SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mr "/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mr ")') GROUP BY eventid ORDER BY weight() desc, eventdate asc OPTION field_weights=(perftitleclean=100, commentpclean=75, commentcclean=75, roleclean=100, performerclean=100, authnameclean=100), ranker=sph04

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We found 4812 matches on Roles/Actors, 4224 matches on Event Comments, 1138 matches on Performance Comments, 528 matches on Performance Title, and 18 matches on Author.
Event Comment: A Sacred Oratorio composed and conducted by Dr Arnold at the Society of Artists Exhibition-Room in the Strand. A Benefit for repairing a Chapel Crispin St, Spittalfields. At 12:00 noon. First seats 7s. 6d. Second seats 5s. Back seats 3s. 6d. The Performers are so obligingly generous as to give their Services to promote the Charity. And Mr Leoni having obtained Leave to sing, the Public may be assured of his performing his Part in this Oratorio. A Stove is already fixed in the Great Room, and will be continued to prevent any Inconveniencies from the Coldness of the Season. Mr Fischer being ill, Mr Barthelemon will perform in his Room

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Resurrection

Performance Comment: Vocal Parts-Vernon, Reinhold, Leoni, Mrs Mattocks, Mrs Weichsel.

Music: Hautboy-Simpson; First Violin with a Concerto-Barthelemon

Event Comment: A New Comic Opera of Two Acts written by Mr Bate--Much hissing and Crying out no more no more!--Mr Reddish was desired to give out the Play as soon as Matilda was over--but he with his usual politeness ran up and undress'd himself as fast as he could so that the play was not given out till the End of the Farce as soon as the Blackamoor was given out for the next Night they kept a great Noise and call'd for another Farce to be given out--at length they began to be more appeas'd and went away vowing Vengeance on it the next Night (Hopkins Diary). The Overture and Music of the afterpiece entirely New. Books of the Songs &c. to be had at the Theatre. New Scenes, Dresses, &c. [This is Larpent MS 400. Sir Oliver Oddfish distrusts his servants and is about to replace them with blacks, giving his nephew the chance to introduce Frederick , his daughter Julia 's lover, in disguise as a blackamoor, and to effect an elopement. Act I criticizes Londoners and concludes with the comment, "O that I should ever live to see the day when white Englishmen must give place to foreign blacks." MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly.] Paid the late Mr Johnston's bill to his executors #44 18s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). [Afterpiece reviewed in three columns in the Westminster Magazine for Feb. Reviewer thought it had been produced well in all departments, music, scenery, costume, and acting, but concluded it a theatrical trifle giving not much credit to its author.] Receipts: #166 13s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Matilda

Performance Comment: As17751202.

Afterpiece Title: The Blackamoor Wash'd White

Performance Comment: Parts by King, Parsons, Davies, Burton, Legg, Kear, Cubitt, Fawcett, Carpenter, Garland, Vernon, Mrs Siddons, Mrs Bradshaw, and Mrs Wrighten. Jerry-King; Sir Oliver Oddfish-Parsons; Grenville-Davies; Robert-Burton; Frederick-Vernon; Julia-Mrs Siddons; Dame Dowset-Mrs Bradshaw; Lady Oddfish-Mrs Wrightn; Servants-Legg, Kear, Cubitt, Carpenter, Garland (Genest, V, 488).
Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; P 2, by John O'Keeffe. MS: Larpent 608; not published. CG playbill of 16 Nov. 1795 has a detailed synopsis of the action]: Intermixed with Songs and Dialogue. With new Music, Scenes, Dresses, Machinery, and Decorations. The new Music composed by Shield. The new Scenes designed by Richards, and executed by Richards, Hodgins, and assistants. To conclude with a Representation of the Lord Mayor's Show on the Water. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Nothing under Full Price will be taken. "As to the Pantomime it wanted nothing on the first Night but Abbreviations . . . [which should be] omission of the Doctors, the two Women of the Town, and the whole of Edwin's Character" (Public Advertiser, 27 Nov.). Gentleman's Magazine, Jan. 1783, pp. 29-31, contains a detailed synopsis of the procession, and adds, "The personages of this procession were all dressed in the characters of the time in which they lived, and before each of them a label, a scroll, or a pageant was carried, bearing their name, or some allusion of the poets to their occupation. The figures in transparency were all painted as large as the life, and had a most grand and beautiful effect . . . The idea of the paintings was furnished by Mr Richards and Mr Smirk [sic], and all of them executed by the latter in a style of so much taste and excellence that it is a matter of some wonder to us, where an artist of Mr Smirk's abilities has been so long concealed . . . The glee introduced with so much applause is the composition of the late Dr Rogers (who lived in 1600); the other airs in the pantomime and procession arc by Handel, Lord Kelly, Abel, Stamitz and Shield, and have very great merit. The expense of preparing this splendid spectacle must have been very great, and the cost of continuing its representation cannot be inconsiderable, since more than 200 supernumeraries are employed to walk in the procession." Receipts: #215 3s. (206/3; 9/0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Zara

