SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mr and Mrs H Johnston"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mr and Mrs H Johnston")') 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 23698 matches on Performance Comments, 7689 matches on Event Comments, 4625 matches on Performance Title, 29 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.
Event Comment: 2nd ballet: With entire new Scenes, Dresses and Decorations, the Scenes designed by Marinari, and executed by himself and others under his direction; the Dresses by Sestini; the Stage Decorations by Johnston of the Theatre-Royal, Drury-lane. "Telemaque is the same as that produced by Dauberval at Bordeaux, as to the management of the story the story on the stage; but the Dances are the composition of Degville. The music is [compiled by D'Egville and Bossi] from Haydn, Pleyel, Sacchini, Gluck, Schulz, Moreau" (Morning Chronicle, 27 Mar.). [Synopsis of action in London Chronicle, 27 Mar.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: La Frascatana

Performance Comment: Principal Parts-Morelli, Viganoni, Mrs Bland. [Libretto (C. Clarke [1794] lists the parts: Don Fabrizio, Nardone, Il Cavaliere Giocondo, Pagnotta, Violante, Donna Stella, Lisetta.]Libretto (C. Clarke [1794] lists the parts: Don Fabrizio, Nardone, Il Cavaliere Giocondo, Pagnotta, Violante, Donna Stella, Lisetta.]

Dance: End I: A New Divertissement-

Ballet: End Opera: Telemaque (As composed by D'Auberval; under the direction of J. D'Egville; 1st time in London). Telemaque-Didelot; Mentor-D'Egville; Cupid-Master Menage; Calypso-Mme Rose Didelot; Eucharis-Mme Hilligsberg; Venus-Mme Laborie; Elise-Mlle J. Hilligsberg; Zelie-Mme D'Egville

Event Comment: Mainpiece: 32nd Night [i.e, in continuation of the reckoning for the previous season]. The Scenery, Dresses and Decorations entirely New. The Musick, Airs and Chorusses incidental to the Piece composed by Kelly. The Symphony preceding the Play, and those between the Acts, composed for the occasion by Dussek. The Scenery designed and executed by Marinari, Greenwood, Demaria, Banks, Blackmore, &c. The Machinery, Decorations and Dresses under the Direction of Johnston, and executed by him, Underwood and Gay. The Female Dresses designed and executed by Miss Rein. Account-Book lists the attendance as follows:@1st Account Spectators Receipts@Boxes Pit 1st Gallery Upper Gallery@1162 348!12@706 123!11@583 58!6@312 15!12@Total 2763 546!1@2nd Account Spectators Receipts@300 45!0@13 1!6@23 1!3@14 0!7@Total 350 47!16@. Total of spectators 3113. Receipts: #595 5s. (546.1; 47.16; 1.8)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Pizarro

Performance Comment: Ataliba-Powell; Rolla-Kemble; Alonzo-C. Kemble; Pizarro-Barrymore; Almagro-Caulfield; Gonzalo-Wentworth; Davilla-Trueman; Gomez-Surmont; Valverde-Palmer; Las Casas-Aickin; Orozembo-Dowton; Blind Man-Cory; Centinel-Holland; Orano-Archer; Attendant-Maddocks; Boy-Master Chatterley; Soldiers-Fisher, Evans, Webb, Chippendale; Cora (1st time)-Miss Biggs; Elvira-Mrs Siddons.
Cast
Role: Centinel Actor: Holland
Role: Elvira Actor: Mrs Siddons.
Related Works
Related Work: Pizarro Author(s): August Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue

Afterpiece Title: The Lying Valet

Cast
Role: Gayless Actor: Holland
Role: Mrs Gadabout Actor: Mrs Sparks.

Song: Mainpiece: Vocal Parts-Sedgwick, Dignum, Danby, Cook, Tett, Caulfield Jun., Sawyer, Danby Jun., Aylmer, Willoughby, Bardoleau, Clark, Mead, Elliot, Ms Crouch, Ms DeCamp, Ms Leak, Ms Arne, Ms Menage, Ms Roffey, Ms Menage Jun., Ms Wentworth, Ms Chippendale, Ms Jacobs, Ms Butler, Ms Saunders, Ms Gawdry, Ms Benson, Ms Coates

Event Comment: Prologue by Garrick; Epilogue by Cumberland, spoken by Foote and Mrs Jewell. A Comedy Never performed [by Foote]. [Audience included Dr Johnson, Mr Colman, Mr Garrick, Dr Goldsmith, Mr Macpherson, Mr Stevens, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Lord Littleton....So much applause that the audience stopped the play and required one speech repeated (Theatrical Intelligencer).

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Maid Of Bath

Performance Comment: Parts-Foote, Aickin, Fearon, Vandermere, Weston, Davis, Didier, Castle, Woodward, Mrs Fearon, first appearance; Mrs Collett, Mrs White, Mrs Jewell. Prologue and Epilogue. Flint-Foote; Billy Button-Weston; Sir Christopher Cripple-Woodward; Major Racket-J. Aikin; Jersey-Didier; Peter Poultice-Fearon; Jack-Vandermere; Philip-Davis; Sourgrouts-Castle; Lady Catherine-Mrs Fearon; Miss Linnet-Mrs Jewell; Mrs Linnet-Mrs Collet; Maid-Mrs White; Prologue-Foote; Epilogue-Mrs Jewell (Genest, V, 312).

Afterpiece Title: Miss in Her Teens

Performance Comment: As17710515, but Loveit-Didier; Puff-Dancer; Flash-Davies; Tag-Mrs Collins.
Cast
Role: Tag Actor: Mrs Collins.
Role: Fribble Actor: Vandermere
Role: Miss Biddy Actor: Mrs Granger
Role: Tagg Actor: Mrs Gardner.

