The London Stage Database team will be retiring the Legacy Search on May 1, 2025. Please take a moment before that date to reproduce any pre-2021 searches and export any resulting datasets you may wish to preserve for future use. We are making this change in order to free up computational resources for new features and data, currently in development with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Watch this space for more updates and, coming soon, new ways to keep up with the latest project developments!
SELECT * FROM london_stages WHERE MATCH('(@(authnameclean,perftitleclean,commentcclean,commentpclean) "Mrs P R"/1) | (@(roleclean,performerclean) "Mrs P R")') 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

Result Options

Download:
JSON XML CSV

Search Filters

Event

Date Range
Start
End

Performance

?
Filter by Performance Type










Cast

?

Keyword

?
We found 23723 matches on Performance Comments, 5751 matches on Event Comments, 4236 matches on Performance Title, 14 matches on Author, and 0 matches on Roles/Actors.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: At King's The Chapter Of Accidents

Performance Comment: As17930214, but Woodville-Benson; Vane-Benson [sic; see below]; Bridget-Mrs Bateman.
Cast
Role: Bridget Actor: Mrs Bateman.
Role: Miss Mortimer Actor: Mrs Powell
Role: Warner Actor: Mrs Booth

Afterpiece Title: The Prize

Event Comment: The King's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@12, p. 17: King here. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 344. See Noyes, Ben Jonson on the English Stage, p. 307, for a letter to Lady Sunderland on this performance, and, p. 308, for an anecdote from The Life of the Late Famous Comedian, Jo. Haynes, concerning Haynes and Hart in a scene. For another allusion to the action, see Henri Ferneron, Louise de Keroualle, Duchess of Portsmouth (London, 1807), p. 179n. Pepys, Diary: 15 Jan. 1668@9: It is about my Lady Harvy's being offended at Doll Common's [Mrs Corey's] acting of Sempronia, to imitate her; for which she got my Lord Chamberlain, her kinsman, to imprison Doll: when my Lady Castlemayne made the King to release her. Mrs John Evelyn to Mr Terryll, 10 Feb. 1668@9: There has not been any new lately revived and reformed, as Catiline, well set out with clothes and scenes (Diary and Correspondence of John Evelyn, ed. William Bray, IV, 14). See also 7 and 11 Dec. 1667

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Catiline's Conspiracy

Performance Comment: Edition of 1669: Catiline?-Hart; Cethegus?-Mohun; Cicero?-Burt; Beeston; Kynaston; Reeves; Wintershall; Cartwright; Gradwell; Bell; Sempronia-Mrs Corey?; A Prologue to Catiline To be Merrily spoke-Mrs Nell Gwyn? (in an Amazonian Habit); The Epilogue-Mrs Nell Gwyn?.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Fair Circassian

Afterpiece Title: Lun's Ghost; or, The New Year's Gift

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Wright, Grimaldi, Delpini, Burton, Suett, Lamash, R. Palmer, Phillimore, Spencer, Norris, Nash, Williams, Fawcett; Mrs Love, Miss Simson, Miss Barnes, Miss Palmer, Miss Collett. Cast not known .

Dance: In afterpiece by Zuchelli, Miss M. Stageldoir, &c

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Conscious Lovers

Cast
Role: Isabella Actor: Mrs Hedges
Role: Mrs Sealand Actor: Mrs Love

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Junior; or, The Magis Cestus

Performance Comment: Characters by Wright, Williamson, Burton, Staunton, Williames, R. Palmer, Waldron, Chaplin, Phillimore, Wilson, Alfred, Spencer, Kenny, Grimaldi; Mrs Burnett, Miss Burnett, Miss Tidswell, Miss Barnes, Miss Cranford, Miss M. Stageldoir. [Partial cast from Parker's General Advertiser, 8 Jan.: Old Harlequin-Wright; Magician-Staunton; Sailor-Williames; Clown-Grimaldi; Spirit-Miss Cranford; Colombine-Miss M. Stagedoir. Playbill of 10 Nov. 1788 lists the other parts: Harlequin, German Officer, French Gentleman, Valet, Miller, Landlord, Cook, Daemon, Taylor; Old Colombine, French Ladies.] hathi. Old Colombine, French Ladies.] hathi.

