Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; MD 3, by Samuel Birch, adapted from Camille; ou, Le Souterrain, by Benoit Joseph Marsollier des Vivetieres, and from Les Victimes Cloitrees, by Jacques Marie Boutet de Monvel; the songs written by Thomas John Dibdin. Larpent MS 1236; not published. The playbill states that this was "Taken from the German," but London Chronicle, 12 Dec., says that its source is the same as that of The Captive of Spilburg (see dl, 14 Nov.). An examination of the MSS of these two pieces (Larpent 1230 and 1236) proves that such is unmistakably the case]: With entire new Scenes, Machinery, Dresses & Decorations. The Music composed and selected by Steibelt and Attwood. The Action of the Chorusaes, Finales, &c. under the Direction of Farley, and the Action of the Overture by Bologna Jun. A new Descriptive Overture, composed by Steibelt, on a Plan never before introduced on the English Stage, accompanied by Action. "The overture is...nothing more than music adapted to pantomime; and, in the present instance, the dumb shew is an unnecessary anticipation of the procession with which the piece opens" (Monthly Mirror, Dec. 1798, p. 369). The Scenery painted by Richards, Phillips, Lupino, Hollogan, Blackmore, &c. The Dresses by Dick and Mrs Egan. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. Receipts: #338 17s. 6d. (325.14.6; 13.3.0)

Event Comment: For an account of the play, see John Wilson's The Cheats, ed. Milton C. Nahm (Oxford, 1935). It was licensed on 6 March (p. 124), acted, then forbade on 22 March in an order: Letter to Mr Tho. Killigrew: Signifying the Ks Pleasure that the New Play called the Cheates be no more represented till it be reuiewed by Sir Jo. Denham & Mr Waller. 22 March. 1662-3 (p. 130). Abraham Hill to John Brooke, 28 March 1663: P.S. The new play, called The Cheats, has been attempted on the Stage; but it is so scandalous, that it is forbidden (Familiar Letters of? Abraham Hill, [London, 1717], p. 103. Downes (Roscius Anglicanus, p. 16) concerning Lacy: @For his just Acting, all gave him due Praise,@His Part in the Cheats, Jony Thump, Teg and Bayes,@In these Four Excelling, The Court gave him the Bays.

Event Comment: This day publish'd at 1s. the first number of the Dramatic Censor, being remarks on the tragedy of Venice Preserv'd, with observations on the principal performers, by Mr Derrick. This pamphlet is a specimen of criticism intended to be made on our most celebrated dramatic pieces. By several hands. Wherein, should the publick approve by encouraging this first essay, not the beauties and Inaccuracies of the poet, but of the several performers will be considered...To this number is added Proposals for printing by Subscription a New Tragedy call'd Osman by Mr Gentleman

Event Comment: Benefit for Burton, Williames & Harwood, prompter. Public Advertiser, 7 May: Tickets to be had of Harwood, Blackmoor Street, Clare-market [others not listed]. Tickets sold at the Doors will not be admitted. [The playbill assigns the song in Act II to Williames, but a MS annotation on the Kemble playbill substitutes Du-Bellamy.] Receipts: #252 19s. (66/15; 34/7; 0/11; tickets: 151/6) (charge: #106 9s. 4d.)

Event Comment: [In mainpiece the playbill assigns Young Bevil to Smith, but on the Kemble playbill his name is deleted and a MS annotation substitutes Brereton's.] Receipts: #141 9s. 6d. (106/19/0; 34/6/6; 0/4/0)

Event Comment: Benefit for Dodd. Mainpiece: Not acted these 12 years [acted 6 Apr. 1772. In mainpiece the playbill assigns Fainlove to Miss Collett, but on the Kemble playbill her name is deleted; the substitute name has been cut by the binder. In afterpiece Miss Collett is retained as Patie, but her name is again deleted, and a MS annotation substitutes Miss M. Stageldoir's]. Receipts: #220 7s.(67/10; 26/1; 0/2; tickets: 126/14) (charge: #107 9s. 5d.)

Event Comment: Benefit for Aickin. Afterpiece [1st time; F 2. MS: Larpent 693; not published; synopsis of plot in Town and Country Magazine, supra]: Taken from a Piece written by Smollett, never published or performed. [This attribution is open to question.]