Event Comment: At 5 went into
the Pit at
Covent Garden to see
Mrs Yates do
Lady Townly.
Yates is an excellent
Sir Francis, but
Powell does not shine in
Lord Townly....
The Entertainment was
the new comedy in two acts called
the Oxonian in Town, with a
prologue by
Woodward in
the character of a student....It being suspected that a number of sharpers whose characters and practices are laid open in this piece, would attempt to damn it tonight (
the 3rd of its being Performed) under pretence of its casting odium on
the Irish, bills were dispersed in
the House during
the play vindicating it from any such intention. Woodward was allowed to speak
the prologue, but as soon as
the curtain drew up catcalls began. When
the performers retired, Powell spoke several times, but was not heard. I was told that
the author (
Mr Colman) desires to know whom he has offended.
The Pros were a very great majority, and at last after a contest of better than 1!2 an hour,
the victory was over and
the piece was performed. I think it contains many good sentiments, and excellent instruction to young men and is not unworthy of Mr Colman. If vice must not be exposed to hatred and contempt,
the usefulness of our
theatres is at an end. Only I think
the Covent Garden pleasures are represented in too favourable a light. When all was over Powell came on
the stage and thanked
the audience for
their generous protection (
Neville MS Diary). Receipts: #212 12s. (Account Book)