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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

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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.
Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill assigns Diana to Mrs Martyr, but "News of Mrs Martyr's husband's death having reached her the day before, an apology was made for her not playing Diana; Miss Wheeler, however, from the other house proved a very agreeable substitute" (.European Magazine, Oct. 1783, p. 310). In afterpiece the playbill assigns Lucy to Mrs Wilson, but on the Kemble playbill a MS annotation substitutes Mrs Davenett.] Receipts: #134 19s. 6d. (133/9/0; 1/10/6)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Lionel And Clarissa

Performance Comment: Lionel-Johnstone (from the Theatre Royal, Dublin; 1st appearance in this Kingdom); Col. Oldboy-Wilson; Sir John Flowerdale-Hull; Jenkins-Bannister; Harman-Davies; Jessamy-Sga Sestini (1st appearance in that character); Diana-Miss Wheeler (of DL); Jenny-Mrs Chalmers; Lady Mary Oldboy-Mrs Webb; Clarissa-Mrs Bannister .
Cast
Role: Jenny Actor: Mrs Chalmers
Role: Lady Mary Oldboy Actor: Mrs Webb
Role: Clarissa Actor: Mrs Bannister

Afterpiece Title: Retaliation

Performance Comment: Rebate-Quick; Trueman-Whitfield; Frank-Davies; Ezekiel Spotless-Jones; Precipe-Edwin; Lucy-Mrs Davenett; Emilia-Mrs Mattocks .
Cast
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Davenett
Role: Emilia Actor: Mrs Mattocks
Event Comment: By Permission of the Lord Chamberlain. Benefit for Watts. Mainpiece: Written by Mrs Centlivre; Not acted these 40 years [not acted since 27 Apr. 1731, at Goodman's Fields]. Prologue written by a Gentleman [unidentified; printed in Town and Country Magazine, Apr. 1784, p. 214. The playbill for this performance is as printed in Morning Chronicle, 8 Mar. Gazetteer, 8 Mar., assigns Captain Constant to Reynolds, Laura to Miss Beaufield, Maria to Mrs Green, Belinda to Miss Johnson]. The Doors to be opened at 5:00. To begin at 6:30. Tickets to be had of Connolly, at the King's Head Tavern, Fenchurch-street; of Watts, No. 2, Upper James-street, Golden-square

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Man's Bewitch'd; Or, The Devil To Do About Her

Performance Comment: Faithful (the Man Bewitch'd)-Smith; Sir GeofFry Constant (a very extraordinary Ghost)-Stannard; Captain Constant (son of the Ghost)-Keynlas; Clinch-Shatford; Num (a Country Squire)-Mills; Slouch (his man)-Stannard Jun.; Lovely-Cross; Roger (a Countryman)-Watts; Trusty-Swords; Manage-Brown; Sir David Watchum-Lloyd; Laura-Mrs Beaufield; Maria-Miss Vernon; Dorothy-Mrs Reynolds; Lucy-Mrs Thompson; Belinda-Mrs Johnson. New Occasional Prologue spoken by Shatford .

Afterpiece Title: The Mayor of Garratt

Performance Comment: Major Sturgeon-Scott; Sir Jacob Jollup-Knights; Heeltap-Davies; Bruin-Farrell; Lint-Shatford; Roger-Bass; Snuffle-Harris; Jerry Sneak-Swords; Mrs Bruin-Mrs Thompson; Mrs Sneak-Mrs White .
Cast
Role: Mrs Bruin Actor: Mrs Thompson
Role: Mrs Sneak Actor: Mrs White

Dance: End of mainpiece Hornpipe by Rothery

Song: Between the Acts Singing [singer not listed]

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Abington. Pit and Boxes will be laid together. Ladies and Gentlemen are most earnestly requested to come early, to prevent Inconvenience in getting to their Places, and to send their Servants to keep them by Four o'clock. "At the close of the entertainment Mrs Abington came forward, and delivered a short poetical address to her fashionable auditory [written by Maurice Morgann (Monthly Mirror, Nov. 1797, p. 263)], apposite to her feelings on the present occasion" (Morning Herald, 11 Feb.). "The character [of Scrub] throughout was well conceived, and executed with a sprightliness and degree of humour that kept the house in a continual roar of laughter" (Public Advertiser, 11 Feb.) "Mrs Abington's voice was in its usual tone; her manners and deportment were inattentive and torpid, rather than active and interesting" (Morning Post, 11 Feb.). "With all her endeavours to give new points to the character, she entirely failed. Her appearance en culottes, so preposterously padded, exceeded nature. Her gestures to look comical could not get the least hold of the audience, though they had seen her before in men's clothes, when playing Portia in The Merchant of Venice, where her figure, dressed as a lawyer in his gown, gave effect to her excellent delivery on mercy, and the audience had been always delighted. But this leu de benefice, comparatively speaking, was disgusting and absurd as she dressed the character ... However, I have heard it originated in a bet she had previously made" (Henry Angelo, Reminiscenes, 11, 281-82). Receipts: #406 13s. 6d. (249/9/6; 1/9/0; tickets: 155/15/0) (charge: free)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Beaux Stratagem

