Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; P 2(?), by Ralph Wewitzer. Not in Larpent MS; not published; synopsis of action in Public Advertiser, 28 Dec.]: With new Music, Scenery, Dresses, Machinery, and Decorations. The Music composed by Walter? Clagget. The Scenes designed and executed by Richards, Carver, Hodgins and others. Nothing under Full Price will be taken. Receipts: #192 2s. (188.12; 3.10)

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; MD 3, by John Rose, based on Raoul Sire De Crequi, by Jaques Marie Boutet de Monvel]: With new Scenes [by Greenwood (Public Advertiser, 19 Oct.)], Dresses and Decorations. The Music composed principally by Attwood; the rest selected from Mozart and Sarti. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Morning Herald, 20 Dec. 1792: This Day is published The Prisoner (1s.). Receipts: #217 10s. (128.12; 86.10; 2.8)

Event Comment: Benefit for Whitfield and Mrs Morton. Public Advertiser, 17 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Whitfield, No. 14, New Crown Court, Russel Street, Covent Garden; of Mrs Morton, No. 15, same address

Event Comment: Full Prices. Afterpiece: A Pantomimic dance by Love (Biographia Dramatica). Much followed and brought several crowded houses, and the success chiefly owing to the reports our newspapers were, at that time, daily filled with, of the French wild Beast that was devouring (and yet pursued by) children. This wild beast was happily introduced in this pantomime, pursued by boys led on by a Frenchman. At last the Beast made his Re-entry, and ran across the stage with the poor Frenchman in his mouth, to the great joy of the Pit, Box and Galleries (Victor, History of Theatres, III, 72). Dorilas for the first time by Mr Cautherly--very decent, but wanted spirit. This pantomime is fathered by Mr Lowe [?]--went off with applause, --Mr Garrick made most of the Business to it, which is very good (Hopkins Diary). [Letter from C. V. Theatricus on ladies' removing their hats in the theatre. A Gentleman had requested it and a debate ensued in the Public Advertiser, as to whether he wished to see the play better or to gaze more audaciously on many pretty faces. Long letter also from G. F. Theatricus to the Public Advertiser, commenting on the excellence of Powell, Mrs Yates, Holland, the Palmers, Cautherly and Bensley for their performance in Venice Preserved, Romeo and Juliet, and Mahomet respectively.

Event Comment: This tragedy was wrote by Mr Dow,--went off but So, so.--some hisses thro' the play, and at the end also when given out.--The scenery and dresses was very fine, was well adapted, and had applause.--Miss Younge played very bad, and much disliked--Mr Holland and Mr Aickin played well (Hopkins Diary). New Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations. [The Prologue is Larpent MS 289. It follows in content the suggestions of the Prologue to the Orphan of China ten seasons earlier:@"Too much the Greek and Roman chiefs engage@The Muse's care--they languish on our stage;@The modern bard struck with the vast applause@Of ancient masters, like the painter draws@From models only.--Can such copies charm@The Heart, or like the glow of Nature warm?@To fill the scene, tonight our author brings@Originals at least, --Warriours and Kings,@Heroes who like their Gems, unpolish'd shine,@The mighty fathers of the Tartar line,@Greater than those whom classic pages boast,@If those are greatest who have conquored most."@ An account of the plot of the mainpiece is in Lloyd's Evening Post, 16-19 Dec. Concludes: The play is said to have been written by Mr Dow, who lately favored the public with an accurate History of the Hindoos. The decorations and dresses were very magnificent. The performers who were the most distinguished by the audience were Mr Holland, Miss Younge, Mr Aickin, and Mr Jefferson. Mr Holland spoke the Prologue and Mrs Abington the Epilogue the latter of which furnished infinite entertainment, from the spirit and humour of that admirable actress. A Two column resume of the play appears in the Public Advertiser, 19 Dec.