Performance Comment: As17821010.

Afterpiece Title: Lord Mayor's Day; or, A Flight from Lapland

Performance Comment: Cast not listed. [Cast from London Chronicle, 26 Nov.: Captain-Bannister; Sailor-Brett; Gobble-Wilson; Ballad Singer-Wewitzer; Serjeant-Davies; Barber-Mills; Glazier-Darley; Vintner-Booth; Hatter-Doyle; Clod-Edwin; Whalebone-Stevens; Lucretia-Mrs Wilson; Polly-Miss Morris; Aerial Spirit-Mrs Martyr. Larpent MS adds the following parts: Harlequin, O'Flannegan, Ulan, Man with Books, Doctors, Taylors, Servants, Mob; Mrs Gobble, Visitors, Jenny, Colombine, Servant Maids.] hathi. Mrs Gobble, Visitors, Jenny, Colombine, Servant Maids.] hathi.
Event Comment: Benefit for Waldron. 1st piece: Originally written by the celebrated Monsieur de Beaumarchais, and perform'd innumerably, often at Paris; translated and adapted to the English Stage by the very ingenious Mr Holcroft, Author of several admired Dramatic and other Works; and perform'd with unbounded Applause during Half the Season last Winter at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden. 2nd piece: Never acted here; written by Mr O'Keeffe, set to music by Mr Shield, and performed with unceasing Applause at the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden. 3rd piece: To conclude with the Representation of the Siege of Gibraltar, Elliot's Red Hot Balls, &c. Tickets to be had of Waldron, at the Cock and Magpie

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Follies Of A Day; Or, The Marriage Of Figaro

Performance Comment: Figaro-Benson; Count Almaviva-Thome (2nd appearance on this stage); Don Bartolo-Wright; Don Guzman (the stuttering Counsellor)-Wellman; Basil-Payne; Bounce-Banister; Doublefee-Kerridge; Courier-Meadow; Oyer-Stuart; Servant-Mast. Payne; Anthonio (the drunken Gardener)-Waldron; Page (with the elegant and favorite song, Ah well-a-day, my poor heart)-Miss Cranford; Countess-Miss Bird; Marcelina-Mrs Monk; Agnes-Mrs Benson; Susan-Mrs Wellman .

Afterpiece Title: The Poor Soldier

Performance Comment: Patrick (the Soldier)-A Young Lady (1st appearance [unidentified]); Dermot-Thome; Captain Fitzroy-Kerridge; Monsieur Bagatelle-Benson; Father Luke (the Irish Priest)-Wellman; Darby-Waldron; Kathleen-Mrs Benson; Norah-Miss Cranford .

