Event Comment: A New Comedy of three Acts [by Foote]. By Authority. Open'd by Mr Foote. Most of the performers entirely new. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. Doors to be opened at five. Curtain drawn up at seven. [Notice repeated in subsequent bills. Genest, IV, 599, lists Smith as Sir George.

Event Comment: At 5 went into the Pit at Covent Garden to see Mrs Yates do Lady Townly. Yates is an excellent Sir Francis, but Powell does not shine in Lord Townly....The Entertainment was the new comedy in two acts called the Oxonian in Town, with a prologue by Woodward in the character of a student....It being suspected that a number of sharpers whose characters and practices are laid open in this piece, would attempt to damn it tonight (the 3rd of its being Performed) under pretence of its casting odium on the Irish, bills were dispersed in the House during the play vindicating it from any such intention. Woodward was allowed to speak the prologue, but as soon as the curtain drew up catcalls began. When the performers retired, Powell spoke several times, but was not heard. I was told that the author (Mr Colman) desires to know whom he has offended. The Pros were a very great majority, and at last after a contest of better than 1!2 an hour, the victory was over and the piece was performed. I think it contains many good sentiments, and excellent instruction to young men and is not unworthy of Mr Colman. If vice must not be exposed to hatred and contempt, the usefulness of our theatres is at an end. Only I think the Covent Garden pleasures are represented in too favourable a light. When all was over Powell came on the stage and thanked the audience for their generous protection (Neville MS Diary). Receipts: #212 12s. (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Mr Love--Sir John Brute. A fat performance (and as Mr L--- says) he wanted breath to blow the Jokes out (Hopkins Diary). On 1 April 4 n[umbers] of Dramatic Censor published (Winston MS 10)

Event Comment: The New Comedy, The School for Wives, (which was to have been performed this evening) oblig'd to be deferred till tomorrow. Reddish hoarse. Paid tallow chandler's 3rd bill #44 19s. 11d.; Mr Smeltzer for men's cloaths #5; J. Stevens on note #3 3s. (Treasurer's Book). [In the bill for the first planned performance of Twelfth Night this season (namely for 4 Dec.) Antonio was to be done by Fawcett; Sir Toby by Love; and the Clown by Davies.] Receipts: #122 6s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Wilson. Mainpiece: By Particular Desire. By the Author of the Duenna. Acted but once this season. Tickets deliver'd for the Lady's Last Stake will be Admitted. x Doors open half past 5. To begin at half past 6 o'clock