Event Comment: A New Pantomime of
Mr Messinks went off with great Applause (
Hopkins Diary). Music By Dibdin. New Scenes, Habits, and Machines. Nothing under Full Prices will be taken. [Repeated.] Paid 4 days salary list at #85 12s. 11d., #342 11s. 8d.;
Miss Mansell on acct #5 5s.;
Mr Clinch ditto, #6 6s.;
Dr Arne for
Mrs Bradley 2 nights per order #5 5s.; Stopages nil (Treasurer's Book). [Full description of the New Pantomime is given in the
Westminster Magazine (January 1773):
Harlequin born to the
Pigmies comes to manhood, gets a job from the
Register Office in a Nobleman's family where he meets
Colombine. They love, and elope, a chase ensues through several noted places in
London, which are detailed in the review. The union of the lovers is finally consended to, and all closes with dancing. "Some of the paintings in the scenery are well executed; and the generality of
Mr Dibdin's music deserves equal praise." In it
Mrs Wrighten gives a ludicrous imitation of
Miss Catley's manner of singing. The reviewer's general thesis about the London stage of this period, given first in the preliminary number, 1 Jan. 1773 continues: "The Stage seems now buried in universal darkness...The Publick for several weeks, has been fed with the lean carcass of two villainous pantomimes."] Receipts: #162 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)