Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 216. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 348. Nell Gwyn also attended this performance; see VanLennep, Nell Gwyn's Playgoing, p. 406. There is no indication as to whether this is the premiere; the play was not licensed for publication until 27 Nov. 1676. Preface to Settle's Ibrahim (licensed 4 May 1676): Having a Play, call'd the Triumphant Widow, given him [Thomas Shadwell] to bring into the Duke's Playhouse, he spitefully foists in a Scene of his own into the Play, and makes a silly Heroick Poet in it, speak the very words he had heard me say, and made reflexions on some of the very Lines he had so senselessly prated on before in his Notes [to The Empress of Morocco]

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. This performance, the premiere, is on the L. C. list, 5@141, p. 216: first Acting. See also Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 348. Nell Gwyn also attended this performance; see VanLennep, Nell Gwyn's Playgoing, p406. The title page states: The English Opera; or The Vocal Musick in Psyche, with the Instrumental Therein Intermix'd...By Matthew Lock. Preface: All the Instrumental Musick (which is not mingled with the Vocal) was Composed by that Great Master, Seignior Gio. Baptista Draghi, Master of the Italian Musick to the King. The Dances were made by the most famous Master of France, Monsieur St.Andree. The Scenes were Painted by the Ingenious Artist, Mr Stephenson. In those things that concern the Ornament or Decoration of the Play, the great industry and care of Mr Betterton ought to be remember'd, at whose desire I wrote upon this Subject. Roger North Upon Music: I am sure the musick in the Psyche was composed by Mr M. Lock, of whom wee may say, as the Greeks sayd of Cleomenes, that he was ultimus Heroum. This masque is also in print, and begins 'Great Psyche,' &c. and the book containing the whole musick of that entertainment is not unworthy of a place in a vertuoso's cabanet (ed. John Wilson [1959], pp. 306-7). Preface to Settle's Ibrahim (licensed 4 May 1676): I have often heard the Players cursing at their oversight in laying out so much on so disliked a play [Psyche]; and swearing that they thought they had lost more by making choice of such an Opera: writer than they had gained by all his Comedies; considering how much more they might have expected, had such an Entertainment had that scence in it, that it deserved: and that for the future they expect the Tempest, which cost not one Third of Psyche, will be in request when the other is forgotten. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, pp. 35-36): In February 1672. The long expected Opera of Psyche, came forth in all her Ornaments; new Scenes, new Machines, new Cloaths, new French Dances: This Opera was Splendidly set out, especially in Scenes; the Charge of which amounted to above 800l. It had a Continuance of Performance about 8 Days together it prov'd very Beneficial to the Company; yet the Tempest got them more Money

Event Comment: The King's Company. The date of this performance is known from the separately printed Prologue and Epilogue: A Prologue by Mr Settle to his New Play, called The Emperor of Morocco, with the Life of Gayland. Acted at the Theatre Royal, the 11th of March 1682. The Epilogue, Spoken by Mrs Coysh's Girl, as a Cupid. [Luttrell's date of acquisition, 16 March 1681@2, is on his copies of the Prologue and Epilogue (Huntington); they have also been reprinted in Wiley, Rare Prologues and Epilogues, pp. 84-85.

Event Comment: Lord Preston (in Paris) to the Duke of York, 22 Sept. 1683, N.S.: I should not have presumed to give your Highness the trouble of this if something of charity had not induced me to it. I do it at the instance of a poor servant of his Majesty's who some time since was obliged by a misfortune to leave England. It is Mr Grahme [Grabut?], sir, whom perhaps your Highness may remember. Mr Betterton coming hither some weeks since by his Majesty's command, to endeavour to carry over the Opera, and finding that impracticable, did treat with Monsr Grahme to go over with him to endeavour to represent something at least like an Opera in England for his Majesty's diversion. He hath also assured him of a pension from the House, and finds him very willing and ready to go over. He only desireth his Majesty's protection when he is there, and what encouragement his Majesty shall be pleased to give him if he finds that he deserves it (HMC, 7th Report, Part I, p. 290). W. J. Lawrence (Early French Players in England, p. 149) argued that Grahme should be Grabut, who had once been Master of the King's Music (to 1674) and who had settled in Paris. Grabut was certainly back in London in the spring of 1684