Dance: II: Double Hornpipe-Master West, Miss West

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of this performance, which coincides with the opening of the playhouse in Lincoln's Inn Fields by Betterton's Company, is established by Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 43-44: [Betterton, Mrs Bracegirdle, Mrs Barry, and others] set up a new Company, calling it the New Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields; and the House being fitted up from a Tennis-Court, they Open'd it the last Day of April 1695, with a new Comedy: Call'd, Love for Love....This Comedy being Extraordinary well Acted, chiefly the Part of Ben the Sailor, it took 13 Days Successively. Three songs in the play were published separately: I tell thee, Charmion, the music by Finger, sung by Pate and Reading, is in Thesaurus Musicus, 1696, The Fifth Book. A Nymph and a Swain, the music by John Eccles and sung by Pate; and A Soldier and a Saylour, the music by John Eccles, and sung by Dogget, are in Thesaurus Musicus, The Fourth Book, 1695. Cibber, Apology, I, 196-97: After we had stolen some few Days March upon them, the Forces of Betterton came up with us in terrible Order: In about three Weeks following, the new Theatre was open'd against us with veteran Company and a new Train of Artillery; or in plainer English, the old Actors in Lincoln's-Inn-Fields began with a new Comedy of Mr Congreve's, call'd Love for Love, which ran on with such extraordinary Success that they had seldom occasion to act any other Play 'till the End of the Season. This valuable Play had a narrow Escape from falling into the Hands of the Patentees; for before the Division of the Company it had been read and accepted of at the Theatre-Royal: But while the Articles of Agreement for it were preparing, the Rupture in the Theatrical State was so far advanced that the Author took time to pause before he sign'd them; when finding that all Hopes of Accomodation were impracticable, he thought it advisable to let it takes its Fortune with those Actors for whom he had first intended the Parts. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 10: Ramble: You know the New-house opened with an extraordinary good Comedy, the like has scarce been heard of. Critick: I allow that Play contributed not a little to their Reputation and Profit; it was the Work of a popular Author; but that was not all, the Town was ingag'd in its favour, and in favour of the Actors long before the Play was Acted. Sullen: I've heard as much; and I don't grudge 'em that happy beginning, to compensate some part of their Expence and Toil: But the assistance they receiv'd from some Noble Persons did 'em eminent Credit; and their appearance in the Boxes, gave the House as much Advantage as their Contributions. Ramble: Faith if their Boxes had not been well crowded, their Galleries wou'd ha' fallen down on their Heads. Sullen: The good Humour those Noble Patrons were in, gave that Comedy such infinite Applause; and what the Quality approve, the lower sort take upon trust. Gildon, The Lives and Characters (ca. 1698), p. 22: This Play, tho' a very good Comedy in it self, had this Advantage, that it was Acted at the Opening of the New House, when the Town was so prepossess'd in Favour of the very Actors, that before a Word was spoke, each Actor was clapt for a considerable Time. And yet all this got it not more Applause than it really deserv'd. An Essay on Acting (London, 1744), p. 10: The late celebrated Mr Dogget, before he perform'd the Character of Ben in Love for Love, took Lodgings in Wapping, and gather'd thence a Nosegay for the whole Town

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love For Love

Performance Comment: Edition of 1695: A Prologue for the opening of the New Play-House-Mrs Bracegirdle in Man's Cloaths; Sent from an unknown Hand; Prologue Spoken at the opening of the New House-Mr Betterton; Epilogue Spoken at the opening of the New House-Mrs Bracegirdle; Sir Sampson Legend-Underhill; Valentine-Betterton; Scandal-Smith; Tattle-Boman; Ben-Dogget; Foresight-Sanford; Jeremy-Bowen; Trapland-Triffusis; Buckram-Freeman; Angelica-Mrs Bracegirdle; Mrs Foresight-Mrs Bowman; Mrs Frail-Mrs Barry; Miss Prue-Mrs Ayliff; Nurse-Mrs Leigh; Jenny-Mrs Lawson.
Event Comment: Benefit Macklin. Mainpiece written by the late Lord Lansdown. With the Original Songs, new set by Mr Arne, and to be sung by Mr Lowe and Mrs Clive. Never acted there before. Afterpiece wirtten by the late Mr Pope, Mr Gay, and Dr Arbuthnot. Servants will be allowed to keep places on the stage; and those ladies who have taken places are humbly desired to send for tickets to prevent mistakes. Tickets to be had of Macklin at his house in Bow St., and of Hobson at the stage door

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The She Gallant; Or, Once A Lover And Always A Lover

Performance Comment: Sir John Airy-Macklin; Sir Toby Tickle-Yates; Vaunter-Neale; Monsieur-Blakes; Lady Dorimen-Mrs Macklin; Lucinda-Mrs Clive; Constantia with a New occasional Epilogue, in men's Clothes-Mrs Woffington; Miranda-Miss Edwards; Bellamour-Havard; Philabel-Mills; Frederick-Winstone; Courtall-Usher; Mons. Frisure-Blakes; Angelica-Mrs Bennet; Diana-Miss Minors; Melissa-Miss Pitt; Dorinda-Miss Cole; Placket-Mrs Cross; Mrs Japan-Mrs King; Mrs Lawn-Miss Royer.
Cast
Role: Lady Dorimen Actor: Mrs Macklin
Role: Lucinda Actor: Mrs Clive
Role: in men's Clothes Actor: Mrs Woffington
Role: Miranda Actor: Miss Edwards
Role: Angelica Actor: Mrs Bennet
Role: Placket Actor: Mrs Cross
Role: Mrs Japan Actor: Mrs King
Role: Mrs Lawn Actor: Miss Royer.

