Event Comment: Rich's Company. Post Boy, 13-15 Jan. 1697@8: 'Tis said that this day will be Acted, at the Theatre in Dorset Garden, the Opera called Prophetess or Dioclesian, at the request of a Nobleman; they will not tell us who, but we presume for the Entertainment of a very great Foreigner. Luttrell, A Brief Relation, III, 332: He [the Czar of Muscovy] is this night at the Playhouse incognito to see the Prophetesse acted

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, 19-21 June 1698, suggests a first performance probably not earlier than the middle of May. Preface, Edition of 1698: I am sufficiently Recompenc'd by the Kind Reception it met with among those whom I design'd to please;...I am blam'd for suffering my Play to be Acted at the Theatre-Royal, accus'd of Foolish Presumption, in setting my weak Shoulders to Prop this Declining Fabrick, and of affronting the Town, in Favouring whom they Discountenance

Event Comment: Rich's Company. Post Boy, 31 May-2 June 1698: London, June 2nd. This Day, at the Theatre in Drury-Lane, will be Acted a Play, called, The Plain-Dealer, upon a very charitable Account, the Profits of the Play being given for the Release of a distressed Gentleman from Prison: And the chief Part is acted by Capt. Griffin, formerly a famous Actor, and lately Captain of a Company of Foot in His Majesty's Service, through the Wars in Ireland

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first production is not known, but the Songs were advertised in the Flying Post, 6-8 Dec. 1698, and the play in the London Gazette, 19-22 Dec. 1698; hence, the premiere was certainly not later than early December and was probably not later than November. In fact, on 5 Dec. 1698 Dr. William Aglionby wrote Matthew Prior, referring to Dennis, "a poor poet who has made us a fine entertainment of Rinaldo and Armida" (quoted in The Works of John Dennis, II, 489). In a dialogue written by John Oldmixon (Reflections on the Stage [London, 1699], p. 101) Savage, referring to Rinaldo and Armida, states: I have seen it 3 or 4 times already, but the Musick is so fine, and the Play pleases me so well, that I shall not think it a burthen [to see it again] (in The Works of John Dennis, I, 479). The Musical Entertainments in the Tragedy of Rinaldo and Armida (1699) is reprinted, with an introduction by Herbert Davis, in Theatre Miscellany (Luttrell Society Reprints, No 14, Oxford, 1953), pp. 103-15. One song, Ah queen, ah wretched queen, give o'er, sung by Gouge, is in Mercurius Musicus, 1699; and another, Jolly breeze that comes whistling, sung by Gouge, is in Twelve New Songs, 1699. A Comparison between the Two Stages (1702), p. 22: Critick: At last, (as you say) the old Stagers moulded a piece of Pastry work of their own, and made a kind of Lenten Feast with their Rinaldo and Armida; this surpriz'd not only Drury-lane, but indeed all the Town, no body ever dreaming of an Opera there; 'tis true they had heard of Homer's Illiads in a Nut-shel, and Jack in a Box, and what not?...Sullen: Well, with this Vagary they tug'd a while, and The Jolly-Jolly breeze-came whistling thro'-all the Town, and not a Fop but ran to see the Celebrated Virgin in a Machine; there she shin'd in a full Zodiack, the brightest Constellation there; 'twas a pleasant Reflection all this time to see her scituated among the Bulls, Capricorns, Sagittaries, and yet the Virgo still remain itacta....Critick: But this merry Time lasted not always; every thing has an end, and at length down goes Rinaldo's inchanted Mountain; it sunk as a Mole-hill seen on't: What a severity was this? that the Labour of such a gigantick Poet, nay Critick, shou'd give up the Ghost so soon: The renown'd Author thought himself immortal in that Work, and that the World was to last no longer than his Rinaldo; and tho' he stole every thing from the Italian, yet he said, what the Italian did was but Grub-street to his. See also 5 Jan. 1698@9 for a letter written by Mrs Barry, in part concerning Rinaldo and Armida

Event Comment: Flying Post, 21-23 Feb. 1699: The famous Italian, Seignor Fideli, is to Sing next Tuesday at the Theatre Royal in Drury-Lane; both in Italian and English; which he never yet performed

Event Comment: Rich's Company. Post Boy, 27-29 April 1699: Her Royal Highness is this day pleased to see the Opera, call'd The Island Princess, Performed at the Theatre Royal by her own Command