Event Comment: Paid Black? Lyon bill #2 7s. 4d. (Treasurer's Book). [This is a recurring item weekly throughout the season varying in amounts from about #1 to #3. Tavern. Run by Yearley Waterer. Not noted further. Total payments this season about #75.] Public Advertiser, Theatrical Intelligence: Any Young Lady inclined to the Stage, is offered an advantageous Opportunity to experience her Theatrical Abilities in a very desirable Situation. As this Advertisement appears not from an itinerant Manager, nor results from a Dearth of People, but a Wish to promote Merit, which often (for want of the proper Mode of Application, or Fear in the Parties of their Intentions being made public, in case their Services should not be received) lies hid and unnoticed, it is hoped none but such as are possessed of a good Figure, as that will be greatly regarded, and whose Capabilities are blended with a real Inclination will apply. Enquire for W. at No. 114, in Long-Acre between the hours of Eleven and One on Wednesday or Thursday Morning in person, as no Attention will be paid to any Substitute. The Stage: A Gentlewoman, who has played capital Characters with unblemished Reputation in the three Kingdoms, takes this Method of acquainting such Ladies who have Talents and Inclination for the stage, that she undertakes to instruct them for the Profession many having been unsuccessful, more from Want of previous Instructions than Want of Genius. Her Attention to the great Articles of Reading and Speaking, with Elegance and Propriety, as well as Expression, Grace, and Ease, will be found of infinite Service to those who are assisted by the least Understanding. Those Ladies who do not intend to display their Talents in Public may be instructed for their Amusement. Enquire for E. H. No. 2 Queen Street, near Windmill Street, Haymarket. N.B. Any Lady will be waited on by a Line directed as above. [These advertisements ran for a number of days.] Receipts: #183 16s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: [For the King (Cross). With New Music, Scenes, Machines, Habits, and other Decorations. Compos'd by Mr Noverre. All our Dancers appear. A good deal of hissing & Clapping & some Cries of No french Dancers; a great clapping too-the Dance is fine-(Mr Delaistre is a good Dancer) (Cross). [See for details of preparation, importation of dancers, especially of M Delaistre, The Chevalier Noverre, Father of Modern Ballet, Deryck Lynham (London, 1950), pp. 26-40. See also advertisement in Public Advertiser: 'Mr Noverre, whose entertainments of Dancing have been celebrated in almost all the courts of Europe, exhibits this evening his Chinese Festival at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, in pursuance of a contract made above a year ago with the managers of the said theatre: The Insinuation that at this time, an extraordinary number of French dancers are engaged, is groundless, there being at Drury Lane at present as few of that nation, as any other theatre now has, or perhaps ever had. Mr Noverre and his brothers are Swiss, of a protestant family in the Canton of Berne, his wife and her sisters Germans; there are above sixty performers concerned in the entertainment; more than forty of which are English, assisted only be a few French (five men and four women) to complete the Ballet as usual. As the intention of the Managers on this occasion is to give Variety to Entertainments of the town, it is not doubted it will meet with public approbation.'] Receipts: #210 (Cross)

Event Comment: Comedy by Mrs Griffith, never before acted. [Not well received the first night, but clarified and improved the second Victor, History of the Theatres, III, 59. Prologue and Epilogue printed in Public Advertiser, 28 Jan.

Event Comment: Benefit for Ackman and Mrs Bradshaw

Event Comment: Benefit for Varney (Housekeeper). Mainpiece: Written by Shakespear. Sir Hugh-Public Advertiser). Receipts: #210 ($Cross">Clough; Rugby-$Marr; Bardolph-$Johnson (Public Advertiser). Receipts: #210 ($Cross)

Event Comment: MMr Foote play'd Buck & Miss Macklin Lucinda, --went off tol: ye Girl was lik'd-she sung in ye Character Aly Croky--fine, --& danc'd a Minuet--well (Cross). [Foote was engaged as an actor for a certain number of nights and made his 1st appearance on this evening-he spoke a Prologue written by Garrick which was encored every night Genest, IV, 380). The Prologue was printed in the Public Advertiser on 29 Oct. suggesting the many sources of laughter on stage as they appealed to various parts of the House, pointing fun at Foote, and closing with his mock, humble statement: @"Many my passions are, tho' one my view@They all concenter--in the pleasing you.'@ It also contained information about a specialty performer on the Cello, Monsieur Cervetti, and his reception by the upper galleries: @"...In like extremes your laughing humour shows@Have ye not roar'd from Pit to upper Rows@And all the jest was, What? a Fiddler's nose..."@ The person here meant is M Cervetti, who has been a standing joke with the upper gallery for a long time past, on account of the length of his nose: but as I am inform'd, that no feature of his Mind is out of proportion, unless it be that his good qualities are extraordinary, I take this opportunity to mention that it is cruel to render him uneasy in the Business, in which he is eminent, and by which he must gain his livlihood." See identical comment in Gray's Inn Journal, 27 Oct. A puff for Miss Macklin appeared in Gray's Inn Journal, 20 Oct.] Receipts: #190 [Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Woodward. The Whole Pit will be laid into the Boxes, where servants will be admitted to keep places, and upon the Stage, which will be formed into an Amphitheatre and divided into Boxes. The Pit doors will be opened for the Ladies to pass to their places there, without incommoding those in the Front Boxes. Box, Pit and Stage at 5s. Nothing under full price will be taken during the performance. Ladies send servants by 3 o'clock (Public Advertiser). [The Larpent MS 130 indicates the intended cast, and suggests Dizzy-Oliver; Ruffle-$Yates; and Mrs Dotterel-$Mrs Bennet.] Receipts: #320 ($Cross)

