Event Comment: The 172nd and last performance of the season (Cross). This was the end of the season, having played 171 nights. Rec'd by the forfeits of the Band of Musick, which used formerly to be given the treasurer, #22 9s. 2d. Rec'd ditto from the actors, #15 1s. 2d. So that they did receive, as appears by their own books, the first season of Mr G-k's commencing manager, the sum of #21,044 15s. 2d., which I shall carry forward to the receipts of the next season (Powel). [N.B.: Powel's analysis of expenses and profits is based on a two-year income and concludes in June 1749. Cross's visual estimate of the value of each night amounts to #25,741. If one subtracts, however, the difference between the estimate on benefit nights and the actual house charges received, a sum of #4,796, Cross's estimate of total income from box receipts amounts to #20,945.] Receipts: #170 (Cross); #163 13s. 6d. (Powel)

Event Comment: Written by Mr Johnson--went off very well for 4 acts, ye 5th Hiss'd greatly (Cross). 'Tis hop'd no Gentlemen will take it ill they can't be admitted behind the scenes. [Cast from first edition, but listed in order of actors given in General Advertiser, except Caraza -Burton omitted by General Advertiser, and Murza -King omitted from 1st edition.] Receipts: #180 (Cross); #194 11s. (Powel)

Event Comment: Tomorrow will be publish'd, at 1s. 6d. Irene. A Tragedy, acted at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, by Mr Samuel Johnson, Printed for R. Dodsley in Pall Mall, and sold by M. Cooper in Paternoster Row. [In 1749 was published an Essay on Tragedy, with a Critical Examen of Mahomet and Irene (T. P. Barton@Collection, Boston Public Library).

Event Comment: Benefit for the Author Tickets to be had as 9 and 14 Feb. [The Gentleman's Magazine this month gave a nine-column article to the Plan and Specimens of Irene a Tragedy by Mr Samuel Johnsin acted at Drury Lane from 6-20 February inclusive." In it plot was first retold, then excerpts from speeches were given which illustrated the beautiful expression of the moral values contained in the play: "To instance every moral which is inculcated in this performance, would be to transcribe the whole; but, however difficult I shall select a few." No comments are made upon the stage presentation, all is presented upon the basis of examination of the text. William Shenstone thought not much of it as a play. See Letter to Lady Luxborough 22 March.] Receipts: #110 (Cross); house charges, #63 (Powel)