Event Comment: The King's Company. See Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 322, for an L. C. order concerning Mohun's not acting for some time past. Pepys, Diary: With my wife to the King's playhouse, and there saw The Surprizall; which did not please me to-day, the actors not pleasing me; and especially Nell's acting of a serious part, which she spoils

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. Although Downes refers to the play's being acted "12 Days together" [see below], these were not consecutive, as Pepys saw another play at lif on 7 May. Pepys, Diary: To the Duke of York's playhouse, at a little past twelve, to get a good place in the pit, against the new play, and there setting a poor man to keep my Place, I out...and so back again, where I find the house quite full. But I had my place, and by and by the King comes and the Duke of York; and then the play begins, called The Sullen Lovers; or, The Impertinents, having many good humours in it, but the play tedious, and no design at all in it. But a little boy, for a farce, do dance Polichinelli, the best that ever anything was done in the world, by all men's report: most pleased with that, beyond anything in the world, and much beyond all the play. Thence to the King's house to see Knepp, but the play done. Downes (p. 29): This Comedy being Admirably Acted:...This Play had wonderful Success, being Acted 12 Days together

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list at Harvard. See VanLennep, "Plays on the English Stage," p. 14. Pepys, Diary: My wife and I to White Hall; and there, by means of Mr Cooling, did get into the play, the only one we have seen this winter: it was The Five Hours' Adventure: but I sat so far I could not hear well, nor was there any pretty woman that I did see, but my wife, who sat in my Lady Fox's pew with her. The house very full; and late before done, so that it was past eleven before we got home

Event Comment: Evelyn, Diary: [I] saw the Italian Scaramucchio act before the King at White-hall; People giving monye to come in, which was very Scandalous, & never so before at Court Diversions: having seene him act before in Italy many years past, I was not averse from seeing the most excellent of that kind of folly

Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first production is not certain, but tradition states that Dryden died on the third day (1 May 1700); if this report is correct, the first performance occurred on 29 April 1700. In A Collection of New Songs...Compos'd by Mr Daniel Purcel, Perform'd in the Revis'd Comedy call'd the Pilgrim (1700) is a song, Chronos, Chronos, mend thy pace, with Janus sung by Freeman, Momus by Pate, Diana by Mrs Erwin. Gottfried Finger apparently composed the passage sung by Venus, Calms appear when storms are past. William Egerton, Faithful Memoirs of...Mrs Anne Oldfield (1731): The Pilgrim was indeed reviv'd for the Benefit of Mr Dryden, Ann. 1700, but he dying on third Night of its Representation, his Son attended the Run of it, and the Advantages accrued to his Family. Cibber, Apology, I, 269-70: This Epilogue, and the Prologue the same Play [The Pilgrim], written by Dryden, I spoke myself, which not being usually done by the same Person, I have a mind, while I think of it, to let you know on what Occasion they both fell to my Share....Sir John Vanbrugh, who had given some light touches of his Pen to the Pilgrim to assist the Benefit Day of Dryden, had the Disposal of the Parts, and I being then as an Actor in some Favour with him, he read the Play first with me alone, and was pleased to offer me my Choice of what I might like best for myself in it. But as the chief Characters were not (according to my Taste) the most shining, it was no great Self-denial in me that I desir'd he would first take care of those who were more difficult to be pleased; I therefore only chose for myself two short incidental Parts, that of the stuttering Cook and the mad Englishman....Sir John, upon my being contented with so little a Share in the Entertainment, gave me the Epilogue to make up my Mess; which being written so much above the Strain of common Authors, I confess I was not a little pleased with. And Dryden, upon his hearing me repeat it to him, made a farther Compliment of trusting me with the Prologue. Cibber, Apology, I, 305-6: In theYear 1699, Mrs Oldfield was first taken into the House, where she remain'd about a Twelve-month almost a Mute and unheeded, 'till Sir John Vanbrugh, who first recommended her, gave her the Part of Alinda in the Pilgrim revis'd. This gentle Character happily became that want of Confidence which is inseparable from young Beginners, who, without it, seldom arrive to any Excellence: Notwithstanding, I own I was then so far deceiv'd in my Opinion of her, that I thought she had little more than her Person that appear'd necessary to the forming a good Actress; for she set out with so extraordinary a Diffidence, that it kept her too despondingly down to a formal, plain (not to say) flat manner of speaking. Nor could the silver Tone of her Voice 'till after some time incline my Ear to any Hope in he favour. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 27: [After Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields had revived Shakespeare and Johnson] Nay then, says the whole party at D. Lane, faith we'll e'en put the Pilgrim upon him--ay faith, so we will, says Dryden, and if youll let my Son have the Profits of the Third Night, I'll give you a Secular Mask: Done, says the House, and so the Bargain was struck

