Event Comment: Mr Garrick inexpressibly fine.
Mrs Abington Beatrice, first time-very Great Applause (
Hopkins Diary). [
MacMillan's note from
Kemble differs slightly.] Paid
Sparks and Co. Lace Bill #10 15s.
Mr King (glassman) for lustres his bill #75 2s. (Treasurer's Book). [From the
Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, 7 Nov.: "The desertion of the theatres in consequence of the disease with which so many are afflicted, has been productive of one agreeable effect, that of bringing Mr Garrick forward in
Benedict much earlier than was expected. It cannot be a matter of surprise that
Roscius should have escaped the infection and his spirits and constitution seems proof against the attacks of age itself; after above 30 campaigns, his ardour and execution appear rather to increase. Benedict owes all its consequence to his attachment; there is a peculiar turn of humour in this soldier that none but Mr Garrick has ever been able to enter into the true spirit of. Last night he supported the character with undiminished excellence, and in the speech where he meditates and then resolves on marriage, he soared beyond himself. Beatrice is
Shakespeare's Benedict in petticoats, and very happily has got into the hands of
Mrs Abington" (Quoted in
Hampden, Eighteenth Century Journal).] Receipts: #264 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)
Performances
Mainpiece Title: Much Ado About Nothing
Performance Comment: Don John-Aickin; Benedict-Garrick; Dogberry-Waldron; Verges-Carpenter; Conrade-Griffiths; Messenger-Lamash; Sexton-Wrighten; Don Pedro-Packer; Balthazar (with song)-Vernon; Town Clerk-Baddeley; Leonato-Jefferson; Hero-Miss Hopkins; Beatrice-Mrs Abington (first time); Antonio-Hurst; Borachio-Usher; Friar-Wright; Margaret-Mrs Bradshaw; Ursula-Mrs Millidge; Claudio-Brereton (first time); in Act II: a Masquerade Dance (proper to the play)-; to conclude with a Country Dance-.Afterpiece Title: May Day