Event Comment: MMrs Cowper did
Sylvia, for her first appearance here (she came from
Bath,
Richmond &c.)-Toll. Afterpiece as originally perform'd (
Cross) [i.e., without the burlesque scenes of
The Fair (see 6 Nov. 1752).] This piece [
Harlequin Ranger] was now acted as originally written. It is surprising that
Mr Garrick should be the first to introduce Pantomime Entertainments (this season) especially as his own universal talents are seconded by a good company of performers. We suppose he does it to gratify the taste of the town; but such
Smithfield exhibitions should certainly be banish'd from all regular theatres; and as
Mr Woodward is an excellent comedian, it would be more eligible in him if he chuses to wear the motley dress any more to appear in the character of a speaking
Harlequin, after the manner of the
Italian Comedy; and indeed it is not a little surprising that nothing of this kind has yet been admitted upon our stage (
Gentleman's Magazine, Oct., p. 493, from
Grays' Inn Journal, 13 Oct. 1753.). Receipts: #120 (
Cross)
Performances
Mainpiece Title: The Recruiting Officer
Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Ranger