Event Comment: A historical note about the patent for May Fair by Edward Shepherd. Daily Advertiser, 1 May: Whereas a Patent was granted by King Charles the First, and confirm'd by King James II, to the Proprietor of Great and Little Brookfield, then in the Parish of St. Martin in the Fields, now in the Parish of St. George, Hanover Square, to hold a Fair during the Space of fifteen Days, to begin the 1st Day of May next, and every May Day forever: the present Proprietor thinks it proper to apprize the Publick thereof, that it may not be thought that he attempts to do any thing but by Virtue of the said Patent, and no Ways to disturb the Publick Peace, or act in Contradiction to the Laws of the Realm. [Alluded to in 2 May news of the Daily Advertiser, as being proclaimed by Edward Shepherd.

Event Comment: To begin exactly at 6:00 o'clock. Boxes 5s. Pit 3s. Gallery 2s. Upper Gallery 1s. Places for the Boxes to be had of Mr Varney at the Stage door. [Repeated throughout the season.] Ye Naturalizing Bill having made some Noise against the Jews, some people call'd out for ye Merchant of Venice, & a Letter was thrown upon ye Stage desiring that play instead of the Opera, but we took no Notice of it, some little hissing but it dy'd away (Cross). [Sometime in the calendar year 1753, Lacy and Garrick drew up a mortgage on the Drury Lane property for #10,000, to be amortized to James Clutterbuck over a period of twenty-one years at the rate of #4 per acting night, and permission to grant free seats in any part of the theatre (except the stage, scenes and orchestra) to forty persons. These latter to be named and seats assigned ten days prior to the opening of any season. This thirteen-page document, which describes accurately the bounds of the 13,134 square feet of land on which the ten buildings comprising Drury Lane Theatre stood, contains protective clauses for Clutterbuck, to the effect that Garrick and Lacy will exhibit nowhere else in London without the #4 nightly payment and for Garrick and Lacy, to the effect that arrears in payment could be collected solely from Drury Lane property, and not from the individual incomes of the mortgagees. It was not signed, so apprently was not executed. (See Havard, Collection of Documents dealing with affairs of Drury Lane, No 2, fMS, Thr 12.)] Receipts: #150 (Cross)

Event Comment: The Principles not to be didactically and drily delivered but demonstrated by apt and familiar instances and illustrated by a set of Pupils long trained and properly prepared for the Purpose. [This performance originally scheduled for 26 April, but deferred to this date, a noon performance.] See Sketch of Mr Foote's Lectures on Oratory, as delivered Yesterday at the Little Theatre in the Haymarket (St James Chronicle, as 29 April)

Event Comment: At the Little Theatre in James Street near the Haymarket. Doors to be opened at 5:00. To begin exactly at 6:00. Boxes 4s. Pit 2s. 6d. Gallery 1s. 6d. to the public. After several of our Lords and Masters, the Men, have with various success made wry faces for the amusement of the town; permit a woman to attempt the arduous task of laughing the men out of their follies; declaring, however, that while she attempts the ridicule of vices peculiar to the other sex, she will by no means spare the slightest foible of her own (Public Advertiser). The Theatre is fitted up in an elegant manner, and constant fires are kept to make the house agreeably warm (Gazetteer & New Daily Advertiser). [This Lecture continued to 6 March.