Afterpiece Title: Three Hours after Marriage

Related Works
Related Work: Three Hours after Marriage Author(s): Alexander Pope

Dance: Muilment, the Mechels

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By desire. Powel: Rec'd of Mr Wolfall [Woodfall?] for a ticket for the season to admit one into any part of the house, behind the scenes and to Benefit nights excepted--#15 15s. N.B.: These tickets us'd to be no more than ten guineas each before Mr Garrick's time, as for example Mr Ibbeston upon Ludgate hill, and Mr Tinker gave no more for theirs. Receipts: #170 (Cross); #166 6d. (Powel)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Suspicious Husband

Performance Comment: Ranger-Garrick; Strictland-Berry; Jack Meggot-Woodward; Frankly-Havard; Bellamy-Blakes; Buckle-Usher; Simon-Bransby; Valet-James; Landlady-Mrs Yates; Jacintha-Mrs Willoughby her first appearance on any stage; Tester-Vaughan; Chairman-Winstone; Milliner-Mrs Cole; Maid-Mrs Simpson; Clarinda-Mrs Pritchard; Mrs Strictland-Mrs Elmy; Lucetta-Mrs Green; To conclude with a Country Dance-.

Afterpiece Title: The Anatomist

Cast
Role: Beatrice Actor: Mrs Bennet.
Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known; It is one of several plays which may have been acted in or near December, for three were entered in the Term Catalogues at approximately the same time. Of the three, The Mistakes was given first near Christmas 1690; the other two may have come earlier in the month. A song, When Sylvia was kind, the music composed by John Eccles, is in Joyful Cuckoldom, ca. 1695. In the text of the play is a song, Corinna in the bloom of youth, sung by Mrs Botoler

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Alphonso King Of Naples

Performance Comment: Edition of 1691: The Prologue-Mr Powell by Mr John Haynes; Alphonso-Bowman; Ferdinand-Powell; Cesario-Mountfort; Tachmas-Hodgson; Vincentio-Bridges; Sigismond-Cibber; Oswell-Freeman; Fabio-Bowen; Attendant-Kirkham; Urania-Mrs Bracegirdle; Ardelia-Mrs Richardson; Epilogue-Mrs Knight by Mr D'Urfey.
Cast
Role: Ferdinand Actor: Powell
Role: Urania Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Ardelia Actor: Mrs Richardson
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Knight by Mr D'Urfey.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first production is not certain, but tradition states that Dryden died on the third day (1 May 1700); if this report is correct, the first performance occurred on 29 April 1700. In A Collection of New Songs...Compos'd by Mr Daniel Purcel, Perform'd in the Revis'd Comedy call'd the Pilgrim (1700) is a song, Chronos, Chronos, mend thy pace, with Janus sung by Freeman, Momus by Pate, Diana by Mrs Erwin. Gottfried Finger apparently composed the passage sung by Venus, Calms appear when storms are past. William Egerton, Faithful Memoirs of...Mrs Anne Oldfield (1731): The Pilgrim was indeed reviv'd for the Benefit of Mr Dryden, Ann. 1700, but he dying on third Night of its Representation, his Son attended the Run of it, and the Advantages accrued to his Family. Cibber, Apology, I, 269-70: This Epilogue, and the Prologue the same Play [The Pilgrim], written by Dryden, I spoke myself, which not being usually done by the same Person, I have a mind, while I think of it, to let you know on what Occasion they both fell to my Share....Sir John Vanbrugh, who had given some light touches of his Pen to the Pilgrim to assist the Benefit Day of Dryden, had the Disposal of the Parts, and I being then as an Actor in some Favour with him, he read the Play first with me alone, and was pleased to offer me my Choice of what I might like best for myself in it. But as the chief Characters were not (according to my Taste) the most shining, it was no great Self-denial in me that I desir'd he would first take care of those who were more difficult to be pleased; I therefore only chose for myself two short incidental Parts, that of the stuttering Cook and the mad Englishman....Sir John, upon my being contented with so little a Share in the Entertainment, gave me the Epilogue to make up my Mess; which being written so much above the Strain of common Authors, I confess I was not a little pleased with. And Dryden, upon his hearing me repeat it to him, made a farther Compliment of trusting me with the Prologue. Cibber, Apology, I, 305-6: In theYear 1699, Mrs Oldfield was first taken into the House, where she remain'd about a Twelve-month almost a Mute and unheeded, 'till Sir John Vanbrugh, who first recommended her, gave her the Part of Alinda in the Pilgrim revis'd. This gentle Character happily became that want of Confidence which is inseparable from young Beginners, who, without it, seldom arrive to any Excellence: Notwithstanding, I own I was then so far deceiv'd in my Opinion of her, that I thought she had little more than her Person that appear'd necessary to the forming a good Actress; for she set out with so extraordinary a Diffidence, that it kept her too despondingly down to a formal, plain (not to say) flat manner of speaking. Nor could the silver Tone of her Voice 'till after some time incline my Ear to any Hope in he favour. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 27: [After Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields had revived Shakespeare and Johnson] Nay then, says the whole party at D. Lane, faith we'll e'en put the Pilgrim upon him--ay faith, so we will, says Dryden, and if youll let my Son have the Profits of the Third Night, I'll give you a Secular Mask: Done, says the House, and so the Bargain was struck

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Pilgrim

Performance Comment: Edition of 1700: Prologue by Mr Dryden-Colley Cibber; Epilogue by Mr Dryden-Colley Cibber; Alphonso-Johnson; Pedro-Wilks; Roderigo-Powell; Governor-Simson; Scholar-Thomas; Parson-Haynes; Englishman-Cibber; Welshman-Norris; Taylor-Pinkethman; Alinda-Mrs Oldfield; Juletta-Mrs Moor.
Cast
Role: Alinda Actor: Mrs Oldfield
Role: Juletta Actor: Mrs Moor.
Event Comment: Benefit Mr Connor, who kept the Key and Garter Tavern in Pall-Mall. Written by the late Mr Addison, and Set to Musick by Mr Arne. Reduced to Two Acts. 6:30 p.m

