0)