Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; C 5, by
Thomas Holcroft, based on
Le Glorieux, by
Philippe Nericault, dit
Destouches. In 1793 reduced by the author to an afterpiece of 3 acts. Prologue and Epilogue by the author (
Knapp, 101, 307). This play was originally attributed to
James Marshall (
Public Advertiser, 5 Feb.); on 8 Feb. he wrote a letter to the editor of the
Oracle, stating that "
The School for Arrogance is not mine, but Mr Holcroft's...By appearing for a time as the ostensible author I hope I have contributed to heal what was most unaccomodating between
Mr Harris and Mr Holcroft." And see
Genest, VII, 24, 27.]
Oracle, 19 Feb. 1791: This Day is published The School for Arrogance (1s. 6d.). "If
Mrs Wells could be prevailed upon to speak out, so that the audience might hear, it would be of some advantage to the new play. At present, the performer who happens to be on the stage with her has it all in confidence" (
Gazetteer, 9 Feb.). Receipts: #186 11s. (181.8; 5.3)