Performance Comment: As17851119, but Scrub (for that night only)-Mrs Abington; Mrs Sullen-Mrs Warren (1st appearance in that character) .
Cast
Role: Scrub Actor: Mrs Abington
Role: Mrs Sullen Actor: Mrs Warren
Role: Cherry Actor: Mrs Martyr
Role: Dorinda Actor: Mrs Bates

Afterpiece Title: Three Weeks after Marriage

Cast
Role: Dimity Actor: Mrs Wilson
Role: Mrs Drugget Actor: Mrs Pitt
Role: Nancy Actor: Mrs Morton
Role: Lady Racket Actor: Mrs Abington

Dance: As17851007

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The English Merchant

Performance Comment: Freeport-Kemble; Sir William Douglas-Williamson; Lord Falbridge-Iliff; Owen-Usher; La France-Powell; Officer-Chapman; Servant-Abbott; Spatter-Edwin Jun.; Lady Alton-Mrs Whitfield; Molly-Mrs Barresford; Mrs Goodman-Mrs Poussin; Amelia-Mrs Kemble.
Cast
Role: Lady Alton Actor: Mrs Whitfield
Role: Molly Actor: Mrs Barresford
Role: Mrs Goodman Actor: Mrs Poussin
Role: Amelia Actor: Mrs Kemble.

Afterpiece Title: Ut Pictura Poesis

Performance Comment: ; or, The Enraged Musician. Principal Characters-Chambers, Reeve, Mathews, Chapman, Miss George, Mrs Iliff, Mrs Plomer, Mrs Powell, Mrs Bannister; [For assignment of parts, see17890612] Prologue-Edwin Jun.
Event Comment: Benefit for Mr and Mrs Bernard. Afterpiece [1st time; CO 2, author unknown. Larpent MS 909; not published]: With proper Scenery, Dresses, and Decorations. The Music entirely new, composed by M. P. King. Morning Chronicle, 20 May: Tickets to be had of Bernard, No. 35, Bow-street. Receipts: #299 2s. 6d. (120.10.6; 11.8.0; tickets: 167.4.0)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Which Is The Man

Performance Comment: Beauchamp-Lewis; Fitzherbert-Aickin; Belville-A Young Gentleman (1st appearance on any stage [unidentified]); Lord Sparkle-Bernard; Bobby Pendragon-Quick; Miss Pendragon-Mrs Mattocks; Julia Manners-Mrs Bernard; Clarinda-Mrs Rock; Kitty-Mrs Lewis; Tiffany-Mrs Davenett; Lady Bell Bloomer-Mrs Pope.
Cast
Role: Miss Pendragon Actor: Mrs Mattocks
Role: Julia Manners Actor: Mrs Bernard
Role: Clarinda Actor: Mrs Rock
Role: Kitty Actor: Mrs Lewis
Role: Tiffany Actor: Mrs Davenett
Role: Lady Bell Bloomer Actor: Mrs Pope.

Afterpiece Title: Primrose Green; or, Love in the Country

Performance Comment: Principal Characters-Incledon, Blanchard, Munden, Bernard, Williamson, Wilson, Mrs Harlowe, Miss Williams, Mrs Warrell. [Larpent MS lists the parts: Sir Jeremiah Laurel, Abram, Standard, Scipio, Rural, Collin, Lucy, Peggy, Maria.]Larpent MS lists the parts: Sir Jeremiah Laurel, Abram, Standard, Scipio, Rural, Collin, Lucy, Peggy, Maria.]