Event Comment: Post Boy, 14-16 May 1700: Great Preparations have been making, for some Months past, for a New Opera to be acted next Term at the Theatre Royal, which, for Grandeur, Decorations, Movements of Scenes &c. will be infinitely superior to Dioclesian, which hitherto has been the greatest that the English Stage has produced, that probably 'twill equal the greatest Performance of the Kind, in any of the foreign Theatres. The Musick is compso'd by the Ingenious Mr Finger, and the Paintings made by Mr Robinson

Event Comment: G. Berkeley to Sir John Percival: Mr Addison's play has taken wonderfully, they have acted it now almost a month, and would I belive act it a month longer were it not that Mrs Oldfield cannot hold out any longer, having had for several nights past, as I am informed, a midwife behind the scenes (Rand, p. 115)

Event Comment: Never acted there before [i.e., by this company]. Written by George, Duke of Buckingham. Mr Bayes' Troops have been on their March for some Days past from their last Encampment in Goodman's Fields; they march'd in good Order through the City without Beat of Drum, and were received at Lincoln's Inn Fields, where they have now pitch'd their Tents with great Acclamations of Joy by the Populace. We hear they will be re-enforced by some Auxiliaries from Covent-Garden; and we can assure the Publick, there will certainly be a Battle of Monday next, so the Report of their going quietly into Winter Quarters without coming to Action, proves a groundless Tale, and was merely calculated to serve some private Ends. Daily Advertiser, 4 Dec

Event Comment: Benefit for Hallam at the New Wells, Lemon St. A Concert...by a set of Mr Hallam's Friends. Boxes 3s. Pit and Galleries 2s. 6 p.m. As the Wells have been shut up all the past Summer, and are now open'd only upon this occasion, Mr Hallam hopes the Town will be so indulgent, as to honour him with their Company, and the Favour will always be gratefully acknowledged

Event Comment: The contending Parties [i.e., Murphy and MacNamara Morgan] Met again on Fryday at the Bedford, in order to accomodate Matters, but words arising, because Mr Murphy did not ack[nowledge] pardon and cried enough, as Mr Morgan said, some blows past & swords out-but no mischief. Morgan denies the letter (Cross)

Event Comment: Benefit and Increase of a Fund Support of decay'd Musicians, or their Families. To begin at 6 p.m. Prices 10s. 6d. The Fund has dispensed #482 17s. during the past year

Event Comment: Afterpiece by Mr Foote (Cross). [Foote advertised that persons in the Author were fictitious, some having said his past friends were introduced. See Theatrical Review, 1757, and Public Advertiser this day: "Whereas it has been represented to the Managers of Drury Lane that Mr Foote in his new Farce call'd the Author, intends introducing the Character of a Gentleaan for whom he has the greatest esteem and regard, he thinks it incumbent upon him to assure the Public, that all the persons in that piece are fictitious and general. Samuel Foote."] Receipts: #200 (Cross)