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Rosamond

Performance Comment: King Henry-Lowe; Queen Elinor-Mrs Arne; Rosamond-Mrs Clive; Page-Miss Edwards; Sir Trusty-Savage; Grideline-Mrs Jones; between the Interludes will be performed several Grand Concertos-; end Act I, will be performed the Solemn Invocation@Scene in Oedipus-; with the Chorusses-; And after the Opera the Songs and Chorusses in As You Like It-; In which (By Desire) will be introduced the Song of Sweet Bird in the L'Allegro-Mrs Arne; accompanied on the Violin-Mr Arne.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Sir Courtly Nice; Or, It Cannot Be

Performance Comment: Sir Courtly-Woodward; Bellguard-Cashell; Farewell-Havard; Crack-Chapman; Surly-Bridgwater; Hothead-Marten; Testimony-Hippisley; Aunt-Mrs James; Violante-Mrs Horton; Leonora-Mrs Pritchard.
Cast
Role: Aunt Actor: Mrs James
Role: Violante Actor: Mrs Horton
Role: Leonora Actor: Mrs Pritchard.

Afterpiece Title: The Rape of Proserpine

Event Comment: Afterpiece: By desire. To Mr G-, Sir: You will very much oblige many of your friends by reviving the play of Ulisses wrote by the celebrated Mr Rowe; We apprehdnd there are four characters in which yourself, Mr Barry, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Pritchard would shine inimitably. If you think this hint worthy your notice, we make no doubt it will in every Respect answer your expectations, as well as gratify the town in general. S. W., S. T., &c. (General Advertiser). This day is publish'd, at 1s. Lethe Rehears'd or a critical discussion of the beauties and blemishes of that performance; interspers'd with occasional remarks upon dramatick satires in general, as well as on some that have been best receiv'd in particular. The whole in a free conversation amongst several persons of distinction. Printed for J. Roberts (General Advertiser). [This is a fifty@two@page puff for Lethe, and for the usefulness of the stage for propagating morals. The characters who lead the discussion are: Sir Francis Friendly , a sensible learned Gentleman; Dr Heartfree , a candid, judicious person; who has a great opinion of Mr Garrick; Mr Snip@Snap , a vociferous modern Critic; and Two Women .] Receipts: #120 (Cross); #118 12s. 6d. (Powel)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Romeo And Juliet

Cast
Role: Lady Capulet Actor: Mrs Bennet
Role: Nurse Actor: Mrs James
Role: Juliet Actor: Mrs Cibber

Afterpiece Title: The Intriguing Chambermaid

Cast
Role: Mrs Highman Actor: Mrs Bennet.
Role: Lettice Actor: Mrs Clive.
Event Comment: About this time Mr Theo: Cibber Mr Maddocks the wire Dancer, & several other Theatrical performers, with & number of other Passangers embark'd on board the Dublin, Captain White, in order to go to Ireland but the Ship was lost & every Soul perish'd (Cross). As Mr Sparks & others complain'd of Mr Wilkinson for taking them off, it [Diversions of ye Morning] was intended to be omitted this Night, But the Audience call'd so violently for it, that we were oblig'd to let him do it--he took off Foote & Sheridan, & wou'd have left out Sparks but ye Audience wou'd not be satisfied without it--when they first call'd Mr Foote went forward & said as some of the performers had complain'd it was to be omitted; as for being taken off himself he had no Objection to it, as he was always glad to contribute to their Entertainm[en]t &c. (Cross). Mainpiece: Not acted these 2 years [see 14 Oct. 1756]. Receipts: #130 (Cross); #139 10s. (Winston MS 8)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Old Batchelor

Performance Comment: Fondlewife-Foote; Bellmour-Palmer; Sharper-Havard; Vainlove-Packer; Heartwell-Berry; Sir Joseph-Yates; Bluff-Taswell; Setter-Blakes; Belinda-Miss Haughton; Araminta-Mrs Davies; Silvia-Miss Barton; Lucy-Mrs Bennet; Laetitia-Mrs Pritchard.
Cast
Role: Araminta Actor: Mrs Davies
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Bennet
Role: Laetitia Actor: Mrs Pritchard.

Afterpiece Title: The Diversions of the Morning

Event Comment: TThe London Chronicle for 1758 (p. 455): On Friday the 3rd instant was presented Coriolanus. The two first acts of this play, as it is performed at the above theatre, were written by Shakespear; the three last for the most part by Mr. Thomson. But how a man of Mr Sheridan's knowledge (who first introduc'd it there about four years ago) could think of pounding into one substance two things so heterogeneous in their natures as the productions of those authors, is to me amazing. Mr Smith enters in the first act, after having (as we are to suppose) just overcome the Volsci, to the tune of violins and hautboys; but I am a little afraid the grandeur of his triumph is a little misapplied, considering the early times in which Coriolanus lived, before the Roman empire had arrived to any degree of splendor and magnificence, and was great in virtue only. However it makes a fine show; and Mr Smith, who has an excellent person, by the help of a little burnt cork and a real coat of mail cuts a very martial appearance. I think it was one of the Gracchi, who, when he was speaking to the people, always had a servant behind him in the Rostrum with a pitch-pipe which he touched whenever he found his master's voice rising beyond a certain height; such an instrument as this would, in my opinion, be of service to Mr Smith, for his fault seems to be that of keeping too much at the top of his vioce. Mrs Hamilton in the part of Veturai, especially in the last act, excells herself; and in particular, she repeats that line: "He never can be lost who saves his country," with the genuine spirit of a free-born Englishman. By the unnatural conjunction which is attempted to be made in this tragedy, most of the other characters are robbed of their significance. Those two excellent actors, therefore, Ryan and Sparks, only give us just cause to regret that the parts of Tullus and Volscius are not longer....After the play was presented a Ballad Opera called The Contrivances; in which some good comedians are oblig'd to submit to the drudgery of supporting as contemptible a trifle as ever was acted on the stage

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Coriolanus

Cast
Role: Volumnia Actor: Mrs Vincent
Role: Veturia Actor: Mrs Hamilton

Afterpiece Title: The Contrivances

Performance Comment: Rovewell-Lowe; Argus-Collins; Hearty-Redman; Robin-Dunstall; Betty-Mrs Pitt; Arethusa-Mrs Baker.
Cast
Role: Betty Actor: Mrs Pitt
Role: Arethusa Actor: Mrs Baker.