Event Comment: Mainpiece [1st time; CO 3, by James Cobb. Larpent MS 961; not published; synopsis of plot in Universal Magazine, Nov. 1792, p. 393]: The Scenes entirely new, designed and executed by Greenwood. With new Dresses and Decorations. The Music composed principally by Storace, with a few Pieces selected from Anfossi, Bianchi and [La Bella Pescatrice, by] Guglielmi. Books of the Songs to be had at the Theatre. The Doors to be opened at 5:15. To begin at 6:15 [see 15 Apr. 1793]. "The dialogue of operas now a days is thought of little consequence, and in this instance, the author has certainly strictly adhered to that opinion; however, by the aid of Painter, Composer, Taylor and Performers [The Pirates] will certainly long continue to attract admiration" (Thespian Magazine, Jan. 1793, p. 169). Receipts: #359 10s. 6d. (336.6.6; 23.0.0; 0.4.0)

Event Comment: NNeale had Tickets (Cross). Last time of the Company's performing this season. Neale had tickets on this night for which it is customary to pay half price, the whole amount of his tickets in the House came to #22 7s. (Powel). Receipts: #60 (Cross); #33 18s. 6d. (Powel). General Advertiser, 23 June: Yesterday was married by the Rev. Mr Franklin at his Chapel Russel St?, Bloomsbury,--David Garrick Esq. to Mlle Eva Maria Violette. Comments by John Powel in MS Tit for Tat: This was the last night of the season, having play'd 175 nights. Rec'd by forfeits of the Band of Music #32 11d. Rec'd ditto from actors #1 15s. Rec'd of Mr Neale for half share of his tickets #11 3s. 6d. So that they received as appears by their own books in the two seasons that Mr G k has been concern'd as manager, the sum of #40,906 2s. 7d. having play'd in the whole time 346 nights. But as Mr Garrick's Benefit and Mrs Cibber's charges were included in the account as a blind to the Principle Treasurer, I must therefore, among some few other things, subtract them from the total amount, and then it will stand as follows: @The first season:@Cash return'd by licencer #2 2s.@G k's Benefit, whole amount of house #193 16s.@Mrs Cibber's charges at her Bt. #60@Mr Berry #1 10s.@Mrs Pritchard for a ticket as agreed #10 10s.@The last season G k receiv'd as author of Lethe, for 6th night #56 8s. 6d.@Mr Warner #5 14s.@G k's benefit as before #187@Mrs Cibber's charges #60@Mrs Pritchard's #10@Total #587 16s. 6d.@ The sum subtracted, it wil remain #40,318 6s. 1d., which is at the rate of #116 10s. 6d. for each night, one night with another, Benefit nights and all Disadvantages included. As I have no given an exact account of the Receipts of Cash, I must also endeavor to give an account of the nightly charge, that the reader may be able to judge of the Profits. But it must be first consider'd, that all nights will not amount to the same, as for example the play of Macbeth requires more incidents, than a common play, such as wine, fruit made use of in the Banqueting Scene, also spirits of wine for the Cauldron in the scene of the Witches, Rosin for lightening, &c. Whereas in another play, such as the Orphan perhaps there are few or no incidents, and consequently the charges must be less, so that it is impossible to be quite exact without giving the particulars of each night's play throughout the two seasons which would not only tire the reader's patience, but swell this pamphlet to a greater bulk than the nature of the thing requires; besides as all the Account Books are in their own custody, there can be no such thing as making an abstract. But as my own memorandums will let me into the most principle things, it is an easy matter to make an allowance for others of less consequence, which I shall take care as much as I can to do rather in their favor than against them. In the first place I shall begin with their Rents and Taxes as they stood last season: @A Calculation of the Nightly Expence of Drury Lane Playhouse:@Renter's Shares in the House, being in number Thirty-Six at #23 6s. 8d. each share for the season amounts in all to #840, and supposing they play but 170 nights (tho' they play'd 175 last season which is allowing them as much advantage as I possibly can) then will it amount to per night #4 18s. 9d.@Land Tax for the year #88, which calculated at the rate of 170 nights as above, is per night 10s. 4d.@Ground Rent, and for the rent of a Wardrobe call'd the Sparrow's Nest, for the year #80, which is per night 9s. 4d.@Poor's rate for the year #33 6s. 8d., which is per night 3s. 11d.@Scavanger for the House, and another place call'd the King's Passage, for the year #7 9s. 4d., which is 10 1!2d.@Rent for a Place call'd the King's Passage for the year #31 10s., which is per night 3s. 8 1!4d.@Watch Rate for the Playhouse and a House in Russel St, call'd the King's Passage #7, which is per night 9 3!4d.@Window lights for the Playhouse and the King's Passage, #6 per year, which is per night 8 1!4d.@Water for the year, #2, which is per night 2 3!3d.@Rent of a room call'd the Scene Room for the year #60, which is per night 7s. 1!2d.@Fruit money to be divided among the renters, as by their Lease #40, which is per night 4s. 8 1!4d.