Event Comment: The Nobility, Gentry
and Public at large are respectfully informed that, in compliance with the wishes of many of the principal Subscribers an supporters of this undertaking,
and it being found that, without offence to law, the entertainments advertised for the
Hanover-square Rooms may be given at this Place. The Doors to be opened at 6:30. To begin at 7:30 [same throughout season]. Pit 10s. 6d. Gallery 5s. As the Proprietors would not presume, even to save themselves from utter ruin, to offend either the Authority of the
King, or of the Laws, they forbear all idea of performing Operas until the hardship
and justice of their case shall produce the proper influence upon
his Majesty's benevolent mind;
and, under the circumstances in which thy st
and, with a Company of the most celebrated singers
and dances in the world, in their respective departments, engaged at an expense of #18,000, they confide in the liberality to the Public that they will countenance
and support such an Entertainment as they are legally warranted to give, until they shall recover their just right of performing Operas under his Majesty's license. "From dinner we all went to the
Opera House in the Haymarket, where for the first time they performed for money [see 23 Feb., 10
and 22 Mar.]; the singers, to avoid the [licensing] Act, coming in their own dresses
and confining themselves to the airs. It will be seen whether this restriction will be considered sufficient" (
Windham Diary, 219). "The action of
Orpheus and Eurydice has been seen before at both the rehearsals [see 10
and 22 Mar.], but the scenery could not be then sufficiently displayed. It was very correctly managed on Saturday night...The scene of the
Elysian fields deserved the most admiration, where, by means of lights placed behind gauze, a filmy hue is thrown over the stage,
and the figures assume the appearance of aerial beings" (
Gazetteer, 28 Mar.)