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 hitherto 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)