@(N.B.: It has not been the custom for some years past to pay this money to the Renters, but as they are entitled to receive it, I think proper to make it one of the charges.)@A Perquisite payable out of the P t [Patent?] for the year #815, which is per night #1 1 7s. 1!2d.@The Total amount of their Rent and Taxes is per night #8 17s. 6d.@ Thus far I have given an account of their rents] and Taxes and before I proceed any farther I believe it will be necessary to acquaint the reader, that the Renter's Lease will expire in the year 1753, and then the whole affair will come into the hands of Messrs G k and L y, for the term of near 21 years at an annual Rent of #210. This is a purchase made not long ago, for which they gave #3000. But the Annual rent of #210 commences before the Renters time is out, occasioned by an addition of several dwelling Houses in the Playhouse Passages which they had thrown into their agreement, and for some of which they now receive Rent. The next principal charge is the Nightly Salaries of the people belonging to the House, such as actors, dancers, musicians, office keepers, doorkeepers, dressers, and sweepers. The customary way of paying these people is once a week; on a Saturday Morning their names being all enter'd alphabetically upon a list (which is call'd the Pay List). This List is always made out according to the number of nights that the House has played in the week, but I must set it down at 6 which is a full week's pay. This is also a fluctuating affair, as well as the incidents, their generally being a necessity of either adding or striking off some names before the season is out, which consequently either makes an increase or decrease in the charges, but as I am oblig'd to be as particular as possible, and to bring it to a point, I will fix upon salaries of the latest date. @Sat. Feb. 25, 1748-49. The salaries amounted to per week #296 9s. 6d., and on Sat. 15 Apr. 1749, the salaries were per week #294 6d. But as I chuse to make the thing rather more than less, I will enter it according to the former list, which is per night #49 8s. 8d.@N.B. Mr Lacy has #2 15s. 6d. per night upon this list for management, but I cannot comprehend that this is any part of the charge because he has a moity, or equal half-share of the Profits, as being a partner; and consequently ought not to be paid for inspecting into his own affairs. I shall therefore subtract this from the Nightly expence at the end.@The next charge to be consider'd is that of the Tallow Chandler, which generally amounts to per week about #17, but this is not always certain, it varying sometimes either a trifle over or under. This person makes an allowance of 8 per cent Discount upon account of his receiving ready money for his goods, which deducted from the #17 makes it per night #2 12s. 1d.@The Printer's Bill generally amounts to between #7 and #8 per week, but as I rather chuse to be over than under the mark, I will set it down at #8, which is per night #1 6s. 8d.@Advertisements in the General Advertiser, there has been nothing charg'd for these two years and upwards, which I believe is occasion'd by the Managers having a share in that paper, that perhaps may bring as much as their advertisements come to.@I shall find the greatest difficulty of any yet in making an Allowance for the nightly use of their cloaths, Scenes, &c, there being a vast number of rich cloaths bought into their wardrobe within these two years, and large sums paid to the Taylor, Mercer and other Tradesmen, on account of the same, but then the Stock remains, and will serve for a considerable time with some little addition, and it is well known the wardrobe was never so rich before, as at this juncture, a great many of the cloaths having been bought ready-made at dery great bargains, and when they are no longer fit to appear upon the stage, the Lace will burn to a considerable part of their money again; And as it is impossible to be quite exact, I must submit to the reader whether #3 3s. a Night only for the use of their cloaths, Scenes and other things that appertain to the dress, is not sufficient, for according to the calculation of playing 170 nights in the season it will amount to #535 10s., only for the use, which in my opinion is enough, and if they can contradict it let them make it appear #3 3s.@Mr Fleetwood (who was the late manager) when he made an assignment of the Playhouse to Mr Lacy in trust for the Bankers (Gr n, and Am r, late of the Strand) and himself to care to keep a Reserve of #500 a year during the Time then to come on the P t [patent?], a part of which has been paid annually to a Gentleman appointed to receive the same by Mr Fleetwood. But when Mr G k came in as manager, it was agreed by the consent of that Gentleman, that it should be paid at the rate of #300 a year, and so to take a longer time for the payment of the whole. This annuity had it stood at the rate of #500 a year as was first design'd would have expir'd with the P t, which is several months before the Renter's time is out, but this affair ought to be look'd upon rather as a Debt than part of the nightly charge of the Playhouse. However, as it always stood in that Rank in their books, I shall make the same allowance here and leave the reader to judge of it as he thinks proper, which is per night according to the former calculation #1 15s. 3d.