Event Comment: Benefit for ye Marine Society. Boxes & pit 10s. 6d.; Gal: 3s. up: Gall 2s.; Stage 5s. (Cross). Tickets to be had of Mr Brogden at Mr Fieldings; Mr Stephens, 1st Secretary to the Society, in Princes's St. near the Bank, and of Mr Box, 2nd Secretary to said Society, in Duke St., York Buildings; and places of Varney at Stage-Door. [Advertisements for this performance for "clothing Friendless Boys and Men for the Sea" appeared in the Public Advertiser from 26 April to this day. The long Notice for the day pointed out that benefactors who attended would enjoy the satisfaction of seeing about 100 men and boys, all volunteers, clothed by the Marine Society appear on stage to thank them. The next day they would march to Portsmouth to go on board the Fleet. "As Britannia herself is to make her appearance on the scene in behalf of her warlike offering, it is pleasing to reflect that so many of her lovely daughters will attend her. It is not doubted but there will be the most Brilliant House that has been seen for sometime."] Receipts: #280 (Cross)

Event Comment: This piece was greatly Cut & Alter'd. the 5th Act Entirely left out & many Airs interspers'd all through; got up with a vast deal of trouble to everbody concern'd in it but particularly to Mr Coleman, who attended every Rehearsal & had alterations innumberable to make. Upon the Whole, never was anything so murder'd in the Speaking. Mr W. Palmer & Mrs Vincent were beyond Description bad; & had it not been for the Children's Excellent performance, (& particularly Miss Wright who Sung delightfully) the Audience would not have Suffer'd'em to have gone half thro' it. The Sleeping Scene particularly displeas'd. Next day it was reported, The Performers first Sung the Audience to S leep, & then went to Sleep themselves (Hopkins). Fairies pleas'd--Serious parts displeas'd--Comic between both (Cross Diary). This piece of Shakespear's was greatly cut and altered,--the fifth act entirely left out,--and many airs introduced--got up with a vast deal of trouble to all concerned, but particularly to Mr Colman, who attended every rehearsal, and had alterations innumerable to make. Upon the whole, I believe, never was piece so murdered as this was by the singing speakers, in which Mrs Vincent and Mr W. Palmer were beyond description bad; and had it not been for the children's excellent performance (particularly Miss Wright, who ran away with all the applause and very deservedly) the audience would not have suffered them to have gone half thro' it.--The sleeping particularly displeased. The next day it was reported, the performers sung the audience to sleep, and then went to sleep themselves (Hopkins Diary-MacMillan). Overture and airs composed by the most eminent English masters. Book of the play sold at the theatre, 1s. [See "A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Hands of Garrick and Colman," PMLA, June 1939.] Receipts: #98 7s. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted for 14 years, altered from Shirley. [See 7 Feb. 1758.] Characters New Dress'd in the Habits of the Times. This Comedy is reviv'd with Alterations. It is well perform'd & had great Applause (Hopkins Diary). Paid Half year's paving &c. to Mich. last for Drury Lane & Russel St. #14. Mr Godfrey for women's cloaths, #15. Mr Clutterbuck's last summer's balance #57 15s. 2d.; Mrs Foster for men's cloaths, #25 (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #121 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Bradshaw, Mrs Johnston and Mrs Millidge. Paid half year's paving &c. to Lady Day last, #14 (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #151 6s. Charges: #67 11s. 6d. Profits to Mrs Bradshaw, Johnston and Millidge: #83 14s. 6d

