Event Comment: Mainpiece: A New Comedy [by
Richard Cumberland] never performed. [
Genest, V, 282, reports that Garrick was in the House this night and was agreeably surprised at the complimentary reference to him in the
Epilogue: Who but has seen the celebrated strife Where Reynolds calls the Canvass into life: And, 'twixt the Tragic, and the Comic Muse, Courted of both, and dubious where to chuse, Th'immortal Actor stands?' A long retelling of the plot appeared in the
Freeholder's Magazine for Dec., concluding: This comedy was received with great applause by the Audience. It is said to be written by Mr Cumberland, who has already oblig'd the Public with a musical piece, called the
Summer's Tale. The Performers, particularly
Mr Smith,
Mr Woodward,
Mr Yates,
Mrs Green,
Mrs Bulkley, and
Mrs Yates, did great justice to their characters. The
Prologue was spoken by Mr Smith, and the
Epilogue, which alluded to the celebrated picture of
Sir Joshua Reynolds, where Comedy and Tragedy are contending for
Mr Garrick, by Mrs Yates." Receipts: #215 18s