Event Comment: It having been reported that Sga Frasi has refused to sing for the Benefit of the Decayed Musicians, she thinks it her duty to take this public method of clearing herself of that charge by informing the Nobility, Gentry, &c., that being applied to for her assistance, she readily consented (as she has always done for these fourteen years past) but that a few days after a number of the Managers called upon her to let her know that Giardini had undertaken to conduct the performance, and that they would not want her assistance. For the truth of this she appeals to those Gentlemen who called upon her with that message (Public Advertiser)

Event Comment: Benefit for Lowe. [See following "puff" from the Public Advertiser. "Sir: Perhaps there never was a period when the members of the stage were more respected than at present; and this favour consequently proceeds from the decency of their behaviour, and an emulative pride to please that public, whose generosity is an ample reward for their assiduity and perseverance; and when we consider the many qualifications, as well natural as acquired, requisite to constitute a player, surely the most rigid judge will be of opinion that the encouragement is not more than equal to the excellence. An actor must feel, that is, have the most refined idea of his part, to make an audience feel likewise; and adequate to the pleasures he enjoys in the applause of his approvers, will rise his degree of unhappiness, if by accident or sickness he is obstructed in the execution of his Genius; and should this happen at the era of his benefit, it must then be his misfortune to supplicate that interest which otherwise his merit would have commanded. "I was led to these reflections by accidentally perusing an advertisement prefix'd to a bill for the benefit of Mr Lowe; a performer too well known to need encomiums here; from whom the Town receive no inconsiderable Satisfaction at the theatre, and whose harmonious performance at our deservedly frequented summer scene of pleasure, has long obtained their highest approbation. We are told that a severe cold and Hoarseness have hindered his performing for some weeks past, and that he is now incapable of going abroad." Follows an elaborate plea for Lowe's friends to excuse his not calling on them, and for them to support his Benefit Night. Signed Veritas.

Event Comment: Benefit for Berry, who having been confined for some time past by a severe Illness, humbly hopes those Gentlemen and Ladies, who intend to favor him at his Benefit, will send for Tickets to his Lodgings at Mr Pope's, a Peruke Maker in Russel St., Covent Garden; the Star Tavern, in Coleman St.; or to Mr Varney at the Stage door where Places for the Boxes may be taken. Receipts: #130 (Cross); #104 8s. 6d. (Winston MS8)

Event Comment: For the Benefit and Increase of a Fund established to support Decay'd Musicians and their Families.[The Governors publish a statement of financers; #533 11s. 9d. spent in past years.

Event Comment: Benefit for Capitani, now in the King's Bench, singer in the Opera for 20 years past. Boxes 10s. 6d. Pit 5s. Gallery 2s. 6d. To begin at 7 p.m. [A long note hn the Public Advertiser about the nature of Capitani's distresses--death of wife after an expensive illness loss of considerable sums in trade, now in debtor's prison. The Public Advertiser this day Published the following Sonnet V, seemingly a new sort of puff' for Foote]: @To Mr F-@While party rage, my F., distracts the state@And mutual lies contending parties raise,@As int'rest leads, or Pitt or Bute to praise,@Let vet'ran Tories with staunch Whigs debate.@With gen'rous Punch our spirits we'll dilate,@Laugh at those loud-tongued politicians' frays,@And to good Brookman's fame attune our lays,@Whose genial bowl all cares can dissipate.@Safely to Harrogate let Bute retire,@His gout at Hayes lett Pitt in quiet nurse,@And Wilkes at either Secretary rail:@These party feuds unsocial rage inspire,@Destroy all mirth, and all good humour curse,@But shall not o'er our joyous souls prevail.