Dance: After Monologue: The Jockies, as17910507

Song: End II: Black Eyed Susan-Incledon

Entertainment: Monologue. End: Dissertation on Hobby@Horses: The Statesman's Hobby; The Soldier's Hobby; The Beau's Hobby; The Lady's Hobby; The Fidler's Hobby; Mrs Mountain's Hobby; The Manager's Hobby; and His Own Hobby-Bernard

Performance Comment: End: Dissertation on Hobby@Horses: The Statesman's Hobby; The Soldier's Hobby; The Beau's Hobby; The Lady's Hobby; The Fidler's Hobby; Mrs Mountain's Hobby; The Manager's Hobby; and His Own Hobby-Bernard.
Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill assigns Jessica to Mrs Bland, but "an apology was made stating the indisposition of Mrs Bland, and requesting that Miss Heard might be permitted to perform Jessica, which was agreed to" (Thespian Magazine, Apr. 1793, p. 243). In afterpiece the playbill assigns Mrs Matadore to Mrs Hopkins, but "Benson informed the audience that owing to a mistake in the bills, Mrs Hopkins's Name had been inserted instead of Mrs Booth's (ibid).] Receipts: #139 11s. (136.12; 2.19)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: At Hay The Merchant Of Venice

Performance Comment: Duke of Venice-Packer; Anthonio-Bensley; Bassanio-Wroughton; Salanio-Whitfield; Solarino-Barrymore; Gratiano-Dodd; Lorenzo (with song)-Dignum; Shylock-Kemble; Tubal-Waldron; Launcelot-Bannister Jun.; Gobbo-Suett; Leonardo-Cooke; Balthazar-Maddocks; Portia-Mrs Siddons; Nerissa-Miss Collins; Jessica (with a song)-Miss Heard.
Cast
Role: Portia Actor: Mrs Siddons

Afterpiece Title: The Humourist

Cast
Role: Mrs Matadore Actor: Mrs Booth
Role: Mrs Meddle Actor: Mrs Ward.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Every One Has His Fault

Cast
Role: Miss Wooburn Actor: Mrs Esten
Role: Mrs Placid Actor: Mrs Mattocks
Role: Miss Spinster Actor: Mrs Webb
Role: Lady Eleanor Irwin Actor: Mrs Pope

Afterpiece Title: The Governor; or, The Creolian Insurrection

Performance Comment: European Officer-Byrn; Henriquez (the Governor)-Follett; Insurgent Chief-Farley; Blacks, Creolians-Holland, Platt, Ratchford, King, Jackson, Blurton; Creolian Insurgents-Rayner, Wilde, Allen, Powers, Gaurion; Spanish Officers-Evatt, Lee, Rowson, Coombs; Natives of the Island-Jones, Richardson, Dodimear [the playbill erroneously calls each one of the Natives 'Miss'; see17930316 Notaries-Hill, Smith; The Grandchild-Master Menage; Creolian Girl-Miss Smith; Creolian Women-Mrs Ratchford, Mrs Bayzand; Black Women-Mrs Watts, Miss Francis, Mrs Crowe, Mrs Cranfield; Donna Juliana (Daughter to the Governor)-Mme Rossi.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Tempest

Afterpiece Title: HARLEQUIN PEASANT; or, A Pantomime Rehearsed

Performance Comment: Emigrant Marquis-Wewitzer; Dr Fingallin-Benson; Townly-Caulfield; Harlequin Peasant (with songs)-Dignum; Harlequin Mime-Waldron Jun.; Pantaloon-Maddocks; Lover-Bland; Lover's Servant-Evans; Stage-Coachman-Jones; Beadle-Freeman; Constable-Hawkins; Fury-Keyes; Watchmen-Aberdein, Potts; Lawyer-Lyons; Blacksmith-Knights; Ass-Driver Comerford; Passengers-Cooke, Stageldoir, Chippendale, &c.; Peasant-Children-Master Menage, Master Chatterley, Miss Menage; Pierrot-Delpini//Genius of Gratitude (with songs)-Mrs Stuart; Pantaloon's Wife-Mrs Heard; Maid-Mrs Haskey; Marquis's Maid-Miss Tidswell; Actress-Mrs Jones; Coach Passengers-Mrs Hale, Mrs Gaudry, &c.; Colombine (with songs)-Miss De Camp. [Larpent MS also lists the following characters: Old Norval, Young Norval, Call Boy, Waggoner, Genius//Peasant's Mother.] hathi.Larpent MS also lists the following characters: Old Norval, Young Norval, Call Boy, Waggoner, Genius//Peasant's Mother.] hathi.

Song: Masque as17931119, but Neptune-Caulfield. Vocal Parts omitted

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Rose And Colin

Cast
Role: Player Queen Actor: Mrs Platt
Role: Queen Actor: Mrs Pope.

