Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but
Lucyle Hook,
James Brydges Drops in at the Theatre,
Huntington Library Bulletin, VIII (1945), 309, speculates that
James Brydges' attendance at
lif this day may have been prompted by his seeing this new play, as he stayed longer than he often did at a theatrical performance. The comedy was certainly acted before 12 March 1699@1700. James
Brydges, Diary: I went to ye play in
Lincolns inn fields, where I met
Sr G. Coply, who set me down after it was ended (
Huntington MS St 26).
Downes,
Roscius Anglicanus, p. 45:
The Way of the World, a Comdey wrote by
Mr Congreve, twas curiously Acted;
Madam Bracegirdle performance her Part so exactly and just, gain'd the Applause of
Court and City; but being too
Keen a Satyr, had not the Success the Company Expected
Performances
Mainpiece Title: The Way Of The World