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Skeleton

Performance Comment: Harlequin-Wright; Pantaloon-Wellman; Scaramouch-Kerridge; Punch-Banister; Clown-Benson; Colombine-Mrs Wellman. IMITATIONS. End of Act II of 1st piece a Variety of Theatrical Imitations by the Gentleman [unidentified] who delivered them on Miss Cranford's Night. vaudeville. 1st piece: To conclude with the admired Finale to The Duenna, and Dancing by Wright .unidentified] who delivered them on Miss Cranford's Night. vaudeville. 1st piece: To conclude with the admired Finale to The Duenna, and Dancing by Wright .
Event Comment: "At the conclusion of the Opera on Saturday, a scene of riot and tumult took place which the King's Theatre has not witnessed since the celebrated discords between 'Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee' in the days of Handel and Bononcini. At the commencement of the last dance hostilities commenced by hissing and hooting from the pit and boxes...The dancers, however, were not dismayed, but continued their evolutions, though the noise was so great that they derived but little aid from the music. At last a body of malcontents, among whom were several stars and ribbons, sallied from the pit and took possession of the stage, from which they drove the light-heeled troops, and immediately began to perform a ballet tragique. The chamber of Ifigenia was despoiled of all its ornaments, and side scenes, and patent lamps; Roman tents and triumphal cars danced on the stage in all the mazes of confusion, nor did they cease, till they had demolished everything they found that was moveable. Mr Carnevale came forward to inform the audience that Mr Gallini could not be found...The ostensible reason given for this riot, which in our opinion is not to be justified on any pretense, is that Mr Gallini has not engaged dancers of sufficient eminence" (Public Advertiser, 10 Feb.)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Ifigenia In Aulide

Performance Comment: As17890124.

Dance: As17890131 Les Fetes Provencales here called A Divertissement

Song: II: song-Marchesi

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by Miles Peter Andrews and Frederick Reynolds; based on Le Dissipateur; ou, L'Honnete Friponne, by Philippe Nericault, dit Destouches. Prologue by the Duke of Leeds; Epilogue by Miles Peter Andrews (see text)]: With new Scenes, Dresses and Decorations. The Scenery designed and executed by Greenwood. Gazetteer, 18 Nov.: At the rehearsal of the new comedy on Tuesday the Duke of Leeds, Major Scott, Mr Angerstein [the banker] and Mr Boswell were in the boxes. Mr Boswell said an epigrammatic thought had struck him...and he brought the following Impromptu into life: Andrews, your play is safe enough; For noble Leeds endures it; Boswell and Scott are pledged to puff, And Angerstein ensures it. World, 13 Dec. 1790: To-morrow will be published Better Late than Never (1s. 6d.). Receipts: #240 14s. (206.7; 32.6; 2.1)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Better Late Than Never

Performance Comment: Characters by Kemble, Dodd, Palmer, Baddeley, Bannister Jun., R. Palmer, Maddocks, Lyons, Webb, Mrs Jordan, Mrs Goodall, Miss Pope. [Cast from text (J. Ridgway, 1790): Saville-Kemble; Flurry-Dodd; Sir Charles Chouse-Palmer; Grump-Baddeley; Litigamus-Bannister Jun.; Pallet-R. Palmer; Lawyer's Clerk-Maddocks; Servant to Saville-Lyons; Servant to Flurry-Webb; Augusta-Mrs Jordan; Mrs Flurry-Mrs Goodall; Diary-Miss Pope; Prologue-Bannister Jun; Epilogue-Mrs Jordan. [These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]These were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]

Afterpiece Title: Don Juan

Performance Comment: As17901026.

Dance: As17901026

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; P 2 (?), by James Wild. MS: Larpent 1000]: The greatest part entirely new, with a few Select Scenes from the most approv'd Compositions. With new Scenery, Machinery, Dresses and Decorations. The Dresses entirely new. The new Music composed by Shield, the rest selected from Harington, Dr Arne, Eley, Reeve, Pepusch, Galliard, George Ware, Hook, &c. The Scenery and Machinery entirely new painted by Richards, Hodgins, Walmsley, Lupino, Pugh, Phillips and Malton. The Dances entirely new, composed by Byrn. Account-Book, 23 Apr. 1795: Paid James Wild in full for Dr Faustus #40. European Magazine, Jan. 1794, p. 49: Dr Faustus has afforded entertainment to three if not four generations. It was first produced at Drury-lane in 1723, by Mr Thurmond, a dancing-master, and was afterwards succeeded at Lincoln's inn-fields, in the same year, by Mr Rich's more splendid performance [entitled The Necromancer; or, Harlequin Doctor Faustus], which received improvement at different revivals of it. At the latter end of 1766 [at Covent Garden] Mr Woodward made some alterations, and it was revived with great success. It is again brought forward with applause, and recalls to the remembrance of those who formerly saw it with delight, the recollection of the most enchanting period of life. The opening scene of Tartarus . . . was first introduced in the speaking pantomime of The Mirror [at Covent Garden, 30 Nov. 1779). Receipts: #352 13s. 6d. (324/13/6; 28/0/0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Jane Shore

Performance Comment: Hastings-Holman; Gloster-Harley; Belmour-Macready; Ratcliffe-Davies; Catesby-Evatt; Derby-Thompson; Porter-Rock; Shore-Pope//Alicia-Mrs Fawcett; Jane Shore-Mrs Pope .