Song: In Act II of mainpiece a song by Miss Phillips

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Valentinian

Performance Comment: Edition of 1685: Prologue written by Mrs Behn-Mrs Cook (the first Day); Prologue to Valentinian-Mrs Cook (the second Day); Prologue intended for Valentinian-Mrs Barry; Epilogue by a Person of Quality-Mrs Barry; Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 40): Valentinian-Goodman; Aecius-Betterton; Maximus-Kynaston; Pontius-Griffin; Lucina-Mrs Barry.
Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 2. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 347. There is no certainty that this is the premiere, but the fact that the play was given again on 4 Dec. 1672 suggests that this was the first performance and that it was also acted on Tuesday 3 Dec. 1672. A song, How pleasant is mutual love, set by John Bannister for this play, is in Choice Songs and Ayres, First Book, 1673. See Cibber, Apology, ed. Lowe, I, 155, for Underhill's acting of Justice Clodpate. Downes (p. 33): This Play in general being Admirably Acted, produc'd great Profit to the Company. Note, Mrs Johnson in this Comedy, Dancing a Jigg so Charming well, Loves power in a little time after Coerc'd her to Dance more Charming, else where

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Epsom Wells

Performance Comment: Edition of 1673: Prologue [by Sir C. S. [Sir Charles Sedley]-; Prologue to the King and Queen [spoken at Whitehall-; Epilogue-; [Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 33): Rains-Harris; Bevil-Betterton; Woodly-Smith; Justice Clodpate-Underhill; Carolina-Mrs Johnson; Lucia-Mrs Gibbs; Mrs Jilt-Mrs Betterton; Bisket-Nokes; Fribble-Angel.
Cast
Role: Carolina Actor: Mrs Johnson
Role: Lucia Actor: Mrs Gibbs
Role: Mrs Jilt Actor: Mrs Betterton

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Cutter Of Coleman Street

Performance Comment: Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 25): Colonel Jolly-Betterton; Old Trueman-Lovel; Young Trueman-Harris; Cutter-Underhill; Captain Worme-Sandford; Parson Soaker-Dacres; Puny-Nokes; Will-Price; Aurelia-Mrs Betterton [Mrs Saunderson]; Lucia-Mrs Anne Gibbs; Laughing Jane-Mrs Long; [The edition of 1663 has a Prologue-; an Epilogue-[, but no actors' names., but no actors' names.
Cast
Role: Aurelia Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Lucia Actor: Mrs Anne Gibbs
Role: Laughing Jane Actor: Mrs Long

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Feign'd Innocence; Or, Sir Martin Marall

Performance Comment: Edition of 1668: No actors' names. Prologue-; Epilogue-; Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 28): Sir Martin Marall-Nokes; Sir John Swallow-Smith; Lord Dartmouth-Young; Old Moody-Underhill; Warner-Harris; Lady Dupe-Mrs Norris; Mrs Millisent-Mrs Davies.
Cast
Role: Lady Dupe Actor: Mrs Norris
Role: Mrs Millisent Actor: Mrs Davies.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Virtuoso

Performance Comment: Edition of 1676: Prologue-; Epilogue-; A copy in the William Andrews Clark Jr Memorial Library, Los Angeles, has the following manuscript cast, which may well be the original cast. (The trimming of the page has sometimes cut off the first letter or two of a name, and these have been supplied.) Sir NicholasGimcrack-Percivall; Sir Formal Trifle-Anthony Leigh; Sir Samuel Hearty-Underhill; Longvill-Betterton; Bruce-Smythe; Hazard-Jevon; Lady Gimcrack-Mrs Shadwell; Clarinda-Mrs Currer; Miranda-Mrs Betterton; unassigned-Mrs Price.
Cast
Role: Lady Gimcrack Actor: Mrs Shadwell
Role: Clarinda Actor: Mrs Currer
Role: Miranda Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: unassigned Actor: Mrs Price.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Don Carlos, Prince Of Spain

