Event Comment: Benefit for Bannister Jun. 1st piece: By particular permission, for that night only. Tickets to be had of Bannister Jun., No. 2, Frith-street, Soho, and of Rice at the Theatre

Event Comment: By Command of Their Maiesties. "A most dreadful accident happened this evening; no less than fifteen persons were crushed to death at the opening of the pit door" (Thespian Magazine, Feb. 1794, p. 87). [This accident gave rise to many speculations and suggestions as to the necessity of instituting easier and safer means of access to the various theatres. But little was ever done about it. Sec HAY, 4 Feb.]

Event Comment: Separate printed notice accompanying this playbill: The Publick is most respectfully informed that the Accident which happened last night in the Pit-Passage of the Theatre arose entirely from the eagerness of the croud; and not from any defect in the customary mode of admission. It has been erroneously stated in some of the Morning Prints that the Staircase gave way; it is evident that this statement is groundless, from the circumstance of opening the Theatre this Evening, which would have been impracticable: as there could not possibly be time to repair or build a staircase. The Theatre is in the most perfect state of security; and however the accident of last night is to be deplored, it cannot, in the slightest degree, be imputed to any cause, but the irregularity and pressure of the persons assembled at the doors. To prevent, however, all possibility of such an event occurring again; a Bar will be fixed at the head of the Stairs, and a servant appointed to attend, that persons may not press down them in crouds, but be regularly and gradually admitted, with safety and convenience

Event Comment: [Mainpiece in place of WAYS AND MEANS and THE QUAKER; afterpiece of THE PURSE, all advertised on playbill of 4 Feb.]

Event Comment: 3rd piece [Ist time; MD 1, by John Cartwright Cross]. The Overture and Musick by Reeve. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Morning Herald, 24 Feb. 1794: This Day is published THE PURSE (1s.)

Event Comment: [In 1st and 3rd pieces the playbill retains Wewitzer, but "Previous to the drawing up of the curtain Bannister Jun. solicited the indulgence of the audience for Benson, who had in the course of the day studied two characters for which Wewitzer (who was indisposed) was announced in the bills" (Thespian Magazine, Feb. 1794, p. 88).)

Event Comment: [2nd piece in place of THE PRIZE, advertised on playbill of 10 Feb.]

Event Comment: By Command of Their Majesties. In addition to other precautions which have been already taken (as stated in former Advertisements), the Publick is most respectfully informed that the Doors will be opened this afternoon at Half an Hour after Four O'Clock; an extra-number of Peace-Officers will attend, to preserve order; and all possible means be adopted to prevent a pressure of Croud, and to insure the ease and accomodation of those Persons who visit the Theatre [and see 3 and 4 Feb.]

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Richard Cumberland. Prologue by the Hon. Francis North. Epilogue by George Colman, the younger (see text)]. Morning Chronicle, 20 Mar. 1794: This Day is published THE BOX-LOBBY CHALLENGE (1s. 6d.)