Event Comment: Mr Garrick inexpressibly fine.  
Mrs Abington Beatrice, first time-very Great Applause (
Hopkins Diary).  [
MacMillan's note from 
Kemble differs slightly.]  Paid 
Sparks and Co. Lace Bill #10 15s.  
Mr King (glassman) for lustres his bill #75 2s. (Treasurer's Book).  [From 
the Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, 7 Nov.: "
The desertion of 
the theatres in consequence of 
the disease with which so many are afflicted, has been productive of one agreeable effect, that of bringing Mr Garrick forward in 
Benedict much earlier than was expected.  It cannot be a matter of surprise that 
Roscius should have escaped 
the infection and his spirits and constitution seems proof against 
the attacks of age itself; after above 30 campaigns, his ardour and execution appear ra
ther to increase.  Benedict owes all its consequence to his attachment; 
there is a peculiar turn of humour in this soldier that none but Mr Garrick has ever been able to enter into 
the true spirit of.  Last night he supported 
the character with undiminished excellence, and in 
the speech where he meditates and 
then resolves on marriage, he soared beyond himself.  Beatrice is 
Shakespeare's Benedict in petticoats, and very happily has got into 
the hands of Mrs Abington" (Quoted in 
Hampden, Eighteenth Century Journal).]  Receipts: #264 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)
                   
                    
                      Performances
                      Mainpiece Title: Much Ado About Nothing
Performance Comment: Don John-Aickin; Benedict-Garrick; Dogberry-Waldron; Verges-Carpenter; Conrade-Griffiths; Messenger-Lamash; Sexton-Wrighten; Don Pedro-Packer; Balthazar (with song)-Vernon; Town Clerk-Baddeley; Leonato-Jefferson; Hero-Miss Hopkins; Beatrice-Mrs Abington (first time); Antonio-Hurst; Borachio-Usher; Friar-Wright; Margaret-Mrs Bradshaw; Ursula-Mrs Millidge; Claudio-Brereton (first time); in Act II: a Masquerade Dance (proper to the play)-; to conclude with a Country Dance-.Afterpiece Title: May Day