Afterpiece Title: HARLEQUIN AND FAUSTUS; or, The Devil will have his Own

Performance Comment: The following is a short Description of part of the Scenery, Business and Characters: I. A Representation of Tartarus, exhibiting the Punishments of Sisyphus, Tantalus, Ixion, Titius, Phlegyas, &c. &c. (design'd and executed by Richards; music by Shield). Lucifer-Cubitt; Pillardoc-Richardson; Asmodius-Townsend; Orchus-Blurton; Bclial-Linton; Ades-Street. II. The Study of Dr Faustus (painted by Hodgins). Dr Faustus-Farley; Zany-West. III. A Landscape and Water Mill (painted by Walmsley). Harlequin-Boyce; Pierrot-Follett; Miller-Hawtin; Taylor-Simmons; Bridemen-Cranfield, Ratchford, Blurton, Wilde, Rayner, Jackson, &c.//Miller's Wife-Miss Leserve; Bridemaids-Mrs Follett, Mrs Watts, Mrs Ratchford, Mrs Cranfield, Mrs Crowe, Mrs Lloyd, &c.; Colombine-Mme Rossi; Philidel (the Celestial Spirit)-Mrs Mountain. IV. A View of a Country Inn: The Bull and Dog (The Machinery invented by Hodgins). Landlady (with a song in character)-Mrs Henley. V. A Representation of tht Scaffolding prepared for erecting the New Theatre-Royal, Drury Lane, as it appeared in July. Irish Song in character by Rock. Which changes to a View of the above Building, as it will appear when completed (designed and painted by Malton). Playhouse Glee (composed by Dr Arne) by Blanchard, Bernard, Davies, Linton, Street, Spofforth, &c. VI. A View of Smithfield on a Market-Day (painted by Hodgins and Phillips). A New Glee (composed by Shield [singers not listed]). VII. The Garden of Faustus (painted by Pugh). Zephyrus-Byrn//Flora-Mlle St. Amand. VIII. A Tobacco Warehouse, which changes to an Equestrian Figure by Roubiliac. IX. A Street, in which is introduced two Irish Sedan Chairs (designed by Hodgins). Harington's Stammering Glee by Blanchard, Townsend, Cubitt. X. A View of a Garden and Tent, which changes to a Canal, in which will be introduced the celebrated piece of machinery, The Peacock. XI. A Farm Yard, which changes to a Chinese Bridge. XII. The Infernal Regiom, with a Shower of Fire. XIII. The Temple of Glory (designed and executed by Hodgins). Aerial Spirits-Byrn, Holland, Mlle St. Amand, Cranfield, Ratchford, King, Blurton, Wilde, Mrs Castelle, Miss Kirton, Miss Leserve, Mrs Follett, Mrs Watts, Mrs Blurton .
Event Comment: Benefit for Fawcett. 1st piece: Not acted some years [acted 30 Oct. 1790]. 2nd piece [1st time: ENT 1]. 3rd piece: By Permission of George Colman, Esq., and for that Night only. Tickets and Places to be had of Fawcett at his house, No. 10, Golden Square, and of Brandon, at the Theatre. "To the Public, May 16, 1797. In consequence of repeated Forgeries of Tickets on Benefit Nights, particularly those of Miss Wallis, Mr Incledon, Mr Holman, and Mrs Mattocks, it has been found necessary to offer a large Reward for the Discovery of the Person or Persons concerned in this unjust and cruel Practice. Mr Fawcett, therefore, thinks it his Duty to warn his Friends and the Public from purchasing Tickets for his Night of Strangers, especially those Persons who sell them in the Avenues of the Theatre, as all such will be stopt at the Doors, and if forged the Persons offering them for Admittance will be drawn into a disagreeable dilemma" (printed slip attached to Kemble playbill). Receipts: #462 5s. (189.12; 8.13; tickets: 264.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Man Of The World

Performance Comment: Sir Pertinax Macsycophant-Fawcett (1st appearance in that character); Egerton-Holman; Sidney-Murray; Melville-Hull; Lord Lumbercourt-Thompson; Counsellor Plausible-Waddy; Serjeant Eitherside-Macready; Sam-Ledger; John-Wilde; Tomkins-Abbot; Betty Hint-Mrs Martyr; Constantia-Miss Mansel (Their 1st appearance in those characters); Lady Macsycophant-Mrs Platt; Nanny-Mrs Norton; Lady Rodolpha Lumbercourt-Mrs Mattocks (1st appearance in that character).