Performance Comment: Edition of 1676: The Prologue-; Phillip the Second-Batterton; Don Carlos-Smith; Don John-Harris; Marquis of Posa-Crosby; Rui Gomez-Medbourn; Queen of Spain-Mrs Mary Lee; Duchess of Eboli-Mrs Shadwell; Henrietta-Mrs Gibbs; Garcia-Mrs Gillow; Officer of the Guards-Norris; The Epilogue-a Girle [Anne Bracegirdle?].Anne Bracegirdle?].
Cast
Role: Queen of Spain Actor: Mrs Mary Lee
Role: Duchess of Eboli Actor: Mrs Shadwell
Role: Henrietta Actor: Mrs Gibbs
Role: Garcia Actor: Mrs Gillow

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Rival Queens; Or, The Death Of Alexander The Great

Performance Comment: Edition of 1677: Prologue to Alexander by Sir Char. Scroop, Baronet-; Epilogue-; Alexander-Hart; Clytus-Mohun; Lysimachus-Griffin; Hephestion-Clarke; Cassander-Kenaston; Polyperchon-Goodman; Philip-Powell; Thessalus-Wiltshire; Perdiccas-Lydall; Eumenes-Watson; Meleager-Perin; Aristander-Coysh; Sysigambis-Mrs Corey; Statira-Mrs Boutell; Roxana-Mrs Marshall; Parisatis-Mrs Baker.
Cast
Role: Sysigambis Actor: Mrs Corey
Role: Statira Actor: Mrs Boutell
Role: Roxana Actor: Mrs Marshall
Role: Parisatis Actor: Mrs Baker.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Macbeth

Performance Comment: Edition of 1673: King of Scotland-Nath. Lee; Malcolm-Norris; Donalbain-Cademan; Lenox-Medburn; Macbeth-Betterton; Banquo-Smith; Macduff-Harris; Macbeth's Wife-Mrs Betterton; Macduff's Wife-Mrs Long; Hecate?-Sandford. See also 12 Aug. 1668.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Douglas

Cast
Role: Matilda Actor: Mrs Siddons

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Captive; or, The Magick Fire

Performance Comment: Characters by Caulfield, Banks, Boimaison, Master Welsh, Dubois, Fairbrother, Wathen, Russell, Benson, Hollingsworth, Burton, Phillimore, Maddocks, Jones, Webb, Fisher, Wentworth, Evans, Roffey, Keys, Whitmell, Wells, Butler, W. Banks, Nicolini, Garman, Master Gregson, Master DeCamp; Miss DeCamp, Miss Mellon, Mrs Boimaison, Miss Heard, Mrs Cuyler, Mrs Booth, Miss Tidswell, Mrs Maddocks, Mrs Hedges, Mrs Heard, Mrs Butler, Mrs Brooker, Miss Chatterley, Mrs Jones, Mrs Mills, Mrs Brigg, Mrs Haskey, Mrs Barrett. Chorus of Knights and Ladies (Vocal Parts)-Sedgwick, Dignum, Trueman, Danby, Cooke, Welsh, Mrs Bland, Miss Leak, Miss Arne, Mrs Bramwell, Miss Granger, Miss Jackson, Miss Menage, Miss Stuart, Miss Wentworth; Cast adjusted from playbill of 9 Nov. 1796: Ormandine-Caulfield; Harlequin-Banks; Ormandine's Servant-Boimaison; Ariel-Master Welsh; Clown-Dubois; Sailor-Fairbrother; Sir Epicure-Hollingsworth; Crop-Burton; Landlord-Phillimore; Countrymen-Maddocks, Jones; Constable-Webb; Prigg-Fisher; Gipsies-Evans, Garman, Mrs Butler, Mrs Jones, Mrs Mills, Mrs Brigg; Furies-Roffey, Wells, Master Gregson; Gardener-Whitmell; Waiter-Butler; Cheesemonger-Nicolini; Postboy-Master DeCamp; Colombine-Miss DeCamp; Minerva-Miss Mellon; Spirit-Miss Heard; Landlady-Mrs Booth; Lady-Miss Tidswell; Countrywomen-Mrs Maddocks, Mrs Heard; Cook-Mrs Brooker; Chambermaid-Miss Chatterley; unassigned-Wathen, Russell, Benson, Wentworth, Keys, W. Banks, Mrs Boimaison, Mrs Cuyler, Mrs Hedges, Mrs Haskey, Mrs Barrett.
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.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Rakes

Cast
Role: Mrs Winifred Actor: Mrs Hopkins
Role: Harriet Actor: Mrs Baddeley.