Dance: As17581016

Event Comment: N.B. We have engag'd Mr King; & Miss Baker from Ireland, one Mr Moody, a Stroler,-Mr Beard is gone to Covent Garden, 'tis said to be manager Mr Mossop to Ireland. Receipts: #120 (Cross). Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places from Mr Varney at the Stage Door. No admittance behind scenes. [The customary note about prices and admittance will not be noted further here.] [At the opening of the theatres this season appeared an essay in Goldsmith's Bee, giving close observations upon actors, and deploring the relative stiffness and formality of English actors in comparison with the French. Advised English actors to travel abroad. Yet (Vol. 1759, p. 12) commented on the magnificnece of "our theatres as far superior to any others in Europe where plays only are acted. The great care our performers take in painting for a part, their exactness in all minutiae of dress, and other little scenical proprieties has been taken notice of by Riccoboni." Complains of the convention of laying a rug before a dying scene and of the vacant expressions of mutes on stage.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Recruiting Officer

Performance Comment: Plume-Palmer; Worthy-Austin; Kite-Bransby; Brazen-Obrien; Bullock-Phillips; Welsh Collier-Blakes; Recruits-Yates, Clough; Melhnda-Mrs Davies; Rose-Mrs Hippisley; Lucy-Mrs Bennet; Sylvia-Miss Macklin; Balance-Havard.
Cast
Role: Melhnda Actor: Mrs Davies
Role: Rose Actor: Mrs Hippisley
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Bennet

Afterpiece Title: The Intriguing Chambermaid

Performance Comment: Drunken Colonel-Yates; Lettice-Mrs Clive.
Cast
Role: Lettice Actor: Mrs Clive.
Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Egerton. Afterpiece: Not acted in 3 years. [See 3 April 1769.] [Genest in Volume of News Clippings (Harvard Library) quotes Edinburg Evening Courant of 29 April: Last night between the play and the farce at Drury Lane Theatre, a disturbance arose which continued for a full hour. Mr Weston it appeared was in debt to the managers a considerable sum of money, on which account they had impounded all the cash received on his benefit night. This the comedian did not like, and therefore yesterday evening sent word that he could not play, that he was arrested and detained in a springing house, but desired that no apology should be made of his being 'suddenly ill' (the usual stage plea) as it would be an egregious falsehood. After the play Mr Vernon came forward and inform'd the audience that Mr Weston 'was suddenly taken ill' and could not perform. Weston instantly started up in the front of the upper Gallery, and inform'd the house that he was not ill, but in the custody of an officer, and if the audience would have patience he'd inform them of the whole affair. A long altercation ensued. The Managers sent on Mr Vernon repeatedly; and after much pro and con Weston came down and played his part of Sneak." The article must have referred to the 24th of April, when Weston play'd Sneak in The Mayor of Garratt. The Managers promis'd the Town a publication of the whole affair."] Paid Mr Brathwait for men's cloaths #33s. Receipts: #200 8s. Charges: #70 12s. Profit to Mrs Egerton: #129 16s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Afterpiece Title: The Citizen

Performance Comment: Young Philpot-King; Sir Jasper-Wright; Beaufort-Wheeler; Dapper-Jacobs; Quildrive-Griffith; Maria-Mrs Egerton; Old Philpot-Baddeley; Corinna-Miss Platt.
Cast
Role: Maria Actor: Mrs Egerton

Entertainment: V:(By Desire,) Cupid's Remonstrance, as17720427

Event Comment: This Comedy is written by Mr Cumberland but I think inferior to his other Productions was tolerably well receiv'd but a most excellent Epilogue was Written by Mr G. & Spoken by Mrs Abington which gave a great Lift to the Play Uncommon Applause to the Epilogue (Hopkins Diary). [Macmillan's note from Kemble differs slightly in wording.] Paid Mr Lauchery per order #1 1s. (Treasurer's Book). [From the Westminster Magazine, Dec. 1774: We cannot think Mr Cumberland has courted the Comic Muse in this play so successfully as in the West Indian, and the rest of his comedies. His language is unexceptionably good; he is often as witty as Congreve, as easy as Vanbrugh, and as satirical as Wycherly. But language alone will not do. The plot is ill conducted.] Receipts: #243 6s. (Treasurer's Book)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Choleric Man

Performance Comment: Parts by King, Reddish, Moody, Packer, Waldron, Everard, Mrs Hopkins, Weston, Aickin, Baddeley, Wright, Miss Pope, and Mrs Abington. Prologue-Smith; Epilogue-Mrs Abington; Nightshade-King; Charles Manlove-Reddish; Jack Nightshade-Weston; Gregory-Moody; Manlove-Aickin; Stapleton-Packer; Dibble-Baddeley; Frampton-Waldron; Frederick-Wright; Servant-Everard; Lucy-Miss Pope; Mrs Stapleton-Mrs Hopkins; Laetitia-Mrs Abington.
Cast
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Abington
Role: Mrs Stapleton Actor: Mrs Hopkins
Role: Laetitia Actor: Mrs Abington.
Related Works
Related Work: The Choleric Man Author(s): Richard Cumberland

Afterpiece Title: Hob in the Well

Cast
Role: Hob's Mother Actor: Mrs Bradshaw
Role: Flora Actor: Mrs Scott
Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Permission of the Proprietor of the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. [As afterpiece the playbill announces Oscar and Malvina, but "The Poor Sailor played" (MS annotation on BM playbill, cg, Vol. ix). "The audience were in a violent uproar, at the change from Oscar and Malvina to The Poor Sailor" (Monthly Mirror, Dec. 1795, pp. 122-23).] Receipts: #190 7s. (182.17; 7.10)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Battle Of Hexham; Or, Days Of Old

Performance Comment: Gondibert-Holman; Fool-Knight; Gregory Gubbins-Fawcett; Robbers-Richardson, Haymes, Abbot, Williamson; Barton-Harley; La Varenne-Macready; Corporal-Farley; Drummer-Townsend; Fifer-Simmons; Marquis of Montague-Powel; Duke of Somerset-Claremont; Egbert-Davenport; Prince of Wales-Miss Standen; Villagers-Mr Rees, Mr Cross, Mrs Mountain, Mrs Clendining, Mrs Norton, Miss Walcup, Miss Kirton, Miss Logan, Mrs Martyr; Adeline-Miss Wallis; Queen Margaret-Mrs Pope.

