Event Comment: Two Young Lady's made their first Appearance in the Characters of
Polly &
Lucy Pupils of Dr Arne--
Miss Wellers figure is very well for Polly but she wants Spirit & is apt to Sing out of Tune.
Mrs Bradley is Tall & a good figure for Lucy
and acquitted herself very well in that character they both met with Applause (
Hopkins Diary). [
MacMillan's note from Kemble differs slightly: Two young Gentlewomen appeared in the characters of Polly
and Lucy,--brought out by
Dr Arne,--
Miss Weller and Mrs Bradley.--
Miss Weller's figure was very well for Polly; but she is a piece of still life, sings out of tune
and will never make an actress.--
Mrs Bradley,--very tall,
and appears to have blackguard requisites enough for Lucy, but will not do for anything else--
Hopkins Diary No 7.
Mrs Bradley is since married to
Mr Prior the Builder.--
J. P. Kemble."] Paid Renters #8 [this payment occurs each playing night of the season, 188 times in all,
and will not be further noted];
Mr Carver, six days, #6 [a weekly payment outside the pay list throughout the season. Presumably to scene painter. No further noted];
Mr S. French, 6 days, #1 10s. Renters total for season #1592. Carver total for season #088 (Treasurer's Book). [see account of
Miss Weller
and Miss Bradley in
Town and Country Magazine (Theatre XXXVIII): The first performed the part of Polly,
and the latter that of Lucy. Their figures are both genteel,
and their countenances expressive.
Miss weller was much confused upon her first entrance; but from the melody of her voice, tho she did not raise it sufficiently in many parts, there is reason to believe, when she was got the better of her terrors of facing an audience, that she will be an acquisition to the stage, at least as a vocal performer.
Miss Bradley's performance of Lucy with great spirit, vivacity
and Propriety'
and her singing being so well suited to the character, she so much eclipsed Polly, that the audience formed a more indifferent opinion of her abilities than she deserved."] Receipts: #220 11s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)