*p1775 12 29 dl The Merchant of Venice. Shylock-King; Antonio-Reddish; Bassanio-Bensley; Gratiano-Dodd; Salanio-Fawcett; Launcelot-Parsons, first time; Duke-Bransby; Gobbo-Waldron; Salarino-Farren; Jessica (With a <i>Song</i>)-Miss Jarratt; Tubal-Messink; Nerissa-Mrs Davies; Portia-A Young Lady; first appearance; Lorenzo (With Songs)-Vernon.*a1775 12 29 dl The Jubilee. ^As17751227^.*d1775 12 29 dl III: <i>The Merry Peasants</i>, ^as17751018^.*c1775 12 29 dl <i>Portia</i>r by $Mrs Siddons= being her first appearance upon this Stage a good figure rather handsome--wants Spirit and ease her Voice a little course very well receiv'd (<i>Hopkins, Diary</i>). Paid $Mr Wrighten= on note #100; $Mr Garrick= 2 nights for <i>Bon Ton</i> and <i>Little Gipsey</i>, #238. Receipts: #197 (Treasurer's Book). Books of the Songs and Chorusses of the Afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. [This note appeared on all subsequent bills advertising the <i>Jubilee</i> this season.] The most accomplished actress can display little other abilities in this part [Portia] than a correct elocution, and a knowledge of the author. The lady of last night being thus circumstanced [her first appearance] it is impossible to pronounce what the nature or extent of her powers may enable her to execute when placed in a situation that calls them forth. But from the speciman she gave there is not room to expect anything beyond mediocrity. Her figure and face, although agreeable, have nothing striking, her voice (that requisite of all public speakers) is far from being favourable to her progress as an actress. It is feared she possess a monotone not to be got rid of; there is also vulgarity in her tones, ill calculated to sustain that line in a theatre she has at first been held forth in; but as these observations are formed when the lady laboured under the disadvantages of a first attempt in the metropolis, her future efforts may perhaps entirely remove them (<i>Middlesex Journal</i>, 30 Dec. Quoted in <i>Hampden, Journal</i>).