Afterpiece Title: An Entremets

Performance Comment: Sally in our Alley-Incledon; The Story of Lord Hoppergollop's Cook and Gardener's Ghost-Munden; A favorite Irish Song-Johnstone; The Barber's Petition, with a song in character, Wigs, including His Own Wig, The Lover's Wig, Doctor's Wig, Coachman's Wig, Counsellor's Wig-Fawcett.

Afterpiece Title: Peeping Tom

Performance Comment: Peeping Tom of Coventry (with The Little Farthing Rushlight)-Fawcett; Crazy-Knight; Mayor of Coventry-Waddy; Count Louis-Claremont; Earl Mercia-Haymes; Harold (with an additional song)-Incledon; Emma-Mrs Mountain; Mayoress of Coventry-Mrs Davenport; Lady Godiva-Mrs Gilbert; Maud-Mrs Martyr.
Event Comment: Pepys, Diary: We met with Mr Salisbury, who took Mr Creed and me to the cockpitt to see The Moore of Venice, which was well done. Burt acted the Moore; by the same token, a very pretty lady that sat by me, called out, to see Desdemona smothered. Possibly Clun acted Iago. Pepys (6 Feb. 1668@9) refers to his playing that role, and a reference to Clun as Iago appears in A Most Execrable Murther in A Little Ark, ed. G. Thorn-Drury, pp. 30-31. See also entry of 14 Aug. 1660

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Moore Of Venice

Performance Comment: Othello-Burt; Iago-Clun.
Event Comment: For an account of the play, see John Wilson's The Cheats, ed. Milton C. Nahm (Oxford, 1935). It was licensed on 6 March (p. 124), acted, then forbade on 22 March in an order: Letter to Mr Tho. Killigrew: Signifying the Ks Pleasure that the New Play called the Cheates be no more represented till it be reuiewed by Sir Jo. Denham & Mr Waller. 22 March. 1662-3 (p. 130). Abraham Hill to John Brooke, 28 March 1663: P.S. The new play, called The Cheats, has been attempted on the Stage; but it is so scandalous, that it is forbidden (Familiar Letters of? Abraham Hill, [London, 1717], p. 103. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 16) concerning Lacy: @For his just Acting, all gave him due Praise,@His Part in the Cheats, Jony Thump, Teg and Bayes,@In these Four Excelling, The Court gave him the Bays.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Cheats

Performance Comment: Cast in MS (Library of Worcester College, Oxford): Bilboe-Shottrell; Titere Tu-Clunn; Dilligence-Loueday; Mrs Dilligence-Mrs Marshall; Jolly-Hart; Afterwit-Burt; Mrs Margt Rutter? [Hughes, in edition, edited by Nahm, p. 145] [Rutter, in J. H. Wilson, All the King's Ladies, p. 185]; [Edition of 1664 Prologue- [Edition of 1693 adds: Whitebroth-; Runter-$Wintersal; Scruple-$Lacy; Mopus-$Mohun; Mrs Whitebroth-$Mrs Covey [$Corey">Cartwright; Runter-$Wintersal; Scruple-$Lacy; Mopus-$Mohun; Mrs Whitebroth-$Mrs Covey [$Corey].Corey].
Event Comment: Flora's Figarys appears in Herbert, Dramatic Records, p. 148, under this date. As Flora's Vagaries, it had been acted at Christ Church, Oxford, on 8 Jan. 1663. The play was not published before 1670, and the entry in Herbert's list has sometimes been regarded as the date of licensing, sometimes as the date of a performance in London. Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 427, assigned it to ca. January 1662@3 at Vere St, presumably because "Mr Bird" in the cast in the quarto of 1670 referred to Theophilus Bird, who died before 3 Nov. 1663. But the cast in the edition of 1670 is presumably that for 5 Oct. 1667, when Pepys saw the play and referred to Nell Gwyn and Mrs Knepp as acting in it; they, too, are listed in the quarto of 1670 but could hardly have played in it in 1663. If the cast in the 1670 edition is not that for 3 Nov. 1663 and if the "Mr Bird" is Theophilus Bird Jr, then the obstacles to consiuering 3 Nov. 1663 as the date of a performance rather than of licensing are less formidable. [I am indebted to professor John Harold Wilson for much of this argument.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Flora's Vagaries