Afterpiece Title: ALEXANDER THE GREAT

Performance Comment: As17940506, but Alexander-Middleton (1st appearance in that character); Cassander-The Gentleman who was so very favourably received in Douglas [on 13 Jan.: Talbot//Statira-Mrs Powell (of DL); Roxana (1st time)-Miss Morris .
Cast
Role: TalbotStatira Actor: Mrs Powell
Role: . The Mid Actor: Watch, When 'tis Night, by Incledon. The good Subjects of England by Incledon, Richardson, Townsend. SCENE II. A Landscape. The Disconsolate Sailor, When my Money was gone, by Mrs Martyr, in character. When Daisies mead by Miss Barnett. SCENE III. Irish Song by Johnstone. Treble Hornpipe by Byrn, Holland, Mme Rossi. Rule Britannia by Incledon. With a Representation of the Grand Fleet at Anchor in Portsmouth Harbour
Role: Huncamunca Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Glumdalca Actor: Mrs Webb
Role: Dollalolla Actor: Mrs Martyr.
Role: Lubin Actor: Mrs Martyr
Role: Bailiff Actor: Cubitt II Annette-Mrs Mountain
Role: Cubitt II Annette Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Lady Peckham Actor: Mrs Mattocks.
Role: Bridemaids Actor: Mrs Follett, Mrs Watts, Mrs Ratchford, Mrs Cranfield, Mrs Crowe, Mrs Lloyd, &c.
Role: Philidel Actor: Mrs Mountain. IV. A View of a Country Inn: The Bull and Dog
Role: Landlady Actor: Mrs Henley. V. A Representation of tht Scaffolding prepared for erecting the New Theatre-Royal, Drury Lane, as it appeared in July. Irish Song in character by Rock. Which changes to a View of the above Building, as it will appear when completed
Role: Aerial Spirits Actor: Byrn, Holland, Mlle St. Amand, Cranfield, Ratchford, King, Blurton, Wilde, Mrs Castelle, Miss Kirton, Miss Leserve, Mrs Follett, Mrs Watts, Mrs Blurton
Role: Catherine Actor: Mrs Webb
Role: Vocal Characters Actor: Bannister, Incledon, Davies, Blanchard, Cubitt, Johnstone, Mrs Martyr, Mrs Warrell, Miss Huntley, Miss Barnet
Role: Dancing Nymphs Actor: Mrs Goodwin, Mrs Watts, Mrs Ratchford, Mrs Byrne, Mrs Boyce, Mrs Cranfield, Mrs Lloyd
Role: Hunks Actor: FawcettJenny-Mrs Mountain
Role: FawcettJenny Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Norah Actor: Mrs Mountain
Role: Kathlane Actor: Mrs Martyr.

Afterpiece Title: THE SICILIAN ROMANCE; or, The Apparition of the Cliffs

Performance Comment: Principal Characters by Quick, Townsend, Munden, Powel, Thompson, Campbell, Abbot, Middleton//Mrs Martyr, Mrs Mountain, Miss Standen, Miss Morris. [Cast from text Q. Barker, 1794): Gerbin-Quick; Lindor-Townsend; Martin-Munden; Don Lope-Powel; Prior of the Convent-Thompson; Vincent-Campbell; Jaques-Abbot [in text: Farley]; Sancho-Cross; Ferrand, Marquis of Atranto-Middleton//Clara-Mrs Martyr; Alinda-Mrs Mountain; Julia-Miss Standen; The Lady-Miss Morris.] Prologue spoken by Middleton. [This was spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.] hathi. Prologue spoken by Middleton. [This was spoken, as here assigned, at all subsequent performances.] hathi.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The School For Wives

Performance Comment: Belville-Holman; Torrington-Quick; General Savage-Munden; Capt. Savage-Macready; Leeson-Middleton; Conolly-Waddy (from the Theatre Royal Norwich; 1st appearance on this stage); Spruce-Farley; Leech-Davenport; Crow-Thompson; Wolfe-Wilde; Miss Walsingham-Mrs Mattocks; Miss Leeson-Miss Mansel; Lady Rachael Mildew-Mrs Davenport; Mrs Tempest-Mrs Fawcett; Mrs Belville-Mrs Pope.

Afterpiece Title: Rosina

Performance Comment: Belville-Johnstone; Captain Belville-Incledon; Old Towler composed by Shield-Incledon; William-Townsend; Rustic-Haymes; Irish Haymaker-Macready; Phoebe-Mrs Martyr; Dorcas-Mrs Davenport; Rosina-A Young Lady (1st appearance on any stage [Miss Townsend]).Miss Townsend]).
Cast
Role: Phoebe Actor: Mrs Martyr
Role: Dorcas Actor: Mrs Davenport
Event Comment: Mainpiece: Not acted these 20 years [not acted since 29 Apr. 1774]. "In the scene where Varanes kills himself, Kemble...was peculiarly striking. His manner of sheathing the sword in his body, after he has exclaimed, 'I feel the art'ry where the life-blood lies! It heaves against the point!-Now-Oh ye gods!' astonished us; and we turned, with horror, from the sight" (Monthly Visitor, Feb. 1797, p. 161). "I asked [Mrs Siddons] in which part she would most wish me to see her? She named Portia in the Merchant of Venice; but I begged to be excused...Mrs Siddons's warmest devotes do not hold her above a demigoddess in comedy. I have chosen Athenais;...her scorn is admirable" (Walpole [15 Jan. 1788], XIV, 42). Receipts: #231 9s. (175.2; 54.14; 1.13)