Event Comment: Paid Mr Wegg 3 quarter's rent due Mich. last past #52 10s.; Paid John Bottomly for scarlet cloath #4; Miss Berkley on note #11 11s. Rec'd stoppages #4 11s. (Treasurer's Book). Thespis publish'd at 2s. Receipts: #261 10s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Vernon. House Charges #67 9s. 6d. [Profit to Vernon #52 1s. 6d.] Paid Burney Jr 8 days salary #1 13s. 4d.; Chorus singers #2 10s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #119 11s. (Treasurer's Book). Fifteen minutes past 4 took my seat in the 4th row of the first Gallery at Drury Lane...Lord Ogleby was excellently played by King. Heidelberg inimitably by Mrs Clive. After the Vintage, King by desire presented the Public again with Linco's Travels, but omitted a few things spoke last night. Cupid in Daphne and Amintor by Miss Rogers...Eleven o'clock when we got out (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: MMrs Jeffries made her first appearance on this stage in Belinda.--not perfect.--was pretty well received.--is a little smart figure (Hopkins MS Notes). At 15 minutes past 4, took my place in the Pit at Drury Lane to see the Provok'd Wife. Mr Garrick is inimitable as Sir John Brute, Palmer does Heartfree, and Mrs Abington Lady Fanciful (with a song not printed in the play) very well. Constant by Cautherly, whose figure and manner I do not like, Vernon in Col. Bully sings a song (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: TThe Stratagem not acted for 3 years. Archer not acted by Garrick for 5 years. [See 20 May 1766, and 13 Oct. 1762.] I had not time to dine, Garrick being to play. Tho' I got into the Pit 15 minutes past 4, oblig'd to stand in the well....Scrub very well by Weston....The play was very well performed. The Doctor very well done by Love (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: The profits arising from the Entertainment will be applied to a Fund for opening an Academy the purpose of which will be the teaching of the English language Grammatically and the art of writing and speaking by rule. There have been Stoves kept constantly burning for days past, in order that the Theatre might be thoroughly warmed; Curtains also will be put up in the boxes. To begin at 7 p.m. Playhouse prices. By the Desire of many

Event Comment: Paid Tallow Chandler's 4th Bill #41 6s. 5d.; Spermacetti Candles, #132 18s. Mr Tomlinson for Men's cloaths #11 11s.; Mr J. French on acct #20; Miss Hopkins, 15 nights (19th Dec. incl.) #3 15s. (Treasurer's Book). [The sixth edition of Wm. Law's Absolute Unlawfulness of Stage Representations was published this year (1st. edn. 1726) This day was published the Preliminary Number of the Westminster Magazine, which, monthly, included a section called The English Theatre, which observed generally on the state of the Stage, and commented specifically on new plays. Its view of the stage in general was not as sanguine as had been that of the writer for the Town and Country Magazine (1 April 1772). "We are of opinion, that the English Theatre is now in its decline. Whether it is that the stores of Dramatic Subjects or of Dramatic Genius are exhausted, is not immediately obvious; but there is a fault somewhere....We have seen the Morning star of Wit--the Noon too is past; we have now arriv'd at its evening...There is in Arts, as in Empires, a progress which leads to Refinement; and this refinement leads to Ruin." According to the writer the meridian glory of the English stage was during the reign of Queen Anne. Reviewer damns the Irish Widow, refuses to discuss the Gamesters (revived), damns the Rose and praises the Garrick alteration of Hamlet. This year also appeard Granny's Prediction, a 53-page pamphlet attack on Mrs Barry, condemning her on moral grounds (polygamy) and on aesthetic grounds, commenting on each of her characters. By a spiteful female relative Elizabeth Franchetti.] Receipts: #142 10s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. [From the Westminster Magazine for March: "On Friday the third instant the Entertainments peculiar to this season commenced. Messrs Bach and Abel were first, and have been at each successive Oratorio since (one night excepted when the King and Queen favored Mr Stanley, with bringing the only good House he has hitherto had), honoured with the presence of their Majesties, who have been accused, we think justly, of partiality to these foreigners, in overlooking Mr Stanley's past services and great personal merits. Justice, however, requires us to observe, that both in point of vocal and instrumental performers, the former have displayed a striking superiority over the latter. The singers at Messrs Bach and Abel's are, Parry, Corse, Mrs Weichsel, Miss Brown and Sga Corri. At Drury Lane, Norris, Reinhold, Mrs Mattocks, Mrs Barthelemon, and a young Lady from the Founding Hospital."