Event Comment: The Tragedy of the Roman Father, written by William Whitehead, Esq: the present Poet Laureate, will be reviv'd at Drury Lane soon after the Holidays (Public Advertiser). Receipts: #140 (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit for Love. Mr Love Hiss'd in the Scotchman. Dumont by Mr Powell (Hopkins). Characters Dress'd in Habits of Times. Mr Love was hissed very much in the Scotchman, and the Farce hissed at the end (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan). No building on stage. On Saturday Othello with a New Burletta call'd Music A-La-Mode, or Bayes in Chromatics For the Benefit of Vernon. [The principal characters were to have been played by King, Vernon, Packer, Fox, Mrs Mrs Dorman, and Miss Young (Public Advertiser, 13 April). But it was deferred at the last minute and seems never to have been performed. Larpent MS 237 lists the parts: Dr Crochet, Player-Packer; Squire, Justice; Damon; Daphne, Chorus of Shepherds and Nymphs. $J. P. Kemble thought it a burlesque at the expense of Dr Arne (professor of nonharmonic music). The Player wants in it to banish all but four plays (Tamerlane, London Cuckolds, George Barnwell, and Twelfth Night) and fill stage performance with music.] Receipts: #208 14s. 6d. (MacMillan); charges: #64 4s. [Profit to Love: #144 10s. 6d.

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. Mr Garrick played Lusignan and Lord Chalkstone. It is almost impossible to express how finely he played both characters. The Prologue was called for. Mr Garrick went on directly to speak it--as soon as he appeared a general clap and a loud huzza,--and there was such a noise from the House being so crowded, very few heard anything of the prologue.--As soon as the play began there was a great disturbance in the Gallery, and some called out, Guards Guards! that they could not go on.--Mr Lacy went on the Stage, and looked up to the gallery, and came off again without saying anything.--They soon grew quiet, and the play went on.--Monsr Rousseau sat in Mr Garrick's box (Hopkins Diary). [Account in the Public Advertiser of the original story upon which VanBrugh founded some circumstance in his Provok'd Wife, signed Heartfree. The Gentleman's Magazine, January, in the Historical Chronicle section noted that Jean Jacques Rousseau arrived in England on 13 Jan. and "was at the play on the 23rd, and presented himself in the upper Box fronting his Majesty."

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Pritchard. Part of pit laid into boxes. House charges #61 4s. [Profit to Mrs Pritchard #68 8s.] Lent to Mr Johnston, Prompter, by order #2 2s.; Paid to James Aickin on his note #40; Paid Poor's rate (1!2 year for St Martin's) #20 4s.; Salary list #294 2s. 8d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #129 12s. (Treasurer's Book). Went to see Macbeth for Mrs Pritchard's Benefit. Got a good seat in the Pit, which was not full for half an hour after I went, tho part of it was laid into the boxes. Read the Public Advertiser of Today' and part of London Chronicle before the play began...Dance of the Furies in the 4th Act, and end of the Play (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: [The Public Advertiser lists Phebe-$Mrs Davies.

