11 October 1797
Event Information
Theatre:
Covent Garden
Theatrical Season:
1797-1798
Volume:
5
Comments:
[2nd piece in place of The Orphan; 3rd piece of Blunders at Brighton [i.e. The Irish Mimic], both advertised on playbill of 9 Oct.] "Where [Lewis] absolutely exceeded all expectation, even from spirits like his own, was in the first scene of the fifth act, where he meets with Cacafogo, who has been Cozened, too, and by a woman also (indeed the same woman); the convulsive joy of his laugh, frequently renewed, and invariably compelling the whole audience to a really painful sympathy, was one of the most brilliant exploits of the comedian...[Lewis] had one peculiarity, which was the richest in effect that could be imagined, and was always an addition to the character springing from himself. It might be called an attempt to take advantage of the lingering sparks of gallantry in the aunt, or the mother of sixty, or the ancient maiden whom he had to win, to carry the purposes of those for whom he was interested. He seemed to throw the lady by degrees off her guard, until at length his whole artillery of assault was applied to storm the struggling resistance; and the Mattockses and the Davenports of his attentions sometimes complained of the perpetual motion of his chair, which compelled them to a ludicrous retreat, and kept the spectator in a roar of laughter. In short, whether sitting or standing, he was never for a moment at rest--his figure continued to exhibit a series of undulating lines, which indicated a self-complacency that never tired, and the sparkling humour of his countenance was a signal hung out for enjoyment" (Boaden, Siddons, II, 364-66). Receipts: #365 4s. 6d. (357.6.6; 7.18.0)
Performance List
Mainpiece
Title:
The Rival Soldiers
Comments:
Lenox-Johnstone; Nipperkin-Munden; Capt. Cruizer-Powel; Major Tactic-Davenport; Sinclair-Incledon; Mary-Mrs Clendining.
Lenox-Johnstone; Nipperkin-Munden; Capt. Cruizer-Powel; Major Tactic-Davenport; Sinclair-Incledon; Mary-Mrs Clendining.
Afterpiece
Title:
Rule a Wife and Have a Wife
Comments:
Leon-Holman; Duke-Clarke; Juan-Toms; Cacafogo-Waddy; Sanchio-Thompson; Alonzo-Powel; Copper Captain-Lewis; Margaretta-Miss Chapman; Altea-Mrs Gilbert; Clara-Mrs Platt; Old Woman-Mr Munden; Maid-Mr Rees; Estifania-Mrs Abington.
Leon-Holman; Duke-Clarke; Juan-Toms; Cacafogo-Waddy; Sanchio-Thompson; Alonzo-Powel; Copper Captain-Lewis; Margaretta-Miss Chapman; Altea-Mrs Gilbert; Clara-Mrs Platt; Old Woman-Mr Munden; Maid-Mr Rees; Estifania-Mrs Abington.
Cast:
- Role: Leon Actor: Holman
- Role: Duke Actor: Clarke
- Role: Juan Actor: Toms
- Role: Cacafogo Actor: Waddy
- Role: Sanchio Actor: Thompson
- Role: Alonzo Actor: Powel
- Role: Copper Captain Actor: Lewis
- Role: Margaretta Actor: Miss Chapman
- Role: Altea Actor: Mrs Gilbert
- Role: Clara Actor: Mrs Platt
- Role: Old Woman Actor: Mr Munden
- Role: Maid Actor: Mr Rees
- Role: Estifania Actor: Mrs Abington.
Afterpiece
Title:
Three Weeks after Marriage
Comments:
Sir Charles Racket-Knight (1st appearance in that character); Woodley-Claremont; Lovelace-Farley; Drugget-Munden; Dimity-Mrs Litchfield; Mrs Drugget-Mrs Davenport; Nancy (with a song)-Mrs Mountain; Lady Racket-Mrs Abington.
Sir Charles Racket-Knight (1st appearance in that character); Woodley-Claremont; Lovelace-Farley; Drugget-Munden; Dimity-Mrs Litchfield; Mrs Drugget-Mrs Davenport; Nancy (with a song)-Mrs Mountain; Lady Racket-Mrs Abington.
Cast:
- Role: Sir Charles Racket Actor: Knight
- Role: Woodley Actor: Claremont
- Role: Lovelace Actor: Farley
- Role: Drugget Actor: Munden
- Role: Dimity Actor: Mrs Litchfield
- Role: Mrs Drugget Actor: Mrs Davenport
- Role: Nancy Actor: Mrs Mountain
- Role: Lady Racket Actor: Mrs Abington.