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Theodosius; Or, The Force Of Love

Performance Comment: Theodosius-Barrymore; Varanes-Kemble; Marcian-Whitfield; Lucius-Trueman; Atticus-Packer; Leontine-Aickin; Aranthes-Holland; Pulcheria-Mrs Powell; Athenais-Mrs Siddons; Marina-Miss DeCamp; Flavilla-Miss Leak; Julia-Miss Heard; Delia-Miss Tidswell.
Cast
Role: Pulcheria Actor: Mrs Powell
Role: Athenais Actor: Mrs Siddons

Afterpiece Title: Robinson Crusoe

Song: Mainpiece: Vocal Parts-Dignum, Sedgwick, Cooke, Wentworth, Maddocks, Welsh, Grimaldi, Evans, J. Fisher, Gregson, Tett, Mrs Butler, Mrs Maddocks, Mrs Granger, Mrs Roffey, Mrs Gawdry, Mrs Benson, Mrs Menage

Performance Comment: Fisher, Gregson, Tett, Mrs Butler, Mrs Maddocks, Mrs Granger, Mrs Roffey, Mrs Gawdry, Mrs Benson, Mrs Menage.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Mustapha, The Son Of Solyman The Magnificent

Performance Comment: Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 25-26): Solyman-Betterton; Mustapha-Harris; Zanger-Smith; Rustan-Sandford; Pyrrhus-Richards; Cardinal of Veradium?-Young; Haly-Cademan; Roxolana-Mrs Davenport [presumably an error for Mrs Betterton, who is named for this role in the edition of 1668 and who is referred to (Ianthe) by Pepys on this day]; Queen of Hungaria-Mrs Davies. [Edition of 1668 adds: Achmat-$James Noke; Thuricus-$Medborn; Viche-$Aingel; Zarma-$Mrs Long; Mitza-$Mrs Norris; Cleora-$Mrs Shadwel.
Cast
Role: Roxolana Actor: Mrs Davenport
Role: Queen of Hungaria Actor: Mrs Davies.
Role: Zarma Actor: Mrs Long
Role: Mitza Actor: Mrs Norris
Role: Cleora Actor: Mrs Shadwel.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Assignation; Or, Love In A Nunnery

Performance Comment: Edition of 1673: Prologue-; Duke of Mantona-Major Mohun; Prince Frederick-Kynaston; Aurelian-Hart; Camillo-Burt; Mario-Cartwright; Ascanio-Mrs Reeve; Benito-Haynes; Sophronia-Mrs James; Lucretia-Mrs Marshall; Hippolita-Mrs Knep; Laura-Mrs Bowtel; Violetta-Mrs Cox; Epilogue-.
Cast
Role: Ascanio Actor: Mrs Reeve
Role: Sophronia Actor: Mrs James
Role: Lucretia Actor: Mrs Marshall
Role: Hippolita Actor: Mrs Knep
Role: Laura Actor: Mrs Bowtel
Role: Violetta Actor: Mrs Cox

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Reformation

Performance Comment: Edition of 1673: Prologue-; Camillo-Samford; Pacheco-Ant. Leigh; Tutor-Underhil; Antonio-Harris; Pedro-Cademan; Leandro-Cosby [Crosby (?)]; Lysander-Medbourne; Mariana-Mrs Caff [Clough (?)]; Ismena-Mrs Johnson; Juliana-Mrs Batterton; Lelia-Mrs Osborn; AEmilia-Mrs Lee; Nurse-Mrs Norris.
Cast
Role: Mariana Actor: Mrs Caff
Role: Ismena Actor: Mrs Johnson
Role: Juliana Actor: Mrs Batterton
Role: Lelia Actor: Mrs Osborn
Role: AEmilia Actor: Mrs Lee
Role: Nurse Actor: Mrs Norris.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Female Vertuosos