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Barry. King Arthur oblig'd to be deferr'd on account of Mr Barry's illness. Tickets deliver'd for The Distressed Mother will be taken. Pit and Boxes are laid together. Send servants by Four o'clock. Afterpiece: Not acted these seven years. [See 21 April 1760.] The Farce hiss'd. Mrs Barry Sir Harry (Hopkins Diary). Paid Salary list #333 19s.; Mrs Abington's Cloaths Acct, #1; Mr S. French 6 days, #1 10s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #296 14s. Charges: #65. Profit to Mrs Barry: #231 14s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Author of the Farce. Rec'd Stopages #29 18s.; Paid 6 days salary at #87 11s. 4d. per diem, #525 8s. Mr King 6 night's extra salary #3; Mr Clinch 30 nights not on the list #12 10s.; Chorus 2 nights (this incl.) #3 16s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #185 2s. 6d. Charges: #84. Profits to author of Farce: #101 2s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: With New Dresses and Decorations. N.B. After this night the Meeting of the Company will be laid aside for sometime. The Play was New drest in the Habits of the time & they look'd very well & was applauded (Hopkins Diary) Paid 3 days salary list at #91 16s. 4d. per diem, #275 9s.; Sundry salaries not on list last week as per partners in Memorandum Book, #44 8s.; Mr Granier for last week 12s. 6d.; Mr J. French on acct #5 5s. Receipts: #226 3s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; T 4, but published in 5, by Richard Bentley. The assignments of Fearon, Booth, Mahon (who are not listed in the text) are my own conjecture. Prologue and Epilogue by Richard Bentley Jun. (Public Advertiser, 18 Dec.)]: New Dresses, &c. Words of the Epithalamium will be given at the Box Doors. Public Advertiser, 11 Jan. 1783: This Day is published Philodamus (1s. 6d.). Afterpiece: Never performed at this Theatre. Receipts: #203 2s. (198/16/6; 4/5/6)

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by Leonard Macnally; words to some of the songs by Edward Lysaght]: With new Music, Scenes and Dresses. The Music composed by Shield [with selections from Sacchini, Bertoni, Lord Mornington, &c. (Public Advertiser, 19 Apr.); overture by Baumgarten, being the same as that used by him in William and Nanny at CG, 12 Nov. 1779 (Town and Country Magazine, Apr. 1784, p. 171)]. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Public Advertiser, 30 Oct. 1784: This Day is published by J. Almon Robin Hood [listing cast for season of 1784-85] (1s. 6d.). [In the season of 1789-90 this was reduced to an afterpiece of 2 acts.] Receipts: #206 4s. (204/3; 2/1)

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb]: Some of the Airs compiled from the best Masters [Purcell, Sacchini, et al.]; the rest of the Music, the Overture, Accompaniments, &c. by Linley [Sen.]. [The scenery by Greenwood {Public Advertiser, 15 Dec). In 1792 this opera was altered by the author as The Algerine Slave.] Public Advertiser, 11 Jan. 1786: This Day is published The Strangers at Home (1s. 6d.). Receipts: #200 1s. (183/6/0; 16/10/0; 0/5/0)

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb]: Some of the Airs compiled from the best Masters; the rest of the Music, the Overture, Accompaniments, &c. by Linley? Sen. With variety of new Scenery ["A view of Calcuttav, from a painting done on the spot by Hodges, opens the piece" (Public Advertiser, 26 Feb.)], Dresses and Decorations. Public Advertiser, 6 Mar. 1788: This Day is published Love in the East (1s. 6d.). Receipts: #207 8s. 6d. (172.8.0; 33.9.6; 1.11.0)

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By desire. To Mr G-, Sir: You will very much oblige many of your friends by reviving the play of Ulisses wrote by the celebrated Mr Rowe; We apprehdnd there are four characters in which yourself, Mr Barry, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Pritchard would shine inimitably. If you think this hint worthy your notice, we make no doubt it will in every Respect answer your expectations, as well as gratify the town in general. S. W., S. T., &c. (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, at 1s. Lethe Rehears'd or a critical discussion of the beauties and blemishes of that performance; interspers'd with occasional remarks upon dramatick satires in general, as well as on some that have been best receiv'd in particular. The whole in a free conversation amongst several persons of distinction. Printed for J. Roberts (General Advertiser). [This is a fifty@two@page puff for Lethe, and for the usefulness of the stage for propagating morals. The characters who lead the discussion are: Sir Francis Friendly , a sensible learned Gentleman; Dr Heartfree , a candid, judicious person; who has a great opinion of Mr Garrick; Mr Snip@Snap , a vociferous modern Critic; and Two Women .] Receipts: #120 (Cross); #118 12s. 6d. (Powel)