@The Lamp Lighter's bill for lighting the lamps will amount to about 7 shillings sixpence a night, but as there is an occasion sometimes for Tin Wares and reparations, I shall set it down at Per night 10s.@Coals made use of are generally about 40 Chaldrons for the season, which bought in the summer time, we must suppose not be to above 34s. a chaldron, amounting in the whole to #68, which is per night 8s.@Properties, or Incidents, are sometimes more, sometimes less, as I have before observed, and are according to the play. They are under the Denomination of Fruit, Wines, Sweetmeats, Sticks, Stage Money, &c, but to take one night with another throughout the season they don't amount to quite 5s.@Bill Stickers are those men that stick the Large Bills about the Town, being Six in number, and have 18 pence per night each. They are not enter'd on the pay List among other servants, on account of their sticking Bills sometimes when the House does not play, which makes a difference, and supposing them to be in full pay, which is not always the case, then it would amount to per night 9s.@Two men that deliver Handbills, at 1 shilling a night each per night 2s.@Four constant supernumerary scene-men to assist the scene-men belonging to the House, and a Candle-man that sees all tne candles put out after the play is over, at 1 shilling each, which is per night 5s.@There are sometimes extraordinary Supernumerary scene-men, made use of in plays, to help the traps, &c, such as Richard III, Macbeth, The Tempest, &c, which have a shilling each, but one night with another it will not amount to above 3s.@Kettle Drums and French Horns are not included among the Band of Music, and as there are but two French Horns, and one pair of Kettle Drums made use of, which are only in some particular things, at 5 shillings a night, I cannot think they will amount to throughout the season more than per night 7s. 6d.@Chorus singers, which are people that stand behind the scenes, whose additional voices are sometimes necessary in grand pieces of vocal music, and are made use of in the Tempest, Comus, Macbeth, &c., and seldom in number so many as 6, at 5 shillings each,--but if I make allowance for two each night throughout the season, I am very confident it is more than sufficient, which supposition is per night 10s.@The Prompter is allowed for Paper, Pens, Ink and Wafers per night 3d.@The Carpenters, being sometimes employed in doing work in the House, save 2s. 6d. a day each, and as this is also a fluctuating affair, I shall put them down throughout the season at per night 5s.@The Glover's bill amounts one night with another to about 6s.@The Stationer's Bill, perhaps about #15 in the season, every Boxkeeper, &c being oblig'd to find his own Paper, which is per night 1s. 9d.@The Feather-man, Shoe-maker, Sword-Cutler, Hatter, Taylor, Scene Painter, Lace-man, Mercer, &c, I have already made an allowance for,--the #3 3s. per night for the use of the Cloaths, Scenes, &c. ....@The Brick-layer and Iron-monger are casual tradesmen, and as accidents so frequently happen, I think it necessary to put them down at per night 7s. 6d.@The Turner's Bill perhaps may amount in the season to about #6 which is per night 8d.@The person that has the care of the Candles brings in a bill for small wax candles, &c, and one night with another about 1s. 6d.@The House-keeper sometimes brings in a bill for little things to the amount of about per night 1s.@The Prompter for writing parts, one night witn another 8d.@I have thus endeavored to give the most minute Part of the charges that belongs to the House, but as most of these affairs depends upon accident and for fear of any omission (At the beginning of the first season their salaries were a few weeks at #54 per night, but as this was but of a short duration it cannot make any great difference) and lest they say I fix them to certain sums which have alter'd to their disadvantage, I will as a guard against such a supposition allow them per night #3@#74 6s. 8d.@[Subtracting Mr Lacy's #2 15s. 6d.] then according to the nearest calculation I can make the whole nightly charge is #71 11s. 2d.