Afterpiece Title: The Poor Sailor

Event Comment: We play'd the Beggar's Opera & ye Oracle by Children for the Benefit of some distress'd Actors who formerly belong'd to the Theatres. There was #102 in the House, the following Persons receiv'd from it Mr Marshall #23. Mr Morgan #21. Mrs Edgerton #5 5s. Mr Bowman #5 5s. Mr Phenix #10 10s. Mrs Gardner (formerly printer to ye house) #2 2s. N.B.: Mrs Clive refus'd to play her part of Lucy , it was done by Miss Young. New performers engag'd Y: Fletewood, Obrien, Packer, Perry, Miss Glen (Cross)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Beggar's Opera

Performance Comment: Macheath-Beard; Peachum-Yates; Filch-Raftor; Polly-Miss Macklin; Lucy-Miss E. Young, her 1st appearance on any stage; Mat@o@Mint-Rooker; Lockit-Champnes; Beggar-Philips; Player-Bransby; Mrs Peachum-Mrs Cross; Diana Trapes-Mrs Havard; In Act III, a Hornpipe-Morris; To conclude with a Country Dance-the Characters of the Opera.
Cast
Role: Mrs Peachum Actor: Mrs Cross
Role: Diana Trapes Actor: Mrs Havard

Afterpiece Title: The Oracle

Dance: II: The Prussian Sailors, as17580601 End Opera: The Faggot Binders, as17580601

Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time at a public theatre; C 3, by Elizabeth Craven, Baroness Craven, afterwards Margravine of Anspach, 1st acted privately at the Town-Hall, Newbury, 6 Apr. 1780. Text (G. Riley, 1781) assigns no parts. Prologue by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Epilogue by Joseph Jekyll (see text)]: With new Dresses, &c. "The Prologue [the first 30 lines and the concluding couplet of which were used by Sheridan as the Prologue to Pizarro (see dl, 24 May 1799)] was so much admired that at the request of the Duchess of Devonshire and several other of the nobility it was respoken after the piece; but as King was absent from the theatre, it was delivered by Palmer" (Town and Country Magazine, May 1780, p. 23 ). "The chief singularity was that [Lady Craven] went to it herself the second night, in form; sat in the middle of the front row of the stage-box, much dressed, with a profusion of white bugles and plumes, to receive the public homage due to her sex and loveliness. The Duchess of Richmond, Lady Harcourt,...Mrs Damer, Lord Craven,...and I were with her. It was amazing to see so young a woman entirely possess herself-but there is such an integrity and frankness in her consciousness of her own beauty and talents, that she speaks of them with a naivete as if she had no property in them, but only wore them as gifts of the gods. Lord Craven on the contrary was quite agitated by his fondness for her and with impatience at the bad performance of the actors, which was wretched indeed, yet the address of the plot, which is the chief merit of the piece, and some lively pencilling carried it off very well, though Parsons murdered the Scotch lord, and Mrs Robinson (who is supposed to be the favourite of the Prince of Wales) thought on nothing but her own charms, or him. There is a very good though endless prologue written by Sheridan and spoken in perfection by King, which was encored (an entire novelty) the first night: and an epilogue that I liked still better and which was full as well delivered by Mrs Abington, written by Mr. Jekyl. The audience, though very civil, missed a fair opportunity of being gallant, for in one of those ----logues, I forget which, the noble authoress was mentioned, and they did not applaud as they ought to have done, especially when she condescended to avow her pretty child and was there looking so very pretty...Yet Lady Craven's tranquillity had nothing displeasing;...and it was tempered by her infinite good nature, which made her make excuses for the actors instead of being provoked at them" (Walpole [28 May 1780], XI, 178-80). Public Advertiser, 14 July 1781: This Day at Noon will be published The Miniature Picture (price not listed). Receipts: #144 9s. (94.9; 48.3; 1.17)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Winter's Tale

Cast
Role: Perdita Actor: Mrs Robinson
Role: Paulina Actor: Mrs Hopkins

Afterpiece Title: The Miniature Picture

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Palmer, Parsons, Brereton, Wrighten, Mrs Davies, Miss Farren, Miss Sherry, Mrs Robinson. [Cast from Town and Country Magazine, May 1780, p.228: Mr Belvil-Palmer; Lord Macgrinnon-Parsons; Mr Camply-Brereton; John-Wrighten; Susan-Mrs Davies; Miss Loveless-Miss Farren; Mrs Arabella Loveless-Miss Sherry; Eliza Camply-Mrs Robinson; Prologue-King; Epilogue-Mrs Abington. [Thses were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]Thses were spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.]

