Event Comment: Two
Young Lady's made
their first Appearance in
the Characters of
Polly &
Lucy Pupils of Dr Arne--Miss Wellers figure is very well for Polly but she wants Spirit & is apt to Sing out of Tune. Mrs Bradley is Tall & a good figure for Lucy and acquitted herself very well in that character
they both met with Applause (
Hopkins Diary). [
MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly: Two
young Gentlewomen appeared in
the characters of Polly and Lucy,--brought out by
Dr Arne,--
Miss Weller and
Mrs Bradley.--Miss Weller's figure was very well for Polly; but she is a piece of still life, sings out of tune and will never make an actress.--Mrs Bradley,--very tall, and appears to have blackguard requisites enough for Lucy, but will not do for anything else--
Hopkins Diary No 7. Mrs Bradley is since married to
Mr Prior the Builder.--
J. P. Kemble."] Paid Renters #8 [this payment occurs each playing night of
the season, 188 times in all, and will not be fur
ther noted];
Mr Carver, six days, #6 [a weekly payment outside
the pay list throughout
the season. Presumably to scene painter. No fur
ther noted];
Mr S. French, 6 days, #1 10s. Renters total for season #1592. Carver total for season #088 (Treasurer's Book). [see account of Miss Weller and Miss Bradley in
Town and Country Magazine (
Theatre XXXVIII):
The first performed
the part of Polly, and
the latter that of Lucy.
Their figures are both genteel, and
their countenances expressive. Miss weller was much confused upon her first entrance; but from
the melody of her voice, tho she did not raise it sufficiently in many parts,
there is reason to believe, when she was got
the better of her terrors of facing an audience, that she will be an acquisition to
the stage, at least as a vocal performer. Miss Bradley's performance of Lucy with great spirit, vivacity and Propriety' and her singing being so well suited to
the character, she so much eclipsed Polly, that
the audience formed a more indifferent opinion of her abilities than she deserved."] Receipts: #220 11s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)