Performance Comment: Edition of 1693: Prologue by Mr Doggett-Mr Doggett; Sir Maurice Meanwell-Underhill; Meanwell-Hodgson; Sir Timothy Witless-Bright; Wittless-Doggett; Sir Maggot Jingle-Bowman; Clerimont-Powell; Trap-Bowen; Bully-Hains; Lady Meanwell-Mrs Leigh; Lovewitt-Mrs Knight; Mariana-Mrs Bracegirdle; Catchat-Mrs Mountfort; Lucy-Mrs Rogers; The Epilogue-Mrs Catchat.
Cast
Role: Lady Meanwell Actor: Mrs Leigh
Role: Lovewitt Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Mariana Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Catchat Actor: Mrs Mountfort
Role: Lucy Actor: Mrs Rogers
Role: The Epilogue Actor: Mrs Catchat.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but Cibber (see below) states that it was acted in January; the Dedication was signed 7 Feb. 1695@6, and the play was advertised in the London Gazette, No 3157, 10-13 Feb. 1695@6. Two songs were published separately: Go home, unhappy wench, set by Francks and sung by Mrs Cross and the Boy (in Thesaurus Musicus, The Fifth Book, 1696) and What an ungratefull devil moves you, set by Daniel Purcell (in Deliciae Musicae, The First Book of the Second Volume, 1696). A separately-printed sheet of the second song states that it was sung by "The Boy", Cibber, Apology, I, 212-14: The next Year I produc'd the Comedy of Love's last Shift; yet the Difficulty of getting it to the Stage was not easily surmounted; for, at that time, as little was expected from me, as an Author, as had been from my Pretensions to be an Actor. However, Mr Southern, the Author of Oroonoko, having had the Patience to hear me read it to him, happened to like it so well that he immediately recommended it to the Patentees, and it was accordingly acted in January 1695 [i.e., 1695@6]. In this Play I gave myself the Part of Sir Novelty, which was thought a good Portrait of the Foppery then in fashion. Here, too, Mr Southern, though he had approv'd my approv'd my Play, came into the common Diffidence of me as an Actor: For, when on the first Day of it I was standing, myself, to prompt the Prologue, he took me by the Hand and said, Young Man! I pronounce they Play a good one; I will answer for its Success, if thou dost not spoil it by thy own Action....I succeeded so well in both, that People seem'd at a loss which they should give the Preference to. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 16: Ramble: Ay, marry, that Play was the Philosopher's Stone; I think it did wonders. Sullen: It did so, and very deservedly; there being few Comedies that came up to 't for purity of Plot, Manners and Moral: It's often acted now a daies, and by the help of the Author's own good action, it pleases to this Day

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Love's Last Shift; Or, The Fool In Fashion

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue By a Friend-Mr Verbruggen; Epilogue-Miss Cross who Sung Cupid; Sir Will Wisewoud-Johnson; Loveless-Verbruggen; Sir Novelty Fashion-Cibber; Elder Worthy-Williams; Young Worthy-Horden; Snap-Penkethman; Sly-Bullock; Lawyer-Mills; Amanda-Mrs Rogers; Narcissa-Mrs Verbruggen; Hillaria-Mrs Cibber; Flareit-Mrs Kent; Woman to Amanda-Mrs Lucas.
Cast
Role: Amanda Actor: Mrs Rogers
Role: Narcissa Actor: Mrs Verbruggen
Role: Hillaria Actor: Mrs Cibber
Role: Flareit Actor: Mrs Kent
Role: Woman to Amanda Actor: Mrs Lucas.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Neglected Virtue; Or, The Unhappy Conquerors

Performance Comment: [The Dedication is signed by Hildebrand Horden, who does not claim it for his own.] Edition of 1696: The Prologue [Writ and-Mr Horden; Phraates-Powell; Artaban-Horden; Memnon-Dizney; Castillio-Mills; Lysander-Hill; Castillio Jr-Penkethman; Bretton-Bullock; Lycastes-Harland; Curio-Simpson; Thermusa-Mrs Knight; Alinda-Mrs Rogers; Eudora-Mrs Powell; Emilia-Mrs Mills; Ariena-Mrs Temple; Aramdine-Mrs Cross; The Epilogue by Mr Motteux-Mr Haynes [Acting the Mad-Man.
Cast
Role: Thermusa Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Alinda Actor: Mrs Rogers
Role: Eudora Actor: Mrs Powell
Role: Emilia Actor: Mrs Mills
Role: Ariena Actor: Mrs Temple
Role: Aramdine Actor: Mrs Cross
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 9-12 May 1696, suggests that it was first acted not later than April 1696. It may, however, have been first performed sometime earlier, for two songs for it were set by Henry Purcell, who had died in November 1695. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XXI (1917), vi-vii. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 18: Pausanias, or Lover of his Country, Damn'd, tho writ by a person of Quality, and protected by Southern. One song, My dearest, my fairest, is a dialogue between Mr Cooke and Mrs Hodgson

