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

Event Comment: Paid Richards (scene painter) as per Bill #25 4s. Paid Mr Gard for performing 14 nights in the Ostrich to 11th inst. inclusive, #1 15s. (Account Book). [Richards possibly Painted the new scene of the Pantheonv added to Harlequin Sorcerer on 6 Jan. Mr Gard continued to receive the standard wage of 2s. 6d. per naght for performing this bird each time Harlequin Sorcerer was put on. No further notation of his payments as they occur in the account books will be made. He was paid usually after about every 12 of 14 performances.] Receipts: #166 6s. (Account Book)