Event Comment: See L. C. 7@3 (Nicoll, Restoration Drama, p. 382) for an agreement concerning new scenes and machines for a new opera by Settle

Event Comment: Benefit Settle. Receipts: money #20 10s. 6d.; tickets #41 7s

Event Comment: DDaily Post, 13 June: The Subscribers to the Opera in which Signior Senesino and Signora Cuzzoni are to perform [the Opera of the Nobility], are desired to meet at Mr Hickford's Great Room in Panton-street, on Friday next by Eleven o'Clock, in order to settle proper Methods for carrying on the Subscription

Event Comment: Benefit a Gentleman who has been under Misfortune, formerly Commander of a Ship, and now going to settle in Georgia. At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality

Event Comment: Towards raising a Fund for Erecting a Monument to the Memory of Shakespear. Mainpiece: Written by Shakespear. The Pit and Boxes to be put together. London Daily Post and General Advertiser, 5 June: The Season [at dl] being finish'd, and the Accounts of it settled, it is thought proper to acquaint the Publick, that the Master of that Theatre has receiv'd One Hundred and Seventy-odd Pounds, (besides some Accounts of Tickets, the Produce of which has not as yet been paid in, which is suppos'd will make near the Sum of Two Hundred Pounds,) towards erecting a Monument to Shakespear

Event Comment: Benefit for Signora Nicolina Giordani [By Command of] the Duke and Princess Amelia (Cross). The Manager of Covent Garden being under a necessity of interrupting the run of the new Tragedy of Philoclea by a Command, and a Benefit for Sga Nicolina Giordini (which was settled before the coming out of that play) has been so obliging as to give the Author the choice of a day for his second benefit; and many of his friends having taken places for Tuesday, as that would have been his sixth night in course, the Author, lest they should be disappointed, has chosen Tuesday for his second benefit

Event Comment: While we were at Rehearsal, Mr Aprice, came to Mr Garrick, full of complaints of Mr Foote's taking him off in the Author & a long & high Argument ensu'd, nor was it settled, but a farther meeting appointed at eight that Night at the Rose, where Foote join'd 'em--a great deal of abuse between him & Aprice; I don't know ye particulars, but it was order'd to remain at the bottom for Tuesday, but, as I hear, it is to be done no more (Cross)

Event Comment: This Night was to have been the Distress'd Mother For the Benefit of Mr & Mrs Hopkins & the Benefits being all Settled it was put off till the 24th (Hopkins). By Command of their Majesties. Receipts: #184 3s. 6d. (MacMillan)

Event Comment: [C$Crawford announced his withdrawal from proprietorship of Operas at the close of this season, and requested all creditors to present their accounts to the opera office on the days of the performance to settle before the books be closed. Messrs Vincent and Gordon to continue Operas on their own account thereafter.

Event Comment: Neville MS Diary: Shuter is a comical dog, a disturbance arising among the gods, he was obliged to stop and looking up to the Gallery asked, Well, are all affairs settled above?" During the noise Filch went off after singing--the gods encored the song. Shuter said You have frightened him so that he has lost his voice" but beckoning to Weston to return and sing. Weston steals Doll Trapes scarf in a new manner; he makes her drop it, etc. and pretending to do something about his knee, till she is out of sight, takes it up, saying I take it with all my spirit. When Macheath went to trial, Shuter cried, "Clear the way there--knock down that old woman with the apples.