Event Comment: Receipts: #138. The weekly bill for the scenemen doubled this week, #18 16s. Paid Meares as per bill #6 18s. 1d.; Paid Mrs Buck for 13 days salary as dresser at 1s. 6d. per day; 19s. 6d.; Paid Mr Buck for making 13 Tambourines for The Fair, #2 15s.; Paid Mrs Lucy Gwynn a bill for cleaning silks, &c., 17s

Event Comment: By Particular Desire. Paid salary list #305 15s. 6d.; Mrs Hobson a bill 14s. 9d.; Paid Mr Mattocks as per order #1 1s.; Paid Mr Cartony for 12 yds. silver lace #9 12s.; Bought 12 lbs. Lampwicke #1 (Treasurer's Book). Next Monday will be reviv'd a Comedy (not acted these 30 years) call'd Friendship in Fashion, written by Otway. Receipts: #160 (Cross); #162 6s. (Treasurer's Book). Daily Advertiser: To Mr W-d, Sir, After the many defeats you have already suffer'd in the Mimical War between us, to which Ireland as well as England have been laughing witnesses; I was greatly surpris'd to hear that you again intended to provoke my future vengeance, by dressing at me in the character of Malagene, which you are to perform in the reviv'd play Friendship in Fashion. Whatever you may think, Mr W-d, these public exhibitions of particular persons by no means become the dignity of the stage, & though a disorder in my Finances may occasionally have urged me to some Pleasant attacks in this way, yet give me leave to say, I never was abandoned enough to think 'em justifiable...Your intended attack on me...as the character you are to represent is...indeed not that of the most nice Morality; who knows but that...some may cry, "Tis he from head to Foot." As you are sensible this would be doing me great Injustice, & in my present circumstances might be particularly injurious to me, I expect you will alter the Design

Event Comment: A new Comic Opera, music by several celebrated Composers. With new Cloaths, new Decorations, and new Dances. Pit and Boxes put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be delivered that Day, at half a Guinea each. Gallery 5s. By Their Majesties Command no Persons whatsoever to be admitted behind the Scenes, nor into the Orchestra. Gallery, Pit and Boxes will be opened at Five; To begin at 6:30. [Prices, terms of admission, and time repeated in subsequent bills.] Subscription Money to be paid to Andrew Drummond and Co. Bankers, or to Mr Crawford, Treasurer, for Silver t ickets. Signor Giardini the principal serious singer has arrived, and serious opera will begin as soon as possible (Public Advertiser). [Signora Mattei was again the promoter of Operas this season; Crawford the Treasurer.