Event Comment: Rich's Company. Lady Morley attended this performance: Lady Morley and two in the Box at Constant Couple. See Hotson, Commonwealth and Restoration Stage, p. 378. There is no certainty that this is the first performance, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Man, 7-9 Dec. 1699, suggests that the first production may have occurred in mid-November. The Prologue also refers to the abandonment of Dorset Garden to "That strong Dog Sampson" (see 15 and 25 Nov. 1699). A song, Thus Damon knock'd at Celia's door, set by Daniel Purcell, was published separately about this time. Preface, Edition of 1700: All will join with me in Commendation of the Actors, and allow, without detracting from the Merit of others, that the Theatre Royal affords an excellent and compleat Set of Comedians. Mr Wilks's Performance has set him so far above Competition in the Part of Wildair, that none can pretend to envy the Praise due to his Merit. Preface to The Inconstant (1702): I remember, that about two Years ago, I had a Gentleman from France [The Constant Couple] that brought the Play-house some fifty Audiences in five months. A Comparison between the Two Stages (1702), p. 32: Critick: But above all, commend me to the ingenious Author of the Trip to the Jubilee. Ramble: Oh Lord, Sir! you won't quarrel with that Play; never any thing did such wonders. Critick: Oh 'twas admirable! admirable! I wonder the Town did not just then bespeak the Bays for him. Sullen: Nay, for ought you and I know, he may live to enjoy 'em; I assure you all the run of the Town is on his side. The Owl was never more esteem'd at Athens than the Trip to the Jubilee was here. Critick: Indeed I have known a Footman have a great stroak with his Lord at begging a Favour; if all the Footmen in Town that admire him were to club for his Preferment, I don't know what might be done. Ramble: The Footmen? Ay, and the middle Gallery too, I assure you are of his side, and that's a strong Party. Critick: Why, I believe it, 'tis about the pitch of their Understanding; but if ever it diverted one Man of tolerable Sense I'll be hang'd. Sullen: I don't know who are your People of tolerable Sense, Mr Critick, but at the play I have seen the Pit, Box and Stage so crowded--and if that is not a sign

Event Comment: London Post, 24-27 Nov. 1699: [William Joy] being oblig'd to leave Town in order to pursue some other Method, can shew but twice, which will be God-willing on Wednesday and Friday next at the Theatre in Dorset Garden, beginning Precisely at 11 a Clock, being resolved to shew no more before he leaves the Town

Event Comment: London Post, 4-6 Dec. 1699: At the Request of several Persons of Quality, on Thursday next, being the 7th Inst. at the Theatre in Dorset Garden, the Famous Kentishmen, Wm. and Rich. Joy, design to show to the Town before they leave it, the same Tryals of Strength both of them, that Wm. had the Honour of showing before His Majesty, and their Royal Highnesses, with several other Persons of Quality; for which, he receiv'd a considerable Gratuity....Beginning exactly at 2, and Ending at 4. The Boxes 4s. the Pit 2s. 6d. 1st Gallery 2s. Upper Gall. 1s

Event Comment: On this day James Brydges attended an unnamed play at this theatre (Huntington MS St 26)

Event Comment: London Post, No. 30, 1-3 Jan. 1700: This day at the Theatre-Royal in Dorset-garden, the Famous Kentish-man Mr Joy, designs to show the same Tryals of Strength, he had the honour of showing before his Majesty, the Prince and Princess of Denmark, and several Persons of Quality, viz. The lifting a weight of 2240 l. Holding an extraordinary large Cart-Horse; and afterwards breaking a Rope that will bear 3500 weight. There will likewise be shewn the Sister, carrying 5 Bushels of Wheat, or any other grain; She being but 15 Years of Age. They will also show on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, beginning at 3 of the Clock, and ending at 4 in the Afternoon. Boxes 3s. Pit 2s. 1st Gallery 1s. Upper gallery 6d

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but Lucyle Hook, James Brydges Drops in at the Theatre, Huntington Library Bulletin, VIII (1945), 309, speculates that James Brydges' attendance at lif this day may have been prompted by his seeing this new play, as he stayed longer than he often did at a theatrical performance. The comedy was certainly acted before 12 March 1699@1700. James Brydges, Diary: I went to ye play in Lincolns inn fields, where I met Sr G. Coply, who set me down after it was ended (Huntington MS St 26). Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 45: The Way of the World, a Comdey wrote by Mr Congreve, twas curiously Acted; Madam Bracegirdle performance her Part so exactly and just, gain'd the Applause of Court and City; but being too Keen a Satyr, had not the Success the Company Expected

