Event Comment: The Gentleman's Journal, November 1693: Mr Durfey's Richmond Heiress has been Revis'd, and Acted several times, with Alterations and Amendments. We are to have this Winter a Play by him, call'd Don Quixote....We are impatiently expecting a Play by Mr Dryden; 'tis of the Nature of his Spanish Fryar. We are also to have a Tragedy by Mr Southern; a Comedy by Mr Crown; and the Tragedy of Pyrrhus, by Mr H. I need not say any thing of Mr Congreve's Double-Dealer (the only new Play since my last) after the Character which Mr Dryden has given of it

Event Comment: N.B. This was Mr Packer's first appearance at Drury Lane Theatre. He had acted one night at Covent Garden in the preceding season, Johnson, in the Rehearsal and the Frenchman in Lethe, which pieces were perform'd for Mr Lee's Benefit. Mr Garrick was there, and engag'd Mr Packer, who was going to Ireland, with Mr Barry, and Mr Woodward, into the Drury Lane Company. I am writing this on the sixth of April 1801--tonight Mr Packer told me the above Particulars at Drury Lane Playhouse, where he has always remained since his first being engaged there (J. P. Kemble's note on Huntington bill). Receipts: #100 (Cross); #107 1s. 6d. (Winston MS 8)

Event Comment: MMr Hartry is oblig'd to postpone his Comic Lecture...being engaged in making many alterations therein. The serious part will be consideredly shortened, some other pieces expunged, and many scenes of humour added, which he hopes will be entertaining. He is extremely troubled that anything in his Lecture on Tuesday should have given offence to any one person present, and is no less concerned that those Ladies and Gentlemen who were desirous to hear him perform (that part which appeared exceptionable to others) were disappointed. He is sorry there was any disaffection either way. He is not conscious of having attempted anything with an intention to offend, or that has not already been allowed of inclusion though more unpardonable. The foibles and peculations of private characters have been brought on the stage by others, those only of public men by him. He hopes it will not appear vain or arrogant to say that after such unequaled peals of applause which he met with for some time while uninterrupted, it would be paying an ill compliment to so crowded and brilliant an audience not to flatter himself will possessing some degree of merit: And if he afterwards failed in any or every particular it was altogether owing (notwithstanding the seeming spirit he assumed) to the confusion he was in at the Party Affair which followed. It was his first appearance in public, and in such a situation it is no wonder he was robb'd of his comic powers; but he hopes when his Lecture is alter'd there will be found in it nothing which can give offense, or deprive him of that generous indulgence to a young performer which characterizes a British audience. [No further performance of the Lecture seems to have been given.

Event Comment: Benefit for a Fund for the Relief of those who, from their Infirmities, shall be obliged to retire from the Stage. [Prologue by Thomas Hull.] Gazetteer, 19 May: Tickets to be had of Hull, Treasurer to the Institution, No. 31, Bow-street, Covent-Garden. The Fund at Covent Garden Theatre was instituted in the Year 1765, and confirmed by Act of Parliament, 1776. It has been almost entirely supported by the weekly Contributions of the respective Members, and no Application has been made ot the Public towards its Increase for the space of 19 Years. Notwithstanding the utmost Oeconomy has been practised to promote the Advancement of this Fund, the whole capital Sum hitherto amassed is now become so inadequate to the unavoidable annual Disbursements that the Committee hold it incumbent on them to solicit the Patronage and Encouragement of the Public, at the within specified Performance. "The capital of this fund, invested in various stocks, amounted to #27,710 in the year 1824" (Brayley, 14). Receipts: #128 11s. (104.15; 15.16; tickets: 8.0)

Event Comment: The Nobility, Gentry and Public at large are respectfully informed that, in compliance with the wishes of many of the principal Subscribers an supporters of this undertaking, and it being found that, without offence to law, the entertainments advertised for the Hanover-square Rooms may be given at this Place. The Doors to be opened at 6:30. To begin at 7:30 [same throughout season]. Pit 10s. 6d. Gallery 5s. As the Proprietors would not presume, even to save themselves from utter ruin, to offend either the Authority of the King, or of the Laws, they forbear all idea of performing Operas until the hardship and justice of their case shall produce the proper influence upon his Majesty's benevolent mind; and, under the circumstances in which thy stand, with a Company of the most celebrated singers and dances in the world, in their respective departments, engaged at an expense of #18,000, they confide in the liberality to the Public that they will countenance and support such an Entertainment as they are legally warranted to give, until they shall recover their just right of performing Operas under his Majesty's license. "From dinner we all went to the Opera House in the Haymarket, where for the first time they performed for money [see 23 Feb., 10 and 22 Mar.]; the singers, to avoid the [licensing] Act, coming in their own dresses and confining themselves to the airs. It will be seen whether this restriction will be considered sufficient" (Windham Diary, 219). "The action of Orpheus and Eurydice has been seen before at both the rehearsals [see 10 and 22 Mar.], but the scenery could not be then sufficiently displayed. It was very correctly managed on Saturday night...The scene of the Elysian fields deserved the most admiration, where, by means of lights placed behind gauze, a filmy hue is thrown over the stage, and the figures assume the appearance of aerial beings" (Gazetteer, 28 Mar.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Morelli. A new Comic Opera [1st time; COM 2, by Giovanni Bertati, adapted by Girolamo Tonioli]; the music composed on purpose for this Theatre by Paisiello. With new Scenes and Decorations painted by Moench; the dresses invented and executed by Lupino [from playbill of 28 June]. Under the direction of Mazzinghi. Tickets to be had of Morelli, No. 12, Poland-street. Morelli is happy in having succeeded to bring forward on his Benefit Night (though at a considerable expense) such an excellent new Opera for the entertainment of those who shall honor him with their presence; soliciting the kind patronage of the Nobility, Gentry and Public accordingly on the occasion. Morning Post, 4 June: The Subscribers and the Public are respectfully informed that the new Comic Opera of La Locanda, written expressly for this Theatre, and the only Opera ever composed by this great Master for an English audience, is some time since arrived, and will be brought out shortly

Event Comment: Account-Book: Present Their Majesties. [Their attendance this night is not indicated on the playbill, but "Though the Royal Command was not communicated to this Theatre till late yesterday morning, and consequently but a small part of the public could have notice of the public could have notice of the intention of Their Majesties to honour the house with their presence, yet it was crouded in all parts" (Morning Herald, 16 Mar.).] Receipts: #347 12s. (344.3.6; 3.8.6)