Event Comment: Mainpiece: A Tragedy never performed there.
Mrs Yates first appearance this stage in 8 years. This Play is from the
Orestes of
Voltaire Mrs Yates who has been at
Covent Garden these 8 years is now return'd & chose to make her first appearance in the part of
Electra.
Mr Garrick wrote an Excellent
Prologue &
Epilogue for the Occasion both of which were greatly receiv'd With great Applause. The Play is very dull & heavy & Mrs Yates wanted Spirit greatly in the part of Electra had but little Applause (
Hopkins Diary). Paid salary list 5 days at #91 8s. 10d. #457 4s. 2d.;
Mr French on acct #5 5s. (Treasurer's Book). [From
Westminster Magazine, Oct. (of the mainpiece): From its want of business, it is a very heavy, tedious performance. Most of the scenes are mere declamations; and a certain air of coldness and apathy, which is the peculiar characteristic of
French drama, runs thro the whole, which must ever render it unpleasing as well as uninteresting to an
English Audience." Gave a severe comment on the Prologue with its theme "home is home be it ever so homely." Preferred the Epilogue. The perspective scenery of
Argosv, the
Palace of Aegisthusv, and the
Tomb of Agamemnonv, designed by
Loutherbourg, and painted by Messrs French and
Roy, were warm and spirited, and the dresses elegant and characteristic."] Receipts: #243 17s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)