Event Comment: For the Entertainment of the Grand Master and the rest of the Brethren of...Free and Accepted Masons. Benefit Bencraft. Receipts: money #59 3s.; seals #65 8s. (Account Book); #130 (Rylands MS.). [Bencraft was charged #70 for his benefit.

Event Comment: Benefit for the Lying In Hospital, Aldersgate St. Receipts: #76 15s. Income from Tickets #80 11s. (boxes 114; pit 273; gallery 111). Charges #84 (Account Book). Tomorrow the First Part of King Henry IV. [A long plea for attendance at this performance appeared in the Public Advertiser: "It affords me the greatest satisfaction when I peruse your paper, and find so many advertisements for charitable Benefits at the Theatres; which must greatly add to the Entertainment of the Stage, when we are sensible that the profits are to be appropriated towards the relief and support of the Indigent and distress'd; for the refief of whom, it must (at the same time it gives us secret pleasure) raise the astonishment of foreigners to see so many charitable piles raise their benevolent roofs in and about this great Metroplis. Amongst which I must beg leave to recommend to the Public, the City of London Lying In Hospital in Aldersgate Street (for the Benefit of which the Play of the Conscious Lovers will be performed this evening at Covent Garden); whose charitable doors have been opened for the relief of a much greater Number since the late dearth of Provisions, than its Annual Income (being supported by voluntary contributions) can possibly support, without further aid from the Public." The plea continues by emphasizing the need for expert and tender care for pregnant women, and by pointing out the satisfaction British sailors will have in knowing their wives may be delivered in this hospital.] [The Occasional Prologue (Written by Mr Lockman, Secretary to the Society of Free British Fisheries) was published in the Public Advertiser on 16 Dec.: @"Not sweeter Joy the wond'ring Indian feels,@When his far dazzling Glory Sol reveals@Than warms my heart at this auspicious Sight,@The splendid Audience of this cheerful night."@ Much emphasis on the misery of child-bearing, yet the need for a large population "to a commercial land." Also included was the Epilogue, by Lockman, "Intended for Mrs Hamilton," ending, "May each youth, here, breathe Bevil's gen'rous flame@Each virgin merit Indiana's fame."

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: Mainpiece: Altered into Three Acts. "All the comic part of the play is cut out" (Monthly Mirror, Dec. 1795, p. 123). Afterpiece [1st time; P 2, by William Pearce]: The Incidents principally selected from the legendary Ballads of the 13th Century. The Scenery, Machinery, Music, Dresses and Decorations entirely new, and in correct conformity to the Times. The Pantomime invented by Mr Lonsdale. The Songs written by Mr O'Keeffe. The Overture and the Music (with the exception of a few Antient Ballad Tunes) by Reeve. The Dances invented by Byrn. [The concluding Grand Scene regulated by Thomas Harris (Monthly Mirror, supra).] The Scenery painted by Hodgins, Lupino, Phillips, Thorne, Hollogan, Blackmore, and assistants. The Machinery by Sloper and Goosetree. The Dresses by Dick and Mrs Egan. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. [For a further assignment of the Vocal Characters and for a more detailed synopsis, see 4 Jan. 1796.] Account-Book, 16 Jan. 1796: Paid Goosetree for the Keep and Hire of Horses for the Pantomime #15 13s. Receipts: #321 19s. (318.10; 3.9)

Event Comment: The Lord Mayor's Show. London Intelligencer, 31 Oct.: London, Octob. 29. This day the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London (Sir John Lawrence) was sworn into the said Office...After which...he return'd into the City, where the Solemnity of the day was perform'd with great Magnificence and in exceldent Order. Evelyn, Diary: Was the most magnificent triumph by Water & Land of the Ld: Major

Event Comment: Benefit Dr Pepusch. At the Crown and Anchor Tavern. 6 p.m

Event Comment: Mainpiece: With Additional Scenes, being the Changes in the Dome, which were Origianlly us'd in the Opera of The Virgin Prophetess

Event Comment: At Cibber-Griffin-Bullock-Hallam Booth. [The Fair to run to Friday, 7 Sept.] Second piece: At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality and Distinction, and eminent Merchants and Citizens. Taken from the Works of the Immortal Shakespear

Event Comment: Free Benefit for Ryan.] Receipts: #134 0s. 6d., plus #122 10s. in tickets. Total profits to Ryan #256 10s. 6d. (Account Books, Egerton 2268). [Note of 23 March about amphitheatre repeated. Garrick's first performance after his long illness, from 26 Feb. to 30 March.] Tickets for Venice Preserv'd will be taken

Event Comment: Benefit Salle. Receipts: money #60 16s. 6d.; tickets #69 1s. At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality

Event Comment: [In mainpiece Fearon is assigned to both the King and Marcellus. Marcellus was probably acted by Booth, as on 19 Mar.] Receipts: #235 19s. (234.10; 1.9)

Event Comment: By Command of Their Majesties. [Mainpiece in place of The Islanders, announced on playbill of 10 Jan.] Receipts: #290 6s. (287.4; 3.2)