*p1774 10 15 dl Electra. Orestes-Smith; Aegisthus-Palmer; Pammenes-J. Aickin; Pylades-Packer; Electra-Mrs Yates; Dymas-Wright; Clytemnestra-Mrs Hopkins; Iphisa-Mrs Baddeley; New Occasional <i>Prologue</i>-King; <i>Epilogue</i>, written by $Garrick=, spoken by-Mrs Yates.*a1774 10 15 dl The Anatomist. ^As17740927^.*c1774 10 15 dl Mainpiece: A Tragedy never performed there. $Mrs Yates= first appearance this stage in 8 years. This Play is from the <i>Orestes</i> of $Voltaire= Mrs Yates who has been at <i>Covent Garden</i> these 8 years is now return'd & chose to make her first appearance in the part of <i>Electra</i>r. $Mr Garrick= wrote an Excellent <i>Prologue</i> & <i>Epilogue</i> for the Occasion both of which were greatly receiv'd With great Applause. The Play is very dull & heavy & Mrs Yates wanted Spirit greatly in the part of Electra had but little Applause (<i>Hopkins Diary</i>). Paid salary list 5 days at #91 8s. 10d. #457 4s. 2d.; $Mr French= on acct #5 5s. (Treasurer's Book). [From <i>Westminster Magazine</i>, Oct. (of the mainpiece): From its want of business, it is a very heavy, tedious performance. Most of the scenes are mere declamations; and a certain air of coldness and apathy, which is the peculiar characteristic of <i>French drama</i>, runs thro the whole, which must ever render it unpleasing as well as uninteresting to an <i>English Audience</i>." Gave a severe comment on the Prologue with its theme "home is home be it ever so homely." Preferred the Epilogue. The perspective scenery of <i>Argos</i>v, the <i>Palace of Aegisthus</i>v, and the <i>Tomb of Agamemnon</i>v, designed by $Loutherbourg=, and painted by Messrs French and $Roy=, were warm and spirited, and the dresses elegant and characteristic."] Receipts: #243 17s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book).