Event Comment: Mainp1ece [1st time; T 5, by
Frances D'Arblay. Prologue by the author (see text). Author of
Epilogue unknown]. "It did not fail to keep [the audience] in the height of good humour, by frequent irresistible claims on their risible faculties; a particular instance of this was in
Elgiva 's dying scene, when a passing stranger, in a fine tragic tone, says, 'Let us carry her to the other side of the hedge.' This hedge, which is supposed to be remotely situated from any dwelling, nevertheless proved to be a very accomodating retreat; for, in a few minutes after, the wounded lady is brought from behind it on an elegant couch, and, after dying in the presence of her husband, is carried off and placed once more 'on the other side of the hedge.' The laughter which this scene occasioned, although supported by the dying words of
Mrs Siddons, was inconceivable" (
Morning Herald, 23 Mar.).
Powell, 20 Mar.:
Edwy and Elgiva rehearsed at 10; 21 Mar.:
Edwy and Elgiva rehearsed at 10. Receipts: #350 19s. (296.4.6; 51.9.0; 3.5.6)