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Neville MS Diary: Saw Douglas by a Mr Brereton, being his 3rd appearance. He is a pretty figure, but wants lemon in his voice, as Mr Garrick calls it. Lady Randolph by Mrs Barry. The Entertainment was Queen Mab, with a new scene representing the late Masquerade at the Opera House, with all the extravagances and intrigue which it occasions. Was very much squeezed in the Pit. Wish I was settled in th country at a distance from these crowded diversions

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. Paid Whitefield for cloaths bought #34 7s. (Account Book). All the differences between the managers of Covent Garden Theatre are settled. They met together without the interposition of any other person, shook hands, dined at Mr Colman's, and put a final stop to all the proceedings at law (Gentleman's Magazine, XLI, 520). Receipts: #186 18s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Paid Lampmen #3 18s.; Tailors #11 2s. 10d.; Mantua Makers #3 14s. 6d.; Carpenters #16 15s. 6d.; Printer [of playbills] #19 5s. 6d. The Hypocrite and Christmas Tale in three Acts was advertised for to-morrow. This Morning at Rehearsal Lacy came and told Sheridan that he could not be off from his Agreement with Mr Langford and Captain Thomson. Sheridan told him, if he did agree, that he would withdraw himself from the Management of the Theatre--accordingly at eight this Evening he sent me with a Letter to Lacy confirming what he told him, and ordered me to receive my orders from Mr L and that he withdrew the Christmas Tale, as he had altered, for a Farce, it was his Property. This put us all into confusion--Sent to Mrs Abington to know if she would play in the Hypocrite, as it was advertised--Her answer was, that she had made her Agreement with Sheridan only, and would play under no other Manager. About twelve at night we got Richard the third settled, and sent Bills accordingly (Hopkins Diary). [For further remarks concerning this situation see 15 Oct.] Receipts: #173 6s

Event Comment: The Provoked Husband and Rival Candidates was given out for Tuesday. On Sunday Morning Mrs Yates sent word she was ill and could not play--sent to Miss Younge, and she sent word that she was ill in bed--King sent word he had a sore Throat, and could not play--so that we could do no Play but the Committee and Rival Candidates. On Monday the Managers met, but nothing was settled. At twelve o'clock Mrs Baddeley sent word she had a sore Throat, and could not play in the Riv[al] Can[didates] (Hopkins Diary). The Hypocrite and The Christmas Tale are obliged to be deferred. "[Smith] has a good figure, is gentlemanlike, and decent in everything he undertakes. When we allow that, we have said all; he wants both feeling to be affected, and powers to convey his feelings, if he had them. In fine, in spite of all the partiality of his friends, or the ignorant prejudices of those who never judge but at second hand, his performance of Richard was little more than a strong union of judgement and industry, unaided by nature. He should woo genteel Comedy oftener; and not that coy sister of hers, who certainly holds Smith at the point of her lance" (London Magazine, Oct. 1776, p. 511). Receipts: #186 18s. 6d

Event Comment: Alexander the Great? [announced on playbill of 4 Nov.] is obliged to be deferred. [The playbill lists Mrs Yates as Lady Townly, but see following note. Miss Younge's name appears in all subsequent playbills, except on 19 Dec.] Alexander was advertised for this Night, but Lacy being hoarse, who was to have played Alexander, it was obliged to be deferred, and this Play substituted. It was between eleven and twelve o'clock at (Night) before we got it settled. Mr. Sheridan ordered me not to send to Mrs. Yates about (it) till the Morning. About eight o'clock I sent her Notice that the Provoked Husband was to be performed at Night. A little after nine, she sent Word by her Niece that she was never so ill treated in her life, that she was never before asked to play on the fifth of November [which day was traditionally set aside for the acting of Tamerlane], that she would not play Lady Townly that Night, nor would she play any more; and if she had an Inclination to play, she had no Cloaths ready to play it in; and sent back the Part of Semiramis in a new Tragedy that was preparing [see 16 Nov., 14 Dec.]. I got Miss Younge to do Lady Townly, and an Apology was made by Packer that Mrs Yates having refused this Morning to do Lady Townly, Miss Younge at a Minutes' Notice undertook to do it. Miss Younge was much applauded and Yates had a few hisses (Hopkins Diary). Receipts: #179 11s. 6d