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. London Post, 28 June-1 July 1700: Yesterday the Play called the Tempest was acted at the Old Play-house; and that called Love for Love at the new, both for the benefit of the poor English Slaves, &c. and I am told, that the sum arising thereby, amounted to about 250 #. It being put on the Playhouse Bills on Friday last, That each Company were to Act that day, and the whole Profits to go to'ards the Redemption of the English now in Slavery at Machanisso in Barbary, we are credibly informed, That, pursuant thereunto, the Treasurers of the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, did on Saturday last pay into the hands of the Churchwardens of St.@Martin's the sum of 20 #. out of the Receipts of the Play acted by that Company, towards the Relief of those our Natives from Slavery, which good example 'tis hoped, may move others to be speedy and generous in their Charity for the same purpose. What the other Company gave I do not yet hear

Event Comment: Rich's Company. Post Boy, No. 818, 4-6 July 1700: For the Benefit of Mrs Oldfield. This day at the Theatre Royal in Drury-Lane, will be presented, a Comedy call'd, The Pilgrim. Revis'd with Large Alterations, and a Secular Masque. With the Dialogue between the 2 mad Lovers. Being Acted this time at the desire of several Persons of Quality. And Entertainments of Singing and Dancing between the Acts and in particular, a new Entry Compos'd by the late Mr Eaglesfield, and perform'd by Mr Weaver, Mr Cottin, and Miss Campion. A Scotch Song with the Dancing of the Bonny Highlander; never done but once before on the English Stage

Event Comment: Rich's Company. London Post, 5-8 July 1700: This day at the Theatre Royal in Drury-lane, will be presented a Play called, Sophonisba, or Hannibals Overthrow, not performed by the publick Actors but all by young Gentlemen and Ladies for their own Diversion. The Benefit for the young People of the House

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

Event Comment: Rich's Company. Post Boy, 11-13 July 1700: In consideration of the great Success of a Play, call'd, the Constant Couple, or a Trip to the Jubelee, and in Answer to a Scandalous Prologue spoken against it by the New House. At the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane this day, being the 13th of July, the said Play will be presented, for the Benefit of the Author, it being the last time of the Company's Acting this Summer. [The play, with the new Prologue, was published 20 Aug. 1700, according to the Post Man, 17-20 Aug. 1700.

Event Comment: Post Boy, 5-7 Dec.: The Actors of the Theatre Royal, finding the Inconveniency to the Gentry of Playing so late at night, are resolved to continue, beginning their Plays at the Hour of Five every Day, as exprest in their Bills

Event Comment: Benefit William Bowen, the famous Comedian...who has for some months discontinued Acting, on account of some Difference between him and the rest of the Sharers in the New Theatre;...it's the Opinion of the best Judges in Town, that no person in either of the Theatres, can come so near the Performance of the famous Original Mr Lacy as he can

Event Comment: Benefit the Widow of Thomas Williams, who perform'd in the Theatre Royal. At 8 p.m

Event Comment: Benefit for Pinkethman, [but] no plays being Allow'd to be Acted at either Theatre the Friday or Saturday before Whitsunday next,...Love makes a Man...is deferr'd till Friday the 13th of June

Event Comment: [By Charles Johnson. Date of premiere unknown. Published 15 Jan. 1702.] Preface: It stole into the Theatre in the very Heat of last Summer (as if it would cunningly avoid the Critics, who instead of carping here were at Tunbridge, Bath, etc) was study'd in a Hurry, and play'd by what they call the Young Company

Event Comment: Benefit Will Bowen. Whereas Will Bowen has deliver'd several Tickets to his Friends, in order to see the Committee...and the Gentlemen that have the Directions of Affairs relating to the Theatre Royal, have thought it adviseable to change that Play for the Funeral...which is a Comedy equally receiv'd by the Town

Event Comment: At the Desire of several Persons of Quality. The Queen Theatre in Dorset-Garden is now fitting up for a new Opera; and the great Preparations are made to forward it and bring it upon the Stage by the beginning of June, adds to every body's Expectation, who promise themselves mighty Satisfaction from so well-order'd and regular an Undertaking as this is said to be, both in the Beauties of the Scenes, and Varieties of Entertainments in the Musick and Dances

Event Comment: And whereas the Audiences have been incommoded by the Plays usually beginning too late, the Company of the said Theatre do therefore give notice, that they will constantly begin at Five a clock without fail, and continue the same Hour all the Winter