Event Comment: At 5 went into the Pit at Covent Garden to see Mrs Yates do Lady Townly. Yates is an excellent Sir Francis, but Powell does not shine in Lord Townly....The Entertainment was the new comedy in two acts called the Oxonian in Town, with a prologue by Woodward in the character of a student....It being suspected that a number of sharpers whose characters and practices are laid open in this piece, would attempt to damn it tonight (the 3rd of its being Performed) under pretence of its casting odium on the Irish, bills were dispersed in the House during the play vindicating it from any such intention. Woodward was allowed to speak the prologue, but as soon as the curtain drew up catcalls began. When the performers retired, Powell spoke several times, but was not heard. I was told that the author (Mr Colman) desires to know whom he has offended. The Pros were a very great majority, and at last after a contest of better than 1!2 an hour, the victory was over and the piece was performed. I think it contains many good sentiments, and excellent instruction to young men and is not unworthy of Mr Colman. If vice must not be exposed to hatred and contempt, the usefulness of our theatres is at an end. Only I think the Covent Garden pleasures are represented in too favourable a light. When all was over Powell came on the stage and thanked the audience for their generous protection (Neville MS Diary). Receipts: #212 12s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: N.B. On Saturday Next, 11 March, for the Benefit of Woodward will be presented Cymbeline...and a New Tragedy in Two Acts, call'd The Rival Favourites; or, The Death of Bucephalus the Great: Alexander-$Woodward; Philip-$Shuter; Statira-$Mrs Green. With a Triumphal Entry. The Funeral Procession of Bucephalus to the Monument of the Houyhnhnms and a Solemn Dirge [See Comment 7, 9, 11 March.] Receipts: #208 7s. 6d. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Woodward. Ladies send servants by 4 o'clock. Charges #66 19s. Balance to Woodward #87 16s. 6d. plus #65 15s. from 263 Box tickets (Account Book). [The proposed afterpiece, Dr Schomberg's burlesque tragedy, The Rival Favourites; or, Death of Bucephalus the Great (Public Advertiser, 4 March), had been sent to the Licenser 27 Feb., had been cast, and put in rehearsal, but was dropped and never played there. It had been done in Edinburgh in 1765. Larpent MS 293 is the Edinburg edn. The rivals are Statira and the Horse, Statira bribes Alexander's physician to kill Bucephalus.] Receipts: #154 16s. (Account Book)