Afterpiece Title: The Jubilee

Performance Comment: Parts-King, Moody, Parsons, Ackman, Hurst, Waldron, Castle, Wheeler, W. Palmer, Wright, Keen, Hartry, Mesink, Clough, Booth, J. Burton, Mas. Cape, Mrs Bradshaw, Mrs Lowe. The Vocal Parts-Vernon, Dibdin, Bannister, Champnes, Fawcett, Kear, Miss Radley, Mrs Baddeley; The Dances-Dagueville, Mrs King, Sga Vidini, Miss Rogers; In which will be introduced The Pageant as it was intended for Stratford-Upon-Avon; Ralph-King; Irishman-Moody; Ballad Singer-Vernon; Ostler-Parsons; Country Girls-Mrs Baddeley, Miss Radley; Margery Jervis-Mrs Love; Female Ballad Singer-Dibdin; Prologue-King; Characters in the pageant: Benedict-Garrick; Beatrice-Miss Pope; Touchstone-King; Richard III-Holland; Romeo-Brereton; Hamlet-Cautherly; Falstaff-Love; Lear-Reddish; Antony-Aikin; Portia-Mrs W. Barry; Apollo-Vernon; Tragic Muse-Mrs Barry; Comic Muse-Mrs Abington; Also: Hurst, Wheeler, Castle, Waldron, Wright, Keen, Clough, Hartry, Messink, Booth, J. Burton, Master Cape, Mrs Bradshaw, Mrs Love; Dancing-; Singing- New Dresses, Scenes; Music by Dibdin (Genest, V, 256, and Winston MS 10). See Three Plays by David Garrick, Elisabeth P. Stein (New York, 1926). Music by Dibdin (Genest, V, 256, and Winston MS 10). See Three Plays by David Garrick, Elisabeth P. Stein (New York, 1926).
Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 6 years [acted 7 Oct. 1791]. Middleton, after performing the first scene of Nerestan, retired abruptly into the wardrobe, pulled off his coat, and telling the dresser he should be back in ten minutes, left the theatre; he did not return, however, according to his appointment, and Davenport read the remainder of the character: a fit of insanity is supposed to have seized him" (Monthly Mirror, Jan. 1797, p. 55). [Middleton did not appear on the stage again until 27 Feb. 1797.] Afterpiece [1st time: P 2 (?), by James Wild and John Follett. MS of Songs only: Larpent MS 1148; synopsis of action in Pocket Magazine, Dec. 1796, p. 412]: With entire new Scenery, Machinery, Music, Dresses. The Overture and Music by Reeve. The Scenery painted by Phillips, Blackmore, Hollogan, Thorne, Byrn. The Machinery, Trick and Changes of Scenery invented and executed by Cresswell and Sloper. The Dresses by Dick, Mrs Egan. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. "Among the changes are a trunk into a gingerbread nut-man's wheel-barrow--a poor man's hut into an old oak, with a group of Gypsies boiling their kettle under it--one of the clowns into a thick candle, and the candle afterwards into a green-house tub, with a large shrub in it" (Oracle, 20 Dec.). Receipts: #193 5s. 6d. (183.4.6; 10.1.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Zara

Performance Comment: Lusignan-Murray; Osman-Hargrave; Nerestan-Middleton (Act I only), Davenport (remainder of play); Orasmin-Macready; Chatillon-Hull; Melidor-Thompson; Selima-Miss Chapman; Zara-Mrs Pope.
Cast
Role: Zara Actor: Mrs Pope.