Event Comment: Mrs Jewel from the Haymarket Theatre made her first appearance upon this stage in Lucinda and was receiv'd with great applause (Hopkins Diary). Paid 3 days salary list #134 15s. 6d.; Lampmen #2 12s.; Bill stickets #3 12s.; Handbills 8s.; Candlemen Bill #2 15s. 6d.; Taylor's Bill #13 16s. 3d.; Mantua Maker's Bill #8 12s.; Mr French #12 12s.; Painter's Bill #3 6s.; Heath andWife #2; Roye #4 1Os. (Treasurer's Book). [The following items among those listed in the Treasurer's Book were constant weekly expenditures. Their averages and totals appear in the following table and will not again be mentioned]: @Week's Average Total expense for season@Lampmen #4 5s. #171@Billstickers #2 14s. #92 12s.@Handbills 12s. #22 16s.@Tailors #8 10s. #323@Mant. Makers #2 5s. #85 2s.@Candlemen #12 #456@Mr French #10 10s. #388@Painters #7 #266@Mr Heath and Wife #2 #76 [A spectator writes to the Public Advertiser (to inform the country readers) about the changes in the interior of Drury Lane Theatre resulting from the remodeling by the Adams@brothers. They had managed to give the impression of greater magnitude to the house. They removed the old heavy square pillars at the side of the stage, raised the sounding board on the side next to the stage, greatly improving the sound of the music and the actors' voices. Much new decoration went into the boxes making them more light and gay. Much panel glass, ornamentation, and ceiling decoration, giving it the effect of a dome. The author believes the crimson drapery over the stage is too dark for the objects around it, and the gold fringe lacks the brilliant effect. The lobby behind the front boxes was remodeled and kept clear of servants, by means of an adjoining room prepared for the servants. New arches lead into the entrance from Brydges St. toward the boxes.] Receipts: #235 6s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. With the latest improvement by Mr Handel. Pit and boxes to be put together. Tickets will be deliver'd that day, at the Office in the theatre at Half a Guinea each. First Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. 6d. Galleries to be opened at Half an Hour past Four. Pit and Boxes at Five. To Begin at Half an Hour after Six (Public Advertiser, 4 March). [N.B. This is an Advance notice. No notice occurs on this day, but the following: This Day publish'd Esther: An Oratorio, with the last improvements by Mr Handel. To be performed, by Their Majesties Command at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. Price 1s.] Went into the First Gallery at Covent Garden to hear the Oraortio, Esther, composed by Handel. The Stage was formed into an orchestra, like one side of an amphitheatre divided by an organ, atop of which was a head of Handel in a radiated frame. In the front sat the vocal performers, Champney, Vernon, Mrs Arne, Mrs Pinto, Miss Young, and Mrs Frasi. Stanley played on the Organ but retired after the 1st or 2nd act. The house was not much crowded, tho the King and Queen, those idols of fools, were there (Neville MS Diary). Charges: #35 (Account Book)

Event Comment: This play was wrote by Mr Shirly & was at Lisbon when Acted--it was receiv'd with great Applause--only a little groaning at some of the Love Scenes; the prologue greatly lik'd--he says the play attempted after ye Manner of Shakespear (Cross). Paid salary list at #51 7s. 7d. per diem, #308 5s. 6d.; Blakes per order #1 1s.; Maltair added to salary list at 10s. per day. Paid Lacy as per draft #105; Xmas box to Prince and Princess's footmen #2 2s.; Mr Maltair for 11 days #5 10s. (Treasurer's Book). [Maltair is presumably the dancer Maltare who had appeared at dl in 1740.] Receipts: #180 (Cross); #185 13s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: A Comedy [by William Kenrick] never performed before. [The play failed to succeed. Kenrick accounts for the failure in his Preface to the 1773 edition by reference to the Macklin affair (See 23 Oct., 30 Oct. and 18 Nov.) He quotes from the Public Advertiser (22 Nov.): "On Saturday last a new comedy called the Duellist was performed, for the first time, at Covent Garden Theatre. Previous to the curtain being drawn up, the following written handbill was dispersed about the house. 'Mr Macklin has been pursued by a malicious party to such a pitch of rancour, that at last they have succeeded so far in their cursed designs, as to get him discharged this theatre, and thereby have deprived him of the means of a livelihood; therefore if the public have any spirit, they will not suffer the new play to begin till Mr Colman promises that Mr Macklin shall be engaged again.' This handbill found its way into the green-room, and had a very visible effect on the performers, as was plainly evident from their confusion. The piece was received with great marks of approbation, and given out again for Monday, which was attended with some hissing, but that was greatly overpowered by the general applause of the audience. The overture to Thomas and Sally being attended to with silence, the greatest part of the author's friends quitted the theatre; which being taken advantage of by a party in the gallery, a riot ensued, and the entertainment was not suffered to go on till another play was given out for Monday." Kenrick agrees with this account, then analyses several other objections which he dismisses, to wit, in the play (a) too lengthy a satire on lawyers, (b) an indelicate passage in Latin (omitted from the printed version); in the audience, a conspiracy of Garrick and Bickerstaffe against him; and lack of a claque of his own friends to carry through their suport of him. Macklin's name appears on the playroll this night, but only for a accumulated 4 days of pay #8 16s. (Account Book).] Receipts: #221 3s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: The Farce was Much Applauded Mrs Barry play better than the Night before (Hopkins Diary). Paid 6 day's salary list at #85 7s. 11d. per diem, #512 7s. 6d.; Mr French on Acct #5 5s.; Rec'd Stopages #18 10s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #177 5s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Weston. Mainpiece: By Desire. Tickets deliver'd for A Comedy will be taken. Paid 6 days salary list at #86 14s. 7d. per diem, #520 7s. 6d.; Mr G. Garrick on acct #50; Rec'd from Sinking Fund #45; Stopages #15 17s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #149 9s. Charges: #64 12s. Profits to Weston: #84 17s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Barry. Tickets deliver'd for Grecian Daughter taken. Part of pit laid into boxes. Send servants by 4 o'clock. Rec'd stopages #2 16s.; Paid 4 days salary list #348 14s. 8d; Mr King's extra salary #2 (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #271. Charges: #65 13s. Profit for Barry: #205 7s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for raising money towards cloathing Friendless and Deserted Boys for the Sea. [The Prologue and Epilogue were printed in the Public Advertiser the following day. The Prologue, written by Derrick, very Patriotic and anti-Gallic. In the Epilogue, written by Mr Lockman, Secretary of the Free British Fishery, Shuter as Boatswain followed by a "considerable number of the Boys" for Britain to maintain rule of the Waves. Finances for this evening appeared in the Public Advertiser on 24 Dec.] @Cash at the House #185 4s.@Tickets 137 16s.@#323@Deductions: @Expense of Play #84@Building on stage 3 13s. 6d.@Present to Treasurer 1 1s.@Prologue 2 2s.@Total #90 16s. 6d.