Event Comment: Pepys, Diary: With my wife to the King's house, but there found the bill torn down and no play acted.... Here [at lif; see below] met with Mr Rolt, who tells me the reason of no play to-day at the King's house. That Lacy had been committed to the porter's lodge for his acting his part in the late new play [see 15 April], and that being thence released he come to the King's house, there met with Ned Howard, the poet of the play, who congratulated his release; upon which Lacy cursed him as that it was the fault of his nonsensical play that was the cause of his ill usage. Mr Howard did give him some reply, to which Lacy [answered] him, that he was more a fool than a poet; upon which Howard did give him a blow on the face with his glove; on which Lacy, having a cane in his hand, did give him a blow over the pate. Here Rolt and others that discoursed of it in the pit this afternoon did wonder that Howard did not run him through, he being too mean a fellow to fight with. But Howard did not do any thing but complain to the King of it; so the whole house is silenced, and the gentry seem to rejoice much at it, the house being become too insolent

Performances

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. Davenant's alterations were apparently not published. Pepys, Diary: To a play...at the Duke's house, where Tu Quoque was the first time acted, with some alterations of Sir W. Davenant's; but the play is a very silly play, methinks; for I, and others that sat by me, Mr Povy and Mr Progers, were weary of it; but it will please the citizens

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Tu Quoque; Or, The City Gallant

Performance Comment: [Altered from John Cooke by Sir William Davenant.]
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. Langbaine, English Dramatick Poets, p. 509: [It] was alter'd (as I have heard by Mr Carthwright) by Mr Betterton. Downes, p. 30: [Done] by the same Author [Betterton]...and all the other Parts Exactly perform'd, it lasted Successively 8 Days, and very frequently Acted afterwards. Pepys, Diary: To the Duke of York's playhouse, and there, in the side balcony, over against the musick, did hear, but not see, a new play, the first day acted, The Roman Virgin, and old play, and but ordinary, I thought; but the trouble of my eyes with the light of the candles did almost kill me

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Roman Virgin; Or, The Unjust Judge

Performance Comment: [Altered from John Webster, Appius and Virginia, probably by ThomasBetterton.] Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 30): Virginius-Betterton; Appius-Harris; Virginia-Mrs Betterton. [An edition of 1679, with the name of John Webster on the title page, has no prologue, no epilogue, no actors' names.An edition of 1679, with the name of John Webster on the title page, has no prologue, no epilogue, no actors' names.
Event Comment: Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 31: Note, About the Year 1670, Mrs Aldridge, after Mrs Lee, after Lady Slingsby, also Mrs Leigh Wife of Mr Antony Leigh, Mr Crosby, Mrs Johnson, were entertain'd in the Duke's House

Performances

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This play is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 216. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 348. The date on the list seems to be "3," but as this is a Sunday, it is more likely "9." This performance may well be the one to which Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 31) refers: Note, Mr Cademan in this Play [The Man's the Master], not long after our Company began in Dorset-Garden; his Part being to Fight with Mr Harris, was Unfortunately, with a sharp Foil pierc'd near the Eye, which so Maim'd both the Hand and his Speech, that he can make little use of either; for which Mischance, he has receiv'd a Pension ever since 1673, being 35 Years a goe. [For a discussion of this accident, see William VanLennep, Henry Harris, Actor, Friend of Pepys, Studies in English Theatre History (London, 1952), p. 16, and the entry under 20 Aug. 1673.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Man's The Master