Event Comment: [Mainpiece in place of Merope, announced on playbill of 4 Jan. "We played last night Much Ado about Nothing, and had an apology to make for the change of three principal parts. About twelve o'clock Mr Henderson sent word he was not able to play. We got Mr Lewis from Covent Garden, who supplied the part of Benedick. Soon after Mr Parsons sent word he could not play. Mr Moody supplied the part of Dogberry; and about four in the afternoon Mr Vernon sent word he could not play. Mr Mattocks supplied his part of Balthazar...In the middle of the first act, a message was brought me that Mr Lamash (who was to play the part of Borachio) was not come to the House. I had nobody there that could go on for it, so I was obliged to cut his scenes in the first and second acts entirely out, and got Mr Wrighten to go on for the remainder of the part. At length we got the play over without the audience finding it out. We had a very bad house. Mr Parsons is not able to play in The School for Scandal to-morrow night; do not yet know how we shall be able to settle that" (Garrick, Private Correspondence, II, 328-29: Hopkins, prompter,in letter to Garrick, 6 Jan. 1779. He does not state who took Wrighten's place as the Sexton.).] On account of the sudden Illness of a Principal Performer, the new Pantomime [The Wonders of Derbyshire, announced on playbill of 4 Jan.] is obliged to be deferred till Friday. Receipts: #74 11s. (48.19; 25.10; 0.2)

Event Comment: By Command of Their Majesties. Account-Book, 30 Mar.: Received Oratorio Account 8 nights #235 16s.; one night more to be settled by Linley with Stanley

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb. Text 1st published (unauthorized), Dublin [1790]. Sga Storace had 1st appeared in concerts from 1774 to 1778, and at king's on 24 Apr. 1787 and thereafter]: With new Scenes, Dresses and Decorations. The new Music composed by Storace, the rest compiled from Linley? Sen., Purcell, Sarti, Paisiello, Martin y Soler?, Pleyel, &c. The Scenes designed and executed by Greenwood. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. "In her own particular line on the stage [Sga Storace] was unrivalled, being an excellent actress, as well as a masterly singer. She settled entirely in England, and after quitting the opera (to which she was frequently recalled in times of distress, as was too often the case), she engaged at Drury Lane, where the English opera was raised to an excellence not known before, by her singing, with that of Mrs Crouch, Mrs Bland, Kelly, and Bannister, and under the direction of her brother Stephen Storace, who composed, or rather compiled, several very pretty operas, of which the Haunted Tower, and the Siege of Belgrade still remain favorites, and are frequently performed" (Mount-Edgcumbe, 65). Account-Book, 4 Jan. 1790: Paid Cobb on Acct. of the Purchase of the Copyright of the Haunted Tower #157 10s.; 27 Feb. 1790: Paid Cobb in full for Copyright #52 10s. Receipts: #219 9s. 6d. (200.13.0; 17.14.6; 1.2.0)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Trevor [who had 1st appeared at this theatre, as a chorus singer, on 16 Jan. 1800]. "A settled, preconcerted plan was evidently laid to injure the lady who came forward in double capacity, not merely as a candidate for public favour, but in the responsible situation of a performer taking a benefit...The moment the lady made her appearance on the boards, before she even opened her mouth, before a single note furnished an opportunished an opportunity of appreciating her abilities, opposition began to manifest itself in all the various forms which malice on such occcsions is wont to resort to. The Hisses grew louder and louder,...the theatre absolutely assumed the appearance of a riot, rather than that of a civilized company, assembled for the purpose of amusement" (Dramatic Censor, II, 212-13). Morning Chronicle, 19 May: Tickets to be had of Mrs Trevor, sister to Mr Kelly of Drury-lane Theatre, No. 31, Bedford-street, Covent Garden. Receipts: #268 12s. (124.13; 4.8; tickets: 139.11)