Event Comment: Last time of company's performing this season. Benefit for Bowers and Widow Veal. Tickets deliver'd by Berrisford, Hodges, and Burroughs will be taken. Thus Ends the Season-63 different plays-36 different Farces-186 Nights in all (Hopkins Diary). Paid Watch, Rector, Cleansing, &c., cg to Lady Day last #5 18s. 4d. (Treasurer's Book). After Season Receipts: 11 June: Box Office Keeper's cash #25; Condill's 3rd and last payment for Fruit Office #20. 16 June: Candles, Oyl and Lampmen of Theatrical Fund Night 2nd inst. #3 18s. 6d. 23 June: Mr Johnston for Candle ends sold to sundry #11 7s. 6d.; Ditto for Lace burnt form the Wardrobe #205 8s. 26 June: Harrison's rent 1 yr to Lady Day last #46 but with #12 5s. in taxes deducted amount rec'd #33 15s.; Williams rent ditto (#48 with #8 6s. 8d. taxes deducted) #39 13s. 4d.; From Public Advertiser this season #50; From Daily Gazetteer #50. 3 July: Remainder of Sinking Fund #160 2s. 6d. 6 July. Mr Rowland 1 yrs rent to Lady Day last with #3 8s. in taxes deducted, #139 12s.; Mr Pope 1 yrs rent to ditto with #3 11s. 2d. taxes deducted #26 8s. 10d. 10 July: Benefit deficiencies cleared and Cash taken up by Evans as per acct. #89 7s. (Treasurer's Book). After Season expenditures: 11 June: Hopkins, Prompters Bill #8 15s.; Miss Hopkins 18 Nights full #2 5s. 13 June: 2 days salary list at #72 6s. 5d. per diem #144 12s. 10d.; S. French 6 days #1 10s. 16 June: Davies on note #7 6s.; Printer's 2 bills #11 14s.; Mas. Thomson 3 nights in full 15s.; Mrs Mann on note #2 2s.; Tallow chandler's 9th bill (#30 14s. 4d. with a discount of #26 15s. 6d. on all bills for season) #3 18s. 10d. 19 June: Miss Berkley on note #5 5s. 3 July: J. Stevens 2 weeks as usual #1 16s; Sandys & Co. for Colours #10 4s. Dorman for Coals #20 10s. and for attending practices of dances, as usual #10 10s.; Cole (turner) #14 3s.; Bibb (sword cutler) #3 12s.; Barret (wax chandler) #20 6s. 6d.; Blakes, (hatter), #5 12s.; Lowe and Co (glaziers) #16 6d.; Cropley, (linen draper) #14 7s. 6d.; Chamberlain & Co. (ironmongers), #25; Carter (scowerer) #14 12s.; Jennings (glover and furrier) #18 6d.; Scott (copper laceman), #51 19s.; Carpue, (silk dyer) #9 1s. 6d.; Mrs Chitty (coals) #28; Carver's bill #2 1s.; Chettell (timber) #14 9s.; Cubitt (Tinman) #18 2s. 6d.; Waller (hosier) #24 19s. 6d.; Barrow & Co. (only) #118; Vaughan (haberdasher) #3 6s.; Hatsell (mercer) #28 2s.; Thomson (smith) #10 15s. 6 July: B. Lyon, Wardrobe & Carp Bills #10 10s. 6d.; Stephens (manson) #6 4s.; Pope (peruke maker) #29 6s. and #3 16s. for 38 extra nights dressing &c.; Mrs Slaughter's Bill #9 2s. 6d.; Roberts (shoemaker) #3 12s. 6d.; D. Richards, 30 weeks 5 days extra salary in full for this season #30 16s. 8d.; Hewetson (laceman) #17 6s.; Mr Page in full of #25 this season #1 17s. 6d. 8 July: J. Johnston's Music Bill #37 13s. 6d.; Powney & Co., (stationers) #3 14s.; Landall for Mrs Cape's Funeral per order #4 7s. 6d.; Kirkman, (harpsichord maker) #18 14s.; John French, painter's bill #5 3s. 10 July: Palmer for Spermacetti Candles #255 8s.; Miss Collett's schooling #2 8s. 10d.; Stafford (glassman) #4 19s.; A. Johnston's bill for feathers &c. #15 6s. 6d.; Ditto four Housekeeping Bills #10 1s. 4d.; Chapman (Jubilee horsekeeping) #3 13s. 6d.; Victor 2 weeks salary as usual #5; Victor gratuity as usual #30; Evans 2 weeks salary as usual #3 and #42 in lieu of a Benefit. Books Closed 10 July. Total income #32,538 6s. 1d. Total outgo #26,410 8s. 8d. Profit #6,127 17s. 5d. paid To Managers #5,040 To Clutterbuck #1,087 17s. 5d

