Event Comment: [
M$Murphy in caustic comment in
the Gray's Inn Journal this date laid out a set of rules for actor decorum for both Managers, but apparently directed it mostly towards
Rich]: I. That no player shall during
the performance stand with a vacant face, making a tour with his eyes around
the House, or ogling
the ladies in
the Green Boxes, but that he shall to
the best of this power, be attentive to
the business of
the scene in which he is engag'd. II. That no player shall come on imperfect in his part, or take liberties to insert his own jokes and witticisms in
the Productions of those Geniuses, for whom he should have
the proper respect due to
the superiority of
their parts. III. That no one shall mistake bawling for Expression; strutting and swaggering for deportment; twisting
the body and looking cunning for sprightliness; pinching of hats and standing on tiptoe for graceful attitude; wry faces for Humour, &c., but that each player who cannot arrive at excellence, shall at least pay some regard to decency. IV. That Murder shall always be committed on stage without being comical
Performances
Mainpiece Title: The Beggar's Opera
Afterpiece Title: Harlequin Sorcerer