@ The next thing to be consider'd (supposing this charge to be right) is their Profits, which will appear by multiplying the sum of #71 11s. 2d. by 346 (the number of nights they play'd in the two seasons) and the total sum will be #24,759 10s. 10d., which subtracted from #40,318 6s. 1d., the remainder will be #15,558 15s. 2d., the profits, according to the best calculations I can make arising from the two last seasons. But I think it incumbent on me to inform the reader that this money was not all at the Managers' disposal, because there was a mortgage upon the Playhouse, &c to one Mr Clutterbuck?, a tradesman in the Strand, who was Mortgagee in trust for Mr G k himself and others, and the Mortgagee was entitled to take up #1000 a year and interest at 5 per cent. This security was made at Mr G k's first commencing manager in order to purchase the Bankers' two shares in the old P t, &c. which was sold for #3,500, also to discharge an old mortgage made by Mr Fleetwood, and other debts due from the playhouse. Thus have I made appear to the Town the receipts and charges as near as possibly can, and hope not to the disadvantage of the Managers. But perhaps they will say that they have expended more money than I have already given an account of, which I must readily submit to, but then it has been upon different affairs than the nightly charge of the House; as for example the first season they, as will appear by their own Books, #15,179 12s. 3d.; the second season #13,663 3s. 3d., so at this rate the profits do not amount to above #10,475 10s. 8d., which is noways right, for as I have already observed, they bought large quantities of ready-made rich cloaths, merely because they were great bargains. These cloaths they now have by them, and doubtless are as good as money, and which I make an allowance for at #3 3s. a night. They also made alterations in the House, by enlarging the first Gallery, and adding more seats, which are placed so neighborly together, that they keep people pure warm in a cole [sic] winter's night, especially at the upper end. The transformation of that Part adjoining to the Box-Lobby into a standing place for the Quality, that they may pay before they go in, is another charming contrivance, and many other alterations much to advantage, but these conveniences being once finish't become Perpetual, and are no longer chargeable. Besides they lent out of the said sums money to several actors for some of which they have bonds that bear 5 per cent interest, and these are the things that were the occasion of the Extraordinary Advancement, which perhaps they under a pretence may call part of the Nightly charges, but as I have made the thing as clear as well can be, I shall submit to the reader's judgment. I thought it necessary to set down each night's farce with the play as near as I could throughout the two seasons, and I believe upon strict examination the reader will find that the whole number consists of about 25 good old Stagers, one of them having mounted upwards of that times. But however dis[agreea]ble these antient attendants may prove to an Audience, yet they are absolutely necessary on account of keeping up the [starf--l P[rice]s, which could not decently be done without them as Mr Rich has Pantomime entertainments. [starWhilst their rent, Taxes, &c are so very high, it is my firm opinion, they cannot afford to take under full prices, and therefore I would not have any one imagine to the Contrary. And the reason of publishing this account is no more than to do my self common justice and to shew how well they could afford to make me amends for my past Labours. Tho in my opinion Mr G-k is such a rarity, that he needs no embellishment, and I hope I shan't be thought too lavish in his Praise when I say that his great condesention in playing oftener since he has been a manager (almost in spite of his sickness) than he did when he was under management, is such an obligation conferr'd on the town, that it is questionable whether the salary he now receives as an Actor is equivalent. But lest it should not be generally known what it is (as such things do sometimes slip the ears of the People) I think it proper to inform the Reader, and having first ask'd Mr Garrick the manager's pardon, I shall begin with Mr Garrick the Actor, whose salary for the season is #525 certain, and as most players have a benefit once a year, so has he, but only this difference, that they pay for theirs (Mrs Cibber excepted) and he does not. Nor need he give himself any trouble to make an interest at the time; for it is only playing Richard, or Lear, and the job is done without putting his name up in large characters at the top of the Playbill, for every inquisitive person to gape at. What these Benefits have brought him in is easily seen by looking backwards. This added to the salary makes upwards of #700 a year, and so much for Mr G-k the actor. As to Mr Garrick the Manager, he only takes up #500 a year out of the profits under the denomination of Management, which does but just put him upon a footing with his brother manager, who takes up the same, and if I may presume to put the Manager and Actor together, it will appear that Mr Garrick's income from the Playhouse is upwards of #1200 a year exclusive of a Mortgage of #4000 upon the Playhouse, Patent, Cloaths, Scenes, &c., which brings him in #200 per year, at the rate of 5 per cent interest. These things put together and added to his half share of Profits, makes it a comfortable living enough, and I heartily wish every brave fellow that ventured his life and limbs for his Country's service could meet with the same success. I make no doubt but it will