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Pausanius, The Betrayer Of His Country

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Horden; Epilogue-Mrs Verbruggen; Pausanius-Verbruggen; Aquilius-Powell; Artabazus-Cibber; Polaemon-Pinkeman; Lysander-Horden; Anchilthea-Mrs Rogers; Pandora-Mrs Knight; Demetria-Mrs Verbruggen; Maukine-Mrs Lucas.
Cast
Role: Epilogue Actor: Mrs Verbruggen
Role: Anchilthea Actor: Mrs Rogers
Role: Pandora Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Demetria Actor: Mrs Verbruggen
Role: Maukine Actor: Mrs Lucas.
Event Comment: Betterton's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Man, 4-6 June 1696, suggests that it was acted not later than May 1696, possibly that it was given in late April. In III is a song, Unguarded lies the wishing maid, set by John Eccles and sung by Leveridge. In IV is a song, The secrets of peace, set by Finger and sung by Mrs Hudson. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 20: This is Mrs Manley's; it made a shift to live a half a dozen Days, and then expir'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Royal Mischief

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mrs Betterton; Levan Dadian-Bowman; Prince of Libardian-Kynaston; Osman-Betterton; Ismael-Hudson; Acmat-Freeman; Bassima-Mrs Bracegirdle; Homais-Mrs Barry; Selima-Mrs Bowman; Epilogue-Miss Bradshaw.
Cast
Role: Prologue Actor: Mrs Betterton
Role: Bassima Actor: Mrs Bracegirdle
Role: Homais Actor: Mrs Barry
Role: Selima Actor: Mrs Bowman
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first performance is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 25-27 Aug. 1696, suggests that it was first acted not later than July 1696 and possibly in June 1696. In the edition of 1696 are two dialogues, set by Clarke, the words by Haynes, and sung by Bowen and Mrs Cross. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 18: Cornish Comedy: No matter whose, 'twas Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Cornish Comedy

Performance Comment: Edition of 1696: Prologue-Mr Haines in a Barrister's Gown; Epilogue-Miss Chalke Seven Years Old by Mr Haynes; Gripe-Johnson; Peregrine-Mills; Trusty-Simpson; Manley-Harland; Swas -Lee; Sharper-Powell; Busy-Haynes; Freeman-Williams; Nic Froth-Penkethman; Shuffle-Bullock; Clarinda-Mrs Temple; Eugenia-Mrs Andrews; Sue-Mrs Lucas; Margaret-Mrs Mills; Maid-Mrs Unwinn.
Cast
Role: Clarinda Actor: Mrs Temple
Role: Eugenia Actor: Mrs Andrews
Role: Sue Actor: Mrs Lucas
Role: Margaret Actor: Mrs Mills
Role: Maid Actor: Mrs Unwinn.
Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the premiere is not known, but the fact that the play was advertised in the Post Boy, 28-30 April 1698, suggests a first performance in late March. The Songs, published separately, include: Come all ye shepherds, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Freeman. Let every shepherd bring his lass, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Magnus. Life is but a little span, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Young Bowin and Mrs Campion. Fond shepherd, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Pate. To pensive years resign your pining, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Young Bowen. Look down, set by Daniel Purcell and sung by Pate. Dedication, edition of 1698: I have no Reason to complain of the Success it had on the Stage. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 20: Damn'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: Phaeton; Or, The Fatal Divorce

Performance Comment: Edition of 1698: The Prologue-Mr Powel, Mrs Cross [including Miss Chock]; Merops-Mills; Phaeton-Powel; Epaphus-Williams; Clymene-Mrs Powel; Alithea-Mrs Knight; Cassiope-Mrs Temple; Merope-Mrs Kent; The Epilogue by a Friend-Mr Mills.
Cast
Role: The Prologue Actor: Mr Powel, Mrs Cross
Role: Clymene Actor: Mrs Powel
Role: Alithea Actor: Mrs Knight
Role: Cassiope Actor: Mrs Temple
Role: Merope Actor: Mrs Kent
Event Comment: Rich's Company. Lady Morley attended this performance: Lady Morley and one in the Box at the Grove an Opera. 10s. See Hotson, Commonwealth and Restoration Drama, p. 378. It is not known whether this performance was the premiere, but the publication of this work on 16 March 1699@1700 (Post Man, 14-16 March 1699@1700) suggests that if the usual month between premiere and publication intervened for this work, the premiere may have been in mid-February. On the other hand, a letter-see 20 Jan. 1699@1700-may refer to this work. The music was composed by Daniel Purcell. In Songs in the New Opera Called The Grove or Love's Paradice (1700) the following singers are listed: Mrs Irwin, Freeman, The Boy, Hughes, Mrs Lindsey, Pate, and Mrs Shaw. The Preface implies that the opera was a failure: As for the Persons who were not so generous...who thought the Catastrophe was not enough prepar'd, and that the discovery in the last Act was huddled and in confusion, they will now see if what he had writ had been spoken, every thing would have appear's clear and natural, which, to shorten the Entertainment had been before broken and disorder'd