Event Comment: Boniface-Public Advertiser). This day only. Paid $Mr C. Bannister">Ackman (Public Advertiser). This day only. Paid $Mr C. Bannister on note #50. Receipts: #262 7s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: At Cibber's Histrionic Academy on the Bowling Green, A Public Rehearsal, gratis. With out Gain, Hire or Reward. The Rehearsal must begin punctually at 6 p.m. No Money will be taken, nor any Persons admitted without Pass Tickets, which will be given by Mr Cibber to particular Patrons, Friends and Customers. The Cephalick Snuff is to be had at the Above Academy, at the following Prices, viz., First sort 3s., second sort 2s., third sort 1s., none sold under. [Play not given. See Public Advertiser, 14 Dec. "Southwark. Some sudden Disappointments (as unexpected as unforeseen) compel me to defer opening my Histrionic Academy." Advance advertisement had also appeared in the Daily Advertiser, 6 Dec.

Event Comment: At the Little Theatre in James Street near the Haymarket. Doors to be opened at 5:00. To begin exactly at 6:00. Boxes 4s. Pit 2s. 6d. Gallery 1s. 6d. to the public. After several of our Lords and Masters, the Men, have with various success made wry faces for the amusement of the town; permit a woman to attempt the arduous task of laughing the men out of their follies; declaring, however, that while she attempts the ridicule of vices peculiar to the other sex, she will by no means spare the slightest foible of her own (Public Advertiser). The Theatre is fitted up in an elegant manner, and constant fires are kept to make the house agreeably warm (Gazetteer & New Daily Advertiser). [This Lecture continued to 6 March.

Event Comment: MMrs Bellamy thinks it her duty to inform the Public, that, as her name is in the Bills, (Though the Managers have sent her word she was not to play) she should think herself wanting of that Gratitude she owes the Public, if she did not let them know, she is ready to perform Cordelia. [Pasted in playbills of dl 1766-67 at 19 Jan. See Mrs Bellamy's Apology (1785) IV, 145-47, where she notes that although Miss Wilford made her entrance the audience forced her to withdraw and Mrs Bellamy acted the entire part.] Receipts: #221 3s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: [Extra night] Benefit for Bonnor. Afterpiece [1st time; INT 1]: Translated [by Charles Bonnor] from a new Production of Dorvigny, entitled La Fete de Campagne; ou, L'Intendant Comedien malgre Lui, now acting in Paris with uncommon Applause [MS: Larpent 664; not published; in later season occasionally acted under the title of Transformation]. Tickets to be had of Bonnor, No. 19, Piazza, Covent Garden. Bonnor begs leave to inform his Friends and the Public that on account of his Absence at the time his Night was to have been appointed he was induced to decline a Benefit in the course of the Season, but the Manager having obligingly made him an Offer of the Theatre, free of all Expense, and the several Performers kindly engaging to assist him, he has fixed on this Day. Receipts: none listed

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Lessingham. Mainpiece: Not acted these 2 years. The Characters dressed in the Habits of the Country. Afterpiece [1st time; C 2, ascribed to Charles Stuart. Author of Address unknown]. Public Advertiser, 24 Mar.: Tickets to be had of Mrs Lessingham at her House, the corner of Percy-street, Rathbone Place. Receipts: #224 1s. 6d. (151.19.6; tickets: 72.2.0) (charge: #65 13s. 6d.)

Event Comment: Oratorio composed by Handel. Tickets to be had and places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr Johnston at the Stage Door of the Theatre, at Half a Guinea each. Pit 5s. First Gallery 3s. 6d. Second Gallery 2s. The Doors to be opened at Five o'Clock. To Begin at Half past Six. N.B. Those ladies who had Side Boxes last year, are humbly requested if they intend to continue them the ensuing season, to give immediate notice to Mr Johnston to have them secured. [The Westminster Magazine (March) commented: "One of those whims by which the public are continually influenced, has made it the ton to resort to this theatre to hear and see Miss Linley, the syren of Bath. This young lady who is greatly indebted to nature for the eclat with which she is followed, and not a little to the fortuitous concurrence of remarkable incidents in her life has drawn crowded houses incessantly; and this success has been insured by the constant attendance of his Majesty and the Royal family at this theatre."