create some wonder that I have laid these things before the Town, without saying for why. But I must assure the reader that after weighing every circumstance well within my own breast, I think I have sufficient reason, and would relate each particular reason, but that I have given to understand Facts may be Libels--that all advantages will be taken--that I must have a care what I do, and that Power may get the better of Truth. I must confess I think it very hard that if a man is hurt he must not only suffer the injury, but be also hindered from telling his grievance. However, as I have often groan'd in private, I will run the risk of venturing one groan in public, but will be as concise as possible, for fear my antagonists may be too impatient to stay till my tale is told. Let it suffice them that I was Deputy Treasurer of D-y L-ne Playhouse upwards of four years, and resigened my office the beginning of this season. Several messages were sent to me to return again, and I had my place kept for me several weeks, which plainly shows I have been guilty of no misdemeanor, but have been rather look'd upon as a valuable sl-ve than other ways, and could I have been content with much more labor and little pay I don't doubt but I might have been suffer'd to trudge on and carry my Burthen to the end of my days. But having forgot my station, and that I had no right to make terms for myself, was so impudent as to imagine I had some Gratitude due me for past services, and that as I had weather'd a most terrible Storm, I had some right to share in the calm, but alas! I was mistaken. Property was not intended for me, I was only design'd to share in Adversity and help others to cut their passage to happiness. I believe it is pretty well known that near two years before Mr G-k came in as manager, the Playhouse was involved [in] many difficulties, much money being due to tradesmen, Actors, &c occasioned by his not playing there, which [would] not have been the case had Mr Lacy, who was then manager in trust for the Bankers and himself, agreed with him, and given what he demanded as an actor, which was as Mr Lacy order'd him #500 for the season, and as Mr G-k did not chuse to be under him he went to Ireland where he remain'd during the season. The Bankers who advanc'd #6,800 to purchase the Playhouse, the Renters, and Mr Lacy begun to see their folly, and were so unfortunate as to become Bankers' prey afterwards, though one of them (Mr Amber) has had the grant to be made a Pit office-keeper in the Playhouse, where he now remains at a salary of about #29 a year. I shall return to the difficulties. The People that had the demands to them (being upwards of #140) began to be very uneasy, and they very clamorous, that we perceiv'd what we were to depend upon. Distruction, seemingly as it was a dark cloud over our heads, we expected daily to burst upon us; and tho' Mr Lacy had given as many fair promises as a man could do, yet it availed nothing, for every word they spoke had something of danger in it (which oblig'd him to keep pretty much within doors). Here I interposed, and stood between him and his creditors, for upwards of a year and a half, ever breaking my rest to preserve his, and was continually forming excuses and pledging my word, to divert them from their design, and as it was unsafe for him to come to the playhouse for a long time together, for fear of arrests, I was oblig'd to undertake the management there (which they now take up #500 a year for) and go through a very hard Task to an account of the people's not having their pay. Added to this I had the Accounts of the Treasurer's Office to keep and as we were in debt every particular person's belonging to the playhouse, beside. I also took upon myself the Inspection of the Wardrobe and kept an account of that (which was almost one man's business alone to do). I drew all the articles between the manager and actor, and at other times were [sic] continually either writing, walking, though lame, or contriving for Mr Lacy's welfare. In the day I had no rest, in the night very little sleep, and my whole study was to extricate him from his troubles. I was bail for him to the Sheriff in two actions for #200, and brought at the suit of Mr Fl-dyer in Bazinghall St, and Mr Ho-se, Tinman in High Holborn, and had a great deal of trouble in getting one of these actions defended in order to gain time. I was arrested twice myself for him: one of these times dragg'd out of my lodgings at twelve o'clock at night. In short I went through every trouble that a sincere friend could do, while he was endeavouring to get the new Patent, which he and Mr Garrick now enjoy, and did imagine if ever those difficulties were got over (which I then very much question'd) that I should have met with some gratification, but instead of that as soon as Mr G-k came to be concern'd as a partner (who knew very well that I had gone through for the service of the Playhouse) I found another Person was to be put in Principal Treasurer over my head, with this Reason: "That it was their interest it