Dance: II: New Dance, as17791126; End II afterpiece: The Coopers, as17800224

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not certain, but the evidence points to this day as a strong Possibility. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus (p. 44) states that it was given thirteen days consecutively, and John Coke (see 16 March 1696@7) states that it was acted "till Saturday" (16 March 1696@7). If the tragedy was acted on Wednesdays but not Fridays, as was often the practice in Lent, and if the farce alluded to for Saturday, 16 March 1696@7, comprised the entire program, this day was probably the premiere. The following sequence of performances is based on these premises. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 44: The Mourning Bride...had such Success, that it continu'd Acting Uninterrupted 13 Days together. Gildon, English Dramatick Poets, p. 23: This Play had the greatest Success, not only of all Mr Congreve's, but indeed of all the Plays that ever I can remember on the English Stage, excepting some of the incomparable Otway's. Aston, A Brief Supplement (in Cibber, Apology, II, 302): His [Betterton's] Favourite, Mrs Barry, claims the next in Estimation. They were both never better pleas'd, than in Playing together.--Mrs Barry outshin'd Mrs Bracegirdle in the Character of Zara in the Mourning Bride, altho' Mr Congreve design'd Almeria for that Favour

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Mourning Bride

Performance Comment: Edition of 1697: Prologue-Mr Betterton; Epilogue-Mrs Bracegirdle; Manuel-Verbruggen; Gonsalez-Sanford; Garcia-Scudamour; Perez-Freeman; Alonzo-Arnold; Osmyn-Betterton; Heli-Boman; Selim-Baily; Almeria-Mrs Bracegirdle; Zara-Mrs Barry; Leonora-Mrs Boman.
Cast
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Almeria Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Zara Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Leonora Actor: Mrs Boman.
Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Horton, an old Actress, & ye Sub: Treasurer (Cross). Positively the last time of Mr Garrick's performing the character of Fribble this season. Tickets deliver'd out for the Fatal Marriage will be taken. Tickets to be had of Mrs Horton at Mr Havard's in Broad Court, Bow-Street, Covent Garden; and of the Sub-treasurer at Mrs Quaker's in Broad St., Soho, and at the Stage Door (playbill). On Monday next The Recruiting Officer with several entertainments for the Benefit of Mr George Burton, Mr Harvey and Mrs Addison. Receipts: #175 (Cross)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Earl Of Essex; Or, The Unhappy Favorite

Performance Comment: Essex-Ross; Queen Elizabeth-Mrs Horton, her first appearance on the stage in 2 years; Rutland-Miss Bellamy; Southampton-Berry; Burleigh-Havard; Raleigh-Blakes; Nottingham-Mrs Bennet.

Afterpiece Title: Miss in Her Teens

Cast
Role: Tag Actor: Mrs Clive

Song: Master Vernon

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but Dryden, on 14 Dec. 1699, indicated that the run of the play had been completed by that day. A copy in the Folger Shakespeare Library has a notice of its publication. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 45: Iphigenia a Tragedy, wrote by Mr Dennis, a good Tragedy and well Acted; but answer'd not the Expences they were at in Cloathing it. [In The Life of Mr John Dennis (London, 1734) the author states that Colonel Codrington prevailed on all his friends to take tickets for the dramatist's third night.] Preface, Edition of 1700: And from the first representations I expected all the success that I could reasonably desire. I never in my life at any Play took notice of a more strict attention, or, a more profound silence. And there was something like what happen'd at the Representation of Pacuvius his Tragedy. For upon Orestes discovering his passion to Iphigenia in the fourth Act, there was a general murmur through the Pit, which is what I had never seen before. But after three or four representations, several people, who during that time had wholly abandon'd themselves to the Impression which Nature had made on them, began to study how to be discontented by Art; and repented heartily at having been pleas'd with what Athens and Rome and Paris had been pleas'd before. A Comparison between the Two Stages (1702), p. 23: Critick: I must needs Complement him [Dennis] with the Success of his laborious Iphigenia: Ay, here's a Tragedy with a witness--show a more tragick Poet if you can--'twas a smart Epilogue. But I marvel a Man of Mr Dennis's Penetration wou'd suffer, nay beg his Friend to Burlesque him at that unreasonable rate: But the Author was conscious the Audience might mistake it for a Comedy, and so he gets Colonel C-(he was sure his Word wou'd be taken) to tell 'em it was not a Comedy but a Tragedy: The hint was good and necessary, for o' my word very few knew what to make of it before, tho' there were many Tremendous things in't. [The dialogue continues to examine Dennis' Preface, and Dennis's assertions there concerning his play.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Iphigenia

Performance Comment: Edition of 1700: Prologue-Mr Verbruggen as the Genius of England; Epilogue by Coll. Codrington-; Orestes-Betterton; Pilades-Williams; Queen-Mrs Barry; Iphigenia-Mrs Bracegirdle; Euphrosine-Mrs Martin.
Event Comment: Benefit the Author of the Farce. [R. Fabian.] By Their Majesties Command. Afterpiece: a Farce of Two Acts. Intermix'd with Songs. London Daily Post and General Advertiser, 13 May: On Saturday Night last, during the Play time, one Mr Mechlin (alias Macloughlin) who lately belong'd to [DL], having had a Dispute with Mr Hallam, of the same Theatre, about a particular Wig, which the latter had from the Wardrobe, to wear in his Part that Night, in the Farce, and which he resign'd to Mr Mechlin; but reproved him for his Behaviour, and ill Language. Some time after Mr Mechlin, thrust a Crabtree Stick that was in his Hand, at the Face of Mr Hallam, which enter'd at his Left Eye, and penetrated into his brain, of which Wound he languish'd till Sunday Night 6 o'clock, when he died

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Cato

Performance Comment: As17350301 but Lucia-Mrs Butler .
Cast
Role: Lucia Actor: Mrs Butler

Afterpiece Title: Trick for Trick

Performance Comment: Don Lopez-Berry; Don Fernand-Salway; Don Garcia-Shepard; Don Diego-Turbutt; Sancho-Mechlin; Guzman-Hallam; Elvira-Mrs Cantrel; Eugenia-Mrs Pritchard; Estifania-Master Arne. Edition of 1735 adds: Messinger-Cole .
Cast
Role: Don Fernand Actor: Salway
Role: Elvira Actor: Mrs Cantrel
Role: Eugenia Actor: Mrs Pritchard

