Event Comment: Rich's Company. The evidence for this date as the premiere of
The Relapse is
Jennens' report on 19 Nov. 1696 that
Drury Lane expected to produce a new play on this date, coupled with the fact that
Lady Morley saw this play on 25 Nov. 1696. The play was advertised in the
Post Boy, 26-29 Dec. 1696. Preface, Edition of 1697: One word more about the Bawdy, and I have done. I own the first Night this thing was acted, some indecencies had like to have happen'd, but 'twas not my Fault. The fine Gentleman of the Play, drinking his Mistress's Health in
Nants Brandy, from six in the Morning, to the time he wadled upon the Stage in the Evening, had toasted himself up, to such a pitch of Vigor, I confess I once gave
Amanda for gone, and am since (with all due Respect to
Mrs Rogers) very sorry she scap'd; for I am confident a certain Lady (let no one take it to herself that is handsome) who highly blames the Play, for the barenness of the conclusion, wou'd then have allowed it, a very natural Close.
Gildon,
English Dramatick Poets, p. 145: This Play was received with mighty applause.
Cibber, Apology, I, 216: This Play (the
Relapse) from its new and easy Turn of Wit, had great Success, and gave me, as a Comedian, a second Flight of Reputation along with it