Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; P 2 (?), by
Charles Dibdin and
James Messink; synopsis of plot in
London Chronicle, 30 Dec.]: To conclude with a
Procession of the principal Grand Masters, from
the Creation to
the present Century, dressed in
the Habits of
their respective Ages and Countries. With new Music [by Charles Dibdin], Scenes, Dresses, Pageants, and Decorations.
The paintings executed by
Richards,
Carver,
Hodgins, and assistants. Books of
the Songs, with an Explanation of
the Pageants, to be had at
the Theatre. Nothing under full Price will be taken. "To give magnificence a meaning, and unite antiquarian knowledge with polite entertainment, was a task hi
therto unattempted by
the contrivers of our Pantomime exhibitions. Such praise, however,
the acting manager of
Covent Garden theatre may justly claim, on
the score of
Harlequin Free-Mason, which is now representing before greater crowds than perhaps were ever attracted by
Perseus and Andromeda [in 1730],
the Rape of Proserpine [in 1727], or
the celebrated
Sorcerer [i.e.
The Magician, in 1721].
The beauty of
the first scene, in which a setting sun is admirably contrived,
the Dutch winter piece, with numberless skate[r]s moving in
the most natural attitudes, and, above all,
the imperfect building, finished in a moment at
the command of
Harlequin, can be exceeded only by
the pomp of
the historic procession which closes
the whole, and offers
the richest and most intelligent spectacle that ever yet appeared on an
English stage" (
Gentleman's Magazine, Feb. 1781, pp. 58-59, which also prints a detailed description of
the pageant). Account-Book, 1 Feb.: Paid
Dibdin for music of Harlequin Free-Mason #70. Receipts: #236 2s. (230.3; 5.19)