Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by
Leonard Macnally, adapted from the same, by
Michel Jean Sedaine. Not in
Larpent MS; not published; synopsis of plot in
Morning Chronicle, 17 Oct. For text of abridged version see 21 Oct.]: Taken from the celebrated
French Opera of that Name. With the original Overture, Airs, Duetts, Trios, Chorusses and Finale, by the celebrated
Gretry. To which are added Compositions by the following Masters;
Anfossi,
Bertoni,
Duni,
David,
Rizzio,
Carolan,
Tenducci, and
Shield. With new Dresses, Scenery and other Decorations. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. [The printed score (
Longman & Broderip, c. 1786) indicates that the music was adapted by Shield; it does not refer to Duni, Rizzio or Tenducci, but includes
Philip Hayes and
John Wilson. After the 1st 4 performances the mainpiece was reduced to an afterpiece of 3 short acts; see 21 Oct.] Account-Book, 28 Nov.: Paid Macnally in full for
Coeur de Lion #121 18s. 6d. "
Inchbald we thought [was] rather hardly dealt with. His voice happened to fail him in a particular turn of the tune he was singing, and some of the audience were ungenerous enough to disconcert him so far that he made a modest bow and retired [leaving his part unfinished. In consequence of this] a duet that was to have been sung by the
King from the battlements of the castle, and
Blondel without the walls, on which the turn of the fable hinged, was omitted; a circumstance that could not but materially affect the intrinterest, as it destroyed the connexion of the fable" (
Morning Chronicle, 17 Oct.). [The following day Inchbald withdrew from his engagement at
cg.] Receipts: #249 12s. 6d. (247.11.6; 2.1.0)