Afterpiece Title: Harlequin and Oberon; or, The Chace to Gretna

Performance Comment: Principal Vocal Parts-Incledon, Townsend, Linton, Gray, Street, Blurton, Tett, J. Linton, Lee, Philipps, Master Woodham, Master Platt, Master Goodwin, Master Paul, Master Ramage, Master Speare, Master Bernard, Mrs Henley, Mrs Castelle, Miss Burnett, Miss Leserve, Miss Walcup, Miss Owen, Mrs Masters, Mrs Watts, Miss Gray; Principal Pantomime Characters-Simpson, Follett, Delpini, Hawtin, Simmons, Powers, Wilde, Abbot, Thompson, Lee, Rayner, Cranfield, Claremont, Curties, Lewiss, Davies, Mlle St.Amand, Mrs Gilbert, Mrs Norton, Mrs Lloyd, Mrs Blurton; Fantoccini-, executed byMarinelli; Cast from Airs (T. N. Longman, 1796): Postman-Townsend; Lieutenant-Linton; Gypsies-Gray, Street; Oberon-Miss Gray; Harlequin-Simpson; Clown-Follett; Lover-Delpini; Father-Hawtin; Lover's Servant-Simmons; Old Gypsey-Mrs Henley; Colombine-Mlle St.Amand. No other parts assigned.
Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Pritchard (Cross). Mainpiece: Not acted these 30 years. This day publish'd. Price 1s. Reflections upon Theatrical Expression in Tragedy. [By Roger Pickering. This is a defense of the theatrical profession, "which in all countries is considered low and contemptible." Author's thesis: "A master of theatrical expression in all its extensive significancy must be possess'd of such accomplishments, as to set the profession above all contempt." Garrick is mentioned as best example. True tragic expression "requires Genius, Education, Reading, Experience...and a solidity of thought which never accompanies abject morals" (p. 11). Includes an interesting treatise on acting-sections on figure, voice, ear, memory, management of feet and legs. Comments on costume: "Taste in dress demands that an actor be conversant in the mode of dress ancient and modern, in other countries as well as in our own...Alexander and Cato were not masters of the snuff box, nor Greek women of French heels." The appendix asks why all our plays are not dressed in character in point of time and place, and why they do not contain at least one "scene" proper to the country. The author (p. 61) sees need for variety in acting same role, especially when a play has a continuous run of several nights. He calls (p. 77) for creation of appropriate mood for the play by selection of proper music between the acts. Wants a softening of the prompter's bell. Concludes by damning contemporary audience manners, especially those of the stage loungers (pp. 79-81).] Receipts: #314 (Cross)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Mistake

Performance Comment: Parts-Garrick, Woodward, Bransby, Palmer, Yates, Taswell, Burton, Blakes, Mrs Clive, Mrs Davies, Mrs Bennet, Mrs Pritchard. Don Carlos-Garrick; Sancho-Woodward; Lopez-Yates; Lorenzo-Palmer; Leonora-Mrs Pritchard; Jacintha-Mrs Clive (Genest, IV, 408).

Afterpiece Title: The Englishman in Paris

Song: II: The Cantata of Cimon and Iphigenia-Beard

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; MD 3, by Prince Hoare. Larpent MS 1126; not published; synopsis of plot in Monthly Magazine, May 1796, p. 320]: With new Scenes, Dresses, Decorations, &c. The Musick principally composed by the late Mr Storace [who had died on 19 Mar.], with a few Selections from Paisiello, Haydn and Sarti. [Grove, under Storace, states that the music was completed and prepared for the stage by Kelly and Sga Storace.] The Scenes designed and executed by Marinari and assistants. The Dresses by Johnston, Gay and Miss Rein. Books of the Songs to be had in the Theatre. "It was exceedingly tedious the first night, not being over till eleven o'clock. Since, it has been prudently cut down, and yet has lost nothing. A prologue, written on the very morning of representation, deploring the loss of the composer, was spoken (perfectly) by the last unfortunate Benson [for whom see 9 June. It was written by Hoare (Universal Magazine, May 1796, p. 362), and Was perhaps spoken only on the 1st night; it is not listed on any playbill]" (Monthly Magazine, May 1796, p. 320). "In short, possessing all the science of Harrison, the melody of Incledon, and the pleasing articulation of the late Mrs Kennedy, we have no hesitation in pronouncing [Braham] the first public singer of the present day. He was three times encored. His action is indifferent, and his dialogue scarcely audible" (Morning Herald, 2 May). Receipts: #297 14s. (258.10.6; 38.19.6; 0.4.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Mahmoud; Or, The Prince Of Persia