Event Comment: At Shuter's New Booth, George Inn Yard, West Smithfield. Boxes 2s. 6d. Pit 1s. 6d. First Gallery 1s. Upper Gallery 6d. To begin each day at Twelve Noon. An Excellent Band of Musick is provided. The Scenes and Habits all entirely new. Public Advertiser, 22 Aug.: Whereas the partnership between Mess Shuter and Yates has been dissolved; and as Mr Shuter intends to carry on the Business in a more extensive manner than has been performed hitherto, he is now at a great Expence erecting a Repository in an entirely new Taste, in the George Inn Yard...prfviding new, nice, and different Assortments of Theatrical Wares, such as Wit, Humour, Incidents, American Interludes, black and white, Duets and Dances, of which the Public will be informed by Catalogue of the whole Stock, which will be delivered Gratis to his Friends and Customers...He flatters himself that no Person will serve them better or cheaper, for ready Money only, and all purchases of Five Pounds worth or upwards, shall be allowed 5 per cent of Discount. That the Publick may not mistake the Shop, over the Door way will be my Picture without a Frame, very indifferently painted, with this Motto beneath it, Shuter. Daily Advertiser, 3 Sept.: On the Great Parade after the Fair is proclaim'd, the Bold Shuter will review his Troop; and the Publick are requested to observe that the full Figure at the Middle of the Platform is the Chief...or Sachem of the Five Nations. He will be attended with Mamamawks, Papapawks, and Tomahawks...The Lords may laugh, the Ladies may laugh, and the Commoners may laugh...and that will make me laugh. Edward Shuter, born Anno Domini

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; MD 3, by Sir George Collier, based on Zemire et Azor, by Jean Francois Marmontel]: The Music [by Thomas Linley Sen., adapted from Gretry], Scenes, Dresses, and Decorations entirely New. The Scenes, &c., designed by DeLoutherbourg. The Words of the Songs, &c. to be had at the Theatre. The Entertainment is splendidly got up--The Music by Thomas Linley Jun. [sic] was very well received (Hopkins Diary). Public Advertiser, 7 Dec. 1776: This Day is published the Songs in Selima and Azor (6d). [Text 1st published by J. Bell, 1784.] Receipts: #218 7s