should be so, because his Wife, Mrs Pr-h-d was to play for them." Not that I envy the gentleman that has it, for I think him worthy of much more, and hope my being under a necessity of mentioning it will be a sufficient plea for my excuse. This I very easily look'd over, and had not the least doubt but they would make me some amends another way, but adding something to my salary, which was at the rate of #44 a year, and this I was entitled to for doing the business of Deputy treasurer in the Office which was nothing in competition with the other affairs I had gone through. But I found I was mistaken here too for I had no addition, and discover'd when too late that I should have made use of the opportunity when I had it in my power,--but though I knew the time when everything must have been granted that I ask'd, yet I did not take the advantage, nor would by compulsion force the thing that I knew was due from the strongest ties of Friendship. How wretched must such a disappointment make me! What must that man deserve that can betray such confidence, and without blushing deny the breach he had made in Honour. If after this I can point out a way to do myself justice, have I not Right to make use of it? Must I lose my health, Time, Labor, for other's happiness, and not consider my miseries? It is against Nature and I hope the Reader will make my Case his own, and then judge accordingly. In my next I shall give the full history of the Stage ever since Mr Fl-w-d was manager, down to the end of the last season, wherein will be the Bankers' affair set forth at large. The manner of obtaining the new P-t, and Gratitude displayed in a particular manner. The intended partnership between Mr Rich and Mr Lacy, how Mr Garrick came to be admitted. His compact with Mrs Pritchard, and some other affairs necessary to be known both to the Public and the Theatres. @Then let the stricken deer go weep@The hart ungall'd go play...&c. &c.@Finis.@ [Powel's second pamphlet seems not to have been written, as this one seems never to have been printed. His total income for the two seasons #40,906 2s. 7d. corresponds favorably with Cross's total estimates for the same period of #40,995. His analysis of the cost of many items in his attempt to arrive at a reasonable statement of nightly charges is most valuable. If his figure of #71 11s. 2d. is correct, then the managers lost from #8 to #11 on each benefit night, which hardly seems probable.

Event Comment: The United Company. The date of the first performance is not known. The January issue of the Gentleman's Journal, wnich did not appear until some time in February, stated: Mr Congreve...hath written a Comedy, which will be acted in a little time, and is to be call'd, The Old Batchelor (p. 28). The Gentleman's Journal, February 1692@3 (issued in March 1693): The success of Mr Congreve's Old Batchelor has been so extraordinary, that I can tell you nothing new of that Comedy; you have doubtless read it before this, since it has been already printed thrice. And indeed the Wit which is diffus'd through it, makes it lose but few of those Charms in the Perusal, which yield such pleasure in the Representation. Mr Congreve will in some time give us another play; you may judge by this how acceptable it will be (p. 61). In addition, a reference in the Epilogue indicates that it was produced during Lent, ano since the third edition was advertized in the London Gazette, No. 2856, 23-27 March 1693, early March seems the most likely date for the premiere. According to The Female Wits (ca. 1696), The Old Batchelor was acted fourteen days successively. John Barnard of Yale University states that Narcissus Luttrell's copy of The Old Batchelor in the Newberry Library bears the notation: "10d Mar. 16 1692@3." BM Add. Mss. 4221 (341) Memoirs Relating to Mr Congreve Written by Mr Thomas Southern (in Macdonald, Bibliography of Dryden, p. 54n): When he began his Play the Old Batchelor haveing little Acquaintance with the traders in that way, his Cozens recommended him to a friend of theirs, who was very usefull to him in the whole course of his play, he engag'd Mr Dryden in its favour, who upon reading it sayd he never saw such a first play in his life, but the Author not being acquainted with the stage or the town, it woud be pity to have it miscarry for want of a little Assistance: the stuff was rich indeed, it wanted only the fashionable cutt of the town. To help that Mr Dryden, Mr Arthur Manwayring, and Mr Southern red it with great care, and Mr Dryden putt it in the order it was playd, Mr Southerne obtained of Mr Thos. Davenant who then governd the Playhouse, that Mr Congreve should have the privilege of the Playhouse half a year before his play was playd, wh. I never knew allowd any one before. The music for the play was composed by Henry Purcell. See Purcell's Works, Purcell Society, XXI (1917), iii-v

Event Comment: Rich's Company. The date of the first production is not certain, but tradition states that Dryden died on the third day (1 May 1700); if this report is correct, the first performance