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Grove; Or, Love's Paradice

Performance Comment: Edition of 1700: Arcadius-Mills; Eudosius-Powel; Adrastus-Tomms; Parmenio-Cibber; Nicias-Thomas; Aurelia-Mrs Rogers; Phylante-Mrs Temple; Sylvia-Mrs Oldfield; Prologue-; Epilogue by Mr Farquhar-.
Cast
Role: Aurelia Actor: Mrs Rogers
Role: Phylante Actor: Mrs Temple
Role: Sylvia Actor: Mrs Oldfield
Event Comment: TThe Suspicious Husband deferr'd by Garrick's Indisposition [repeated in the bills]. From The Museum, or Literary and Historical Register, No 25, 28 Feb. 1747, p. 382: On the Present State of the Theatre: I remember when you and I were last in Town together, some years ago, we were eternally repining at the wretched condition of the stage. Quin was then at the head of the Fraternity; but a very different man from what he is at present, and merely a bad copy of Booth; with all his mouthing and pageantry, but without his musical elocution, or his dignity. Whether Time or Emulation has had the greatest hand in Improving him, I know not; but certain it is, that he is improved, beyond what you will really imagine. He has got much more variety, and much more Spirit. He was always a tolerably just speaker; but then he has hardly anything more; he recited rather than acted....However, Rich has...got Quin, Garrick, Mrs Cibber and Mrs Pritchard to the new house. The consequence has been, that the stage was never, in my memory, so fashionable; not even in the Time of Mrs Oldfield's highest fame. A good taste both of acting and of plays themselves, is much more general than I ever expected to have seen it; and those who are skilled in such matters, tell me, that Rich will be a greater gainer this season than has been known for these many years. Receipts: #108 1s. 6d

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Conscious Lovers

Cast
Role: Lucinda Actor: Mrs Hale
Role: Mrs Sealand Actor: Mrs James
Role: Isabella Actor: Mrs Bland
Role: Phyllis Actor: Mrs Vincent
Role: Indiana Actor: Mrs Cibber.

Afterpiece Title: Orpheus and Eurydice

Performance Comment: As17461231, but Country lasses-Mrs Vaughan, Mrs _LeFont.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Tempest; Or, The Inchanted Island

Performance Comment: Prospero-Bridges; Ferdinand-King; Trincalo-Yates; Hippolito-Mrs Willoughby; Caliban-Blakes; Stephano-Shuter; Mustachio-James; Ventoso-Ray; Sycorax-Taswell; Miranda-Miss Cole; Dorinda-Mrs Green; Ariel-Mrs Clive (with Proper Songs); With Decorations-; particularly: A Dance of Aerial Spirits-Mlle Mariet, Miss Baker, Mrs Shawford, Mrs L'Font; A Dance of Winds-Macneale, Shawford, Pelling, Master Shawford; A Grand Dance of Fantastic Spirits- in the shapes of four Demons, four Monsters, and four Pigmies; Infernals-Reinhold, Bennet; The whole to conclude with the Masque of Neptune and Amphitrite-; Neptune-Beard; Amphitrite-Miss Norris.

Afterpiece Title: The Anatomist

Cast
Role: Beatrice Actor: Mrs Bennet.

Performances

Mainpiece Title: The Miser

Performance Comment: Miser-Shuter; Frederick-Clarke; Clerimont-Ridout; James-Collins; Decoy-Marten; Ramilie-Dyer; Lappet-Mrs Green; Mrs Wisely-Mrs Copin; Wheedle-Miss Ferguson; Harriet-Mrs Vincent; Mariana-Mrs Hamilton.
Cast
Role: Lappet Actor: Mrs Green
Role: Mrs Wisely Actor: Mrs Copin
Role: Harriet Actor: Mrs Vincent
Role: Mariana Actor: Mrs Hamilton.

Afterpiece Title: The Devil to Pay

Performance Comment: Sir John Loverule-Lowe; Jobson-Dunstall; Lady Loverule-Mrs Pitt; Nell-Mrs Green.
Cast
Role: Lady Loverule Actor: Mrs Pitt
Role: Nell Actor: Mrs Green.