Performance Comment: see below. For a previous cast see16680326.
Event Comment: [The Duke's Company. Nell Gwyn attended this performance. See VanLennep, Nell Gwyn's Playgoing, p. 407. There is no certainty that this performance is the premiere, btt an additional known performance on 15 June suggests that early June probably saw the initial run. The music for two songs, Thou joy of all hearts and When you dispense your influence, both set by Dr William Turner, is in Choice Ayres and Songs, Second Book, 1679. Preface, Edition of 1676: I have no reason to complain of the success of this Play, since it pleased those, whom, of all the World, I would please most: Nor was the Town unkind to it....[There] being no Act in it, which cost me above Five days writing: and the last Two (the Play-house having great occasion for a Play) were both written in Four Days. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 37): The Libertine and Virtuoso: Both Wrote by Mr Shadwell; they were both very well Acted, and got the Company great Reputation. The Libertine perform'd by Mr Betterton Crown'd the Play

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Libertine

Performance Comment: Edition of 1676: Prologue-; Epilogue-Jacomo; Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 37): Libertine-Betterton.
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@142, p. 81: At the Virtuoso. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 348. Nell Gwyn also attended this performance; see VanLennep, Nell Gwyn's Playgoing, p. 407. The Diary of Robert Hooke, 25 May 1676: Mr Abraham Hill gave J. Hoskins, Aubery and I an account of Vertuoso play. A song, How retched is the slave to love, the music by Francis Forcer, is in Choice Ayres and Songs, The Second Book, 1679. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 37): The Libertine and Virtuoso: Both Wrote by Mr Shadwell; they were both very well Acted, and got the company great Reputation

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Virtuoso

Performance Comment: Edition of 1676: Prologue-; Epilogue-; A copy in the William Andrews Clark Jr Memorial Library, Los Angeles, has the following manuscript cast, which may well be the original cast. (The trimming of the page has sometimes cut off the first letter or two of a name, and these have been supplied.) Sir NicholasGimcrack-Percivall; Sir Formal Trifle-Anthony Leigh; Sir Samuel Hearty-Underhill; Longvill-Betterton; Bruce-Smythe; Hazard-Jevon; Lady Gimcrack-Mrs Shadwell; Clarinda-Mrs Currer; Miranda-Mrs Betterton; unassigned-Mrs Price.
Event Comment: On this date, L. C. 5@16, p. 101 (Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 10n) Nathaniel Lee's The Duke of Guise was banned. John Drummond to Marquis and Duke of Queensberry, 16 July 1682: Ther is a play hear to be acted that maks a great business, for the Duke of Munmuth has complained of it, and they say that notwithstanding it is to be acted sometime nixt weik. They call it the Duke of Guise, but in the play the true story is cheinged to the plott time hear (HMC, Buccleuch-Queensberry MSS., 1903, II 108). Newsletter, 29 July 1682: A play by Mr Dryden, termed the Duke of Guise, wherein the Duke of Monmouth was vilified and great interest being make for the acting thereof, but coming to His Majesty's knowledge is forbid, for though His Majesty be displeased with the Duke yet he will not suffer others to abuse him (HMC, 15th Report, Part VII, 1898, p. 108). Newdigate newsletters, 29 July 1682: A play having been made [by] Mr Dryden termed ye Duke of Guise supposed to Levell att the villifying the Duke of Monmouth & many other protestants & great Interest made for the Acting thereof but bringing to the knowledge of his Matie the same was forbidd for though his Maties pleasure is to be dissatisfyed and angry with the Duke of Monmouth, yet hee is not willing that others should abuse him out of a naturall affection for him (Wilson, Theatre Notes from the Newdigate Newsletters, p. 81)

Performances

Event Comment: Lord Preston (in Paris) to the Duke of York, 22 Sept. 1683, N.S.: I should not have presumed to give your Highness the trouble of this if something of charity had not induced me to it. I do it at the instance of a poor servant of his Majesty's who some time since was obliged by a misfortune to leave England. It is Mr Grahme [Grabut?], sir, whom perhaps your Highness may remember. Mr Betterton coming hither some weeks since by his Majesty's command, to endeavour to carry over the Opera, and finding that impracticable, did treat with Monsr Grahme to go over with him to endeavour to represent something at least like an Opera in England for his Majesty's diversion. He hath also assured him of a pension from the House, and finds him very willing and ready to go over. He only desireth his Majesty's protection when he is there, and what encouragement his Majesty shall be pleased to give him if he finds that he deserves it (HMC, 7th Report, Part I, p. 290). W. J. Lawrence (Early French Players in England, p. 149) argued that Grahme should be Grabut, who had once been Master of the King's Music (to 1674) and who had settled in Paris. Grabut was certainly back in London in the spring of 1684

