*p1775 12 12 dl King Richard III. ^As17751107^, but Lady Anne-Mrs Greville.*a1775 12 12 dl The Sultan; or, A Peep into the Seraglio. Solyman-Palmer; Osymn-Bannister; Elmira-Mrs King; Ismena-Mrs Wrighten; Roxalana-Mrs Abington; with Dancing-Fontaine, Como, Giorgi; Sga Crespi, Mrs Sutton.*c1775 12 12 dl With New Music, Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations for the Afterpiece. This Farce is brought on the Stage by $Mrs Abington=--it is very dull--It is vastly well got up and was receiv'd with Applause (<i>Hopkins Diary</i>). [$MacMillan='s note from $Kemble= differs slightly, mentioning $Bickerstaff= as the author. <i>Larpent MS 397</i> contains elaborate stage direction at opening: "An interior apartment in the Seraglio. An arch in the middle of the back scene, which is shut with a curtian. On the right hand toward the front is a sopha in the <i>Turkish manner</i>, low deep, and long, covered with carpets and cushions. A little gold table about eight inches high and a foot and a half square. Upon it a rich or gold saver set with jewels, with two cups on porcelain, and a spoon made of the beak of an <i>Indian bird</i>, which is redder than coral, extremely rare and of extensive price." This may have been intended for a reading audience. In the piece Mrs Abington, an <i>English slave</i>r , rebels in the confines of the Seraglio, and start a reform movement wherein men are to please the women. Concludes with demostration of the nobility of <i>English women</i> who will not be enslaved, who will not flatter, who will preserve their liberty and dignity, and who are capable of returning love for honor and respect. Reviewed in <i>Westminster Magazine</i> for Dec.: "The Audience appeared to be divided in their opinion of the merit of the <i>Sultan</i>, some loudly applauding, and others as loudly condemning it, when the curtain dropped. The Majority however, stood firmly for it, and a verdict was returned in its favor. The managers not only well dressed this dramatic trifle, but bestowed three new scenes on it: The Outer Gate of the Seraglio--An Interior view of it--and a Garden terminating in a prospect of the sea. The first was but la! la! The last two were beautiful and picturesque. Five airs were introduced into this piece which had a very good effect....The music of the two first was the composition of $Mr Dibdin=, and was exceedingly pretty."] Receipts: #143 1s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book).