Dance: Amorous Swain, as17350327

Event Comment: Benefit for one Monett master of ye French Comedians (Cross). [174th and positively the last night.] Receipts: #120 (Cross). Account of Disbursements made by Mr Monnet for his Stage, as well in Ready Money as in Notes of Hand. @Names of Actors and Actresses Their Contracts with Mr Monnet Paid in Money Paid in Notes Whole sum of the Expence, as well in Money as in Notes@Desormes #227 7s. 6d. #65 17s. 9d. #131 5s. #197 2s. 9d.@Mauly & Hamond #301 8s. 9d. #175 #63 #238@Bureau #257 8s. 7d. #122 11s. 3d. #52 10s. #175 1s. 3d.@Toscano #289 7s. 10d. #123 16s. 7d. #66 1s. 3d. #189 7s. 10d.@Durancy and Wife #361 17s. 1d. #147 7s. #210 #357 7s.@Parant #218 15s. #108 10s. 10d. .... #108 10s. 10d.@Terodat #52 10s. #39 2s. .... #39 2s.@Kelly #30 18s. #30 18s. .... #30 18s.@Villiers #32 15s. #32 15s. .... #32 15s.@Chateauneuf #43 15s. #15 17s. .... #15 17s.@Dujoncel #36 15s. #24 13s. 6d. #12 1s. 6d. #36 15s.@Champville #87 10s. #52 10s. .... #52 10s.@StAmand #78 15s. #26 5s. #17 10s. #43 15s.@Totals #1,919 2s. 9d. #965 4s. 3d. #552 7s. 9d.@ @Other Expences@For the Play-House's Rent #110@For the Stage's Taylor #35 14s.@For the Expences of Four Representations acted #65 12s. 6d.@For the traveling Expences of Mr Monnet, and his Residence of twenty Months at London or Paris and the Expences for the Custom-House, Law, Prison #328 12s. 8d.@Whole Sum of the Expence #2,157 1s.@ @RECEIPTS@For Fifty-six Subscriptions, at Five Guineas each #294@Received from Four Representations acted at the Little Theatre in the Hay-Market #188 18s. 4d.@From a Subscription, by Mr Arthur, Master of White's Chocolate-House #367 10s.@Whole Sum of the Receipts #850 8s. 4d. @ Therefore the Expence exceeds the Money received by #1,306 12s. 8d. which Mr Monnet is entirely out of Pocket, besides two Years and a half of his Time spent for it. N.B. The Contracts are all made for Livres Turnois, and this Account is made upon a Calculation of 3 Livres Tournois for 31 1!2d. Sterling.--And the Contracts and Receipts are ready to be produced. [This account is by courtesy of Miss Sybil Rosenfeld from a photostat of the original (which is printed in both French and English) in the Bibliotheque National. See also British Magazine, August 1750, p. 322.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Suspicious Husband

Performance Comment: As17500324 but Lucetta-Mrs Green; Valet-_; Simon-_; Buckle-_; Tester-_; Landlady-_; Milliner-_. [Cast precisely as of 18 Nov. 1749.]Cast precisely as of 18 Nov. 1749.]
Cast
Role: Lucetta Actor: Mrs Green
Role: Landlady Actor: Mrs Yates
Role: Strictland Actor: Berry
Role: Jacintha Actor: Mrs Willoughby
Role: Maid Actor: Mrs Simpson
Role: Mrs Strictland Actor: Mrs Elmy
Role: Clarinda Actor: Mrs Pritchard.

Afterpiece Title: The Anatomist

Dance: III: Grand Scotch Dance, as17491031

Event Comment: This is a farce of Macklin's Writing, it went off very greatly-he play'd Shylock too (Cross). Receipts: #190 (Cross). [Garrick and Lacy had contracted with Macklin for this Farce two weeks before this performance, according to the following document (BM Add. MS 27925): Memorandum of an Agreement relating to Mr Macklin's Farce and his Playing & performing in the said Farce, with such plays as shall be performed on which the said Farce shall be acted as aforesaid as follows: Imprimis: The said Farce to be publicly performed before Christmas, otherwise not this season on account of the Managers other engagements. Item: Mr Macklin to have for his performing in the said plays and Farce a Fifth part of the profits of the first five nights after deducting sixty-three pounds for the charges of each night during the said five nights-and the sixth night to be for the Benefit of Mr Macklin, he paying the usual charges of sixty-three pounds. Item: The Managers to have it in their power to stop the performances of the said Farce at the end of Six nights on account of their other engagements,-and in case the Receipt of any one night of the said nights on which the said Farce shall be performed as aforesaid shall fall short of One Hundred pounds. Then the Managers to have it in their power to stop the performance of said Farce as the Receipt does not amount to One Hundred pounds. Item: The said Six nights for the said Farce & plays in which Mr Macklin shall perform as aforesaid not to be played immediately succeeding one another, but alternately with such plays as the Managers shall think Convenient. Lastly: That if the said Farce shall meet with the disapprobation of the Publick, that then it shall be in the Power of Discretion of the Managers to stop the performance thereof. Dated this 28th day of November, 1759. S@ James Lacy, D. Garrick. Witness: R. Cross, Geo. Garrick.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Merchant Of Venice

Performance Comment: Shylock-Macklin1st appearance for 6 years; Lorenzo-Moody; Portia-Mrs Clive; Songs-Mr Prentis1st appearance on this stage; Gratiano-Palmer; Antonio-Davies; Bassanio-Havard; Jessica-Miss Hippisley; Nerissa-Mrs Bennet; Launcelot-Vaughan; Duke-Bransby.
Cast
Role: Portia Actor: Mrs Clive
Role: Nerissa Actor: Mrs Bennet

Afterpiece Title: Love a-la-Mode

Dance: IV: A Dutch Dance-Master Settree, Master Blagdon, Miss Blagdon