Performances

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known, and the play is one of a large group commonly assigned to September-December 1690. As the Prologue implies an autumn production, it has been placed at late September, although the premiere may have been October. It was advertised in the London Gazette, 18-22 Dec. 1690, and entered in the Term Catalogues, Feb. 1690@1. The music was composed by Henry Purcell. See Purcell, Works, Purcell Society, XXI (Dramatic Music, III, 1917), xii-xiv. Dedication: So visibly promoting my Interest on those days chiefly (the Third and the Sixth) when I had the tenderest relation to the welfare of my Play [i.e. Southerne had two benefits]. Langbaine (English Dramatick Poets, 1691, Appendix): This Play was acted with extraordinary Applause, the Part of Sir Anthony Love being most Masterly play'd by Mr Montfort: and certainly, who ever reads it, will find it fraught with true Wit and Humour. Gentleman's Journal, January 1691@2: [The Wives' Excuse, newly performed] was written by Mr Southern, who made that call'd Sir Anthony Love, which you and all the Town have lik'd so well

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Sir Anthony Love; Or, The Rambling Lady

Performance Comment: Edition of 1691: Sir Anthony Love-Mrs Mountford; Valentine-Mountford; Ilford-Williams; Sir Gentle Golding-Bowen; An Abbe-Antho. Leigh; Count Canaile-Hodgson; Count Verole-Sandford; Palmer-Powel Jr; Waitwell-Bright; Traffique-Kirkham; Cortaut-Mich. Lee; Servant to Sir Gentle-Cibber; Servant to Ilford-Tho. Kent; Floriante-Mrs Butler; Charlote-Mrs Bracegirdle; Volante-Mrs Knight; Prologue-Mrs Bracegirdle; Epilogue-Mrs Butler.
Event Comment: London Gazette, No 2648, 26-30 March 1691: The New Consort of Musick, performed by Mr Frank and Mr Knight, in Charles-street, Covent-Garden (which was designed for Mondays and Thursdays) will be continued on Thursday next, at the usual hours, and every Thursday for the future, except the Thursday in Passion-Week

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Concert

Event Comment: London Gazette, No 2697, 14-17 Sept. 1691: The Great Room next Bedford-Gate in Charles-street, Covent-Garden being now enlarging to a far greater Dimension for the Convenience of Mr Frank's and Mr King's Musick

Performances

Event Comment: Gentleman's Journal, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 Feb. 1691@2): Mr Dryden has compleated a new Tragedy, intended shortly for the Stage, wherein he hath done a great unfortunate Spartan no less justice than Roman Anthony met with in his All for Love. You who give Plutarch a daily reading, can never forget with what magninimity (under all his tedious misfortunes) Cleomenes behaved himself, in the Aegyptian Court. This Hero, and the last Scene of his Life, has our best Tragic Poet chose for his fruitful Subject....Mr Dryden makes his Spartans, in this, speak as manly heroic Lacedaemonians, those more than Romans ought to speak, and since I am certain of your assent, at least, to my faith, I shall be bold to add, That tho I cannot but grant that Cleomenes alone could be author of his own glorious performances, yet I am most confident that their intire lustre will be fully maintained by Dryden's lively description, and Mr Betterton's natural imitation

Performances

Event Comment: Luttrell, A Brief Relation, II, 413: By order of the queen, the lord chamberlain has sent an order to the playhouse prohibiting the acting Mr Dryden s play called the tragedy of Cleomenes, reflecting much on the government. Gentleman's Journal, April 1692 (licensed 13 April): I was in hopes to have given you in this Letter an account of the Acting of Mr Dryden's Cleomenes; it was to have appear'd upon the Stage on Saturday last, and you need not doubt but that the Town was big with Expectation of the performance; but Orders came from Her Majesty to hinder its being Acted; so that none can tell when it shall be play'd

Performances