Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st
time; MD 2, by
George Colman, ynger, based on
Raoul Barbe Bleue, by
Michel Jean Sedaine (although, in the 1st edition of the play, this denied by Colman). Text (
Cadell and Davies, 1798)]: The Scenery, Machinery, Dresses, and Decorations entirely new. The Musick composed and selected [from
Paisiello] by
Kelly. The Scenes designed and executed by
Greenwood? Jun,
Chalmers, and others. The Machinery, Decorations, and Dresses designed and under the direction of
Johnston, and executed by him,
Underwood,
Gay, and
Miss Rein. Books of the Songs to be had in the Theatre.
Times, 8 Feb. 1798: This Day is published
Blue Beard (1s. 6d.). "In the course of the representation, many blunders in working the scenery, which are unavoidable in a first representation of this nature, occurred, and the delays which took place were frequently very great...It was twelve o'-clock before the curtain dropped...The Expense of getting it up is said to be not less than #2,000" (
London Chronicle, 18 Jan.). Proud swells the tide, with loads of capering heels, And vacant Folly shouts applause in peals; Hoards, even beyond th miser's wish, are thrown, To deck
some sham farago for the town...Money for dresses, money for new scenes, New music, decorations, and machines; The cost of these, including every freak, Would pay ten decent players four pounds a week.
Anthony Pasquin (pseud. for
John Williams), "Innovation," in
The Devil [1787], II, no. 2, 46. Receipts: #319 14s. 6d. (216.17.6; 102.2.0; 0.15.0)