Performance Comment: [Characters-Aickin, Kemble, Braham (1st appearance on any stage i.e. as an actor, not a singer]), Packer, Suett, Bannister Jun., Kelly, Dignum, Sedgwick, Maddocks, Cooke, Caulfield, Evans, Webb, Trueman, Wentworth, Phillimore, Banks, Master Gregson, Miss Menage, Miss Leak, Miss Miller, Mrs Bland, Sga Storace; Cast from Songs (no pub., 1796): Sultan-Aickin; Mahmoud-Kemble; Noureddin-Braham (whose 1st appearance on the stage was at cg, 21 Apr. 1787); Helim-Packer; Barakka-Suett; Abdoul Cassan-Bannister Jun.; Mossafer-Kelly; Hassan-Dignum; Malek-Sedgwick; Petitioners-Caulfield; Muley-Banks; Aladdin-Miss Menage; Balsora-Miss Leak; Zobeide-Miss Miller; Desra-Mrs Bland; Zelica-Sga Storace; unassigned-Maddocks, Cooke, Evans, Webb, Trueman, Wentworth, Phillimore, Master Gregson; General Chorus-Danby, J. Fisher, Welsh, Master DeCamp, Atkins, Boyce, Brown, Denman, Fisher, Tett, Aylmer, Caulfield Jun., Dibble, Gallot, Willoughby, Annereau, Bardoleau, Cook, Walker, Miss Arne, Mrs Boimaison, Mrs Bramwell, Mrs Butler, Miss Chatterley, Miss Jackson, Mrs Maddocks, Miss Mellon, Miss Stuart, Miss Wentworth. [Prologue, not listed on playbill, spoken by Benson.]Prologue, not listed on playbill, spoken by Benson.]

Afterpiece Title: All the World's a Stage

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Roman Father

Cast
Role: Horatia Actor: Mrs Yates.

Afterpiece Title: The Hotel; or, The Double Valet

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by King, Brereton, Packer, Davies, Burton, Griffiths, Parsons; Miss P. Hopkins, Miss Jarratt, Mrs Wrighten. [Cast from text (T. Becket, 1776): Trimwell-King; Neville-Brereton; Wentworth-Packer; Sir John Seymour-Davies; Robin-Burton; Irish Chairman-Griffiths; Sir Jacob Thrift-Parsons; Clarissa-Miss P. Hopkins; Flavia-Miss Jarratt; Tabby-Mrs Wrighten; Prologue-King. [This was spoken, as here assigned, at the first 7 performances only (see17770201).]This was spoken, as here assigned, at the first 7 performances only (see17770201).]
Cast
Role: Tabby Actor: Mrs Wrighten

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Way Of The World

Cast
Role: Lady Wishfor't Actor: Mrs Hopkins
Role: Mrs Fainall Actor: Mrs Greville
Role: Betty Actor: Mrs Smith
Role: Peg Actor: Mrs W. Palmer
Role: Millamant Actor: Mrs Abington.

Afterpiece Title: All the World's a Stage

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Palmer, Parsons, Farren, Lamash, Burton, Griffiths, Carpenter, Baddeley, Miss P. Hopkins, Mrs Hopkins. Cast from text (J. Wilkie, 1777): Harry Stukely-Palmer; Diggery-Parsons; Charles Stanley-Farren; Waiter-Lamash; Cymon-Burton; Wat-Griffiths; Hostler-Carpenter; Sir Gilbert Pumpkin-Baddeley; William-Everard; Miss Kitty Sprightly-Miss P. Hopkins; Miss Bridget Pumpkin-Mrs Hopkins; New Prologue-King.

