Event Comment: The Last Time of Performing in This
Theatre.
Kemble Mem.:
Sheridan wrote
the Address [not listed on playbill; see
Gazetteer, 6 June],
Palmer delivered it.
Universal Magazine, June 1791, p. 438: On Saturday night, of a gradual decay,
and in
the 117th year of her age, died old Madam Drury, who lived through six reigns,
and saw many generations pass in review before her...She had a rout of near 2000 people at her house
the very night of her death;
and the old lady found herself in so much spirits, that she said she would give
them 'No Supper' without a 'Song'; which being complied with, she fell back gently in her chair,
and expired without a groan.
Dr Palmer, one of her family physicians, attended her in her last moments,
and announced her dissolution to
the company. [This was written by
George Colman, ynger.]
Gazetteer, 6 June:
Samuel Johnson was powerfully
and pa
thetically shewn
the universal horror which men feel of
the last even towards things indifferent, or sometimes unpleasant;
and there seemed to be some apprehension of this sort of pain on Saturday, for a very few attended to take
their leave of
the scene where
they have been so often regaled with fictitious sorrow
and gladness. [This
theatre was first opened on 26 March 1674. It has been altered
and redecorated on several occasions, notably by
the architects
Robert and James Adam in
the summer of 1775, for which see illustration in
The London Stage, Part IV, Vol. III, 1650.
The new
theatre was not in readiness until April, 1794.
The principal reason for
the delay was that
the patent had lapsed,
and "it being necessary to obtain one previous to
the payment of
their respective sums on
the part of
the subscribers, application was made to
Mr Harris, of
Covent Garden Theatre, who possessed a dormant patent."
The price set was #15,000,
and the patent was sent to a banker for inspection. A
Mr George White, who had married a daughter of
William Powell, one of
the former patentees,
and had
thereby a financial interest, objected to this price,
and "obtained a prohibition in
the Court of Chancery which obliged
the banker to restore
the patent to
the Manager of Covent Garden
Theatre."
The subscribers to
the new
Drury Lane thereupon refused to pay
their subscriptions,
and work on
the demolition of
the old
theatre was halted (
London Chronicle, 30 July 1792). Sheridan finally offered #20,000: #15,000 to Harris
and #5,000 to White, which was accepted,
and work on
the theatre was resumed,
the cornerstone being laid on 4 Sept. 1792 (
Morning Chronicle, 6 Sept.;
London Chronicle, 12 Sept. 1792).
The Actual sum eventually paid to Harris was #11,667.] Paid in lieu of Benefits:
Kelly #100;
Miss Farren #300;
Aickin #60;
Williames #42. Received from
Their Majesties for Season #78. Paid Renters #20 apiece (Account-Book). Receipts: #105 5s. 6d. (74.7.0; 24.0.6; 6.18.0)