*p1760 01 01 cg The Earl of Essex. ^As17591221^.*a1760 01 01 cg The Fair. ^As17591231^, but dance list shortened.*c1760 01 01 cg Receipts: #115 3s. [<i>The Weekly Magazine; or, Gentleman and Lady's Polite Companion</i> (1760), pp. 61-63, deplores the lack of new plays and lack of competition for the Patent houses. "Our theatres seem now to aim at glorious opposition: <i>Harlequin</i>r is set against Harlequin, one dancing master opposes another; the scene shifters, the singers, and even the drummers figure at each house by turns, and it is to be hoped soon that the mere actor will become useless....<i>The Fair</i> has scarce even pantomime probability...for instance Harlequin should never exercise his magical power without reason, and should never make escapes without being pursued, but here he conjures, leaps, runs and waggles without any apparent design; and the whole seems destitute of plot, a if contrived by a dancing master. <i>Harlequin's Invasion</i> at the other House is still rather more absurd." The author expected a speaking Harlequin, <i>Pantaloon</i>r, <i>Pierot</i>r, <i>Mezzetin</i>r, &c. but found the customary figures banished for the substitution of a "stupid Taylor and his more stupid wife." Regrets the sinking of stage performance to such absurdity.]