Dance: End V: The Triumph of Love, as17761107

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Sophonisba; Or, Hannibal's Overthrow

Performance Comment: Edition of 1676 (imperfect edition): Hannibal-Moon; Maherbal-Wats; Bomilcar-Haris; Scipio-Kingiston; Lelius-Wintersel; Massinissa-Harte; Massina-Clarke; Sophonisba-Mrs Cosh; Rosalinda-Mrs Damport. Edition of 1681: The Prologue to the University of Oxford, Written by J. Dryden, Esquire. Hannibal-Mohun; Maherbal-Burt; Bomilcar-Wintershul; Scipio-Kynaston; Lelius-Lydall; Varro-Watson; Massinisa-Hart; Trebellius-Powell; Massina-Clark; Menander-Griffin; Sophonisba-Mrs Cox; Rosalinda-Mrs Boutell; Aglave-Mrs Nep; Cumana-Mrs Cory. Epilogue Spoken to Sophonisba at its Playing at Oxford. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 15): Hannibal-Mohun; Maherbal-Burt; Bomilcar-Wintersel; Scipio-Kynaston; Lelius-Lydall; Massinissa-Hart; Massina-Clark; Sophonisba-Mrs Cox; Rosalinda-Mrs Boutel.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love In A Village

Performance Comment: As17861117, but Madge [i.e. Margery ] (1st time at this theatre)-Mrs Wells.
Cast
Role: Actor: Mrs Wells.
Role: Deborah Actor: Mrs Pitt
Role: Margery Actor: Mrs Brown
Role: Lucinda Actor: Mrs Morton
Role: Rosetta Actor: Mrs Billington.

Afterpiece Title: The Girl in Style

Performance Comment: Principal Characters-Edwin, Johnstone, Quick, Mrs Brown, Mrs Webb, Mrs Martyr. Cast from Town and Country Magazine, Dec. 1786, p. 648: Joseph-Edwin; Belmont-Johnstone; Tabby-Quick; Betty-Mrs Brown; Lady Hectic-Mrs Webb; Arabella-Mrs Martyr; Prologue-Holman.

Dance: As17861117

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Old Batchelor

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Prologue intended for the Old Batchelor [sent to the Author, by an unknown Hand-; Prologue-Mrs Bracegirdle; Epilogue-Mrs Barry; Heartwell-Betterton; Bellmour-Powel; Vainlove-Williams; Sharper-Alexander [Verbruggen]; Sir Joseph-Bowen; Bluff-Hains; Fondlewife-Dogget; Servant-Underhill; Araminta-Mrs Bracegirdle; Belinda-Mrs Mountfort; Laetitia-Mrs Barry; Sylvia-Mrs Bowman; Lucy-Mrs Leigh.
Cast
Role: Prologue Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Araminta Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Belinda Actor: Mrs Mountfort
Role: Laetitia Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Sylvia Actor: Mrs Bowman
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Leigh.
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 Wells. Afterpiece [1st time; F 2, by Edward Topham. Larpent MS 772; not published; synopsis of plot in Public Advertiser, 3 May. Prologue by George Monck Berkeley (European Magazine, June 1787, p. 411)]. Public Advertiser, 24 Apr.: Tickets to be had of Mrs Wells, No. 417, Strand. Receipts: #257 3s. 6d. (160.4.6; 5.7.0; tickets: 91.12.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love In A Village

Cast
Role: Actor: Mrs Wells.
Role: Deborah Actor: Mrs Pitt
Role: Margery Actor: Mrs Brown
Role: Lucinda Actor: Mrs Morton
Role: Rosetta Actor: Mrs Billington.

Afterpiece Title: Bonds without Judgement; or, The Loves of Bengal

Performance Comment: Principal Characters-Ryder, Wewitzer, Fearon, Macready, Quick, Mrs Pitt, Miss Wilkinson, Mrs Wells. Cast from European Magazine, May 1787, p. 300: Japan-Ryder; Congo-Wewitzer; Nankeen-Fearon; Captain Manly-Macready; Colonel Fury-Quick; Governess-Mrs Pitt; Charlotte-Miss Wilkinson; Sophia-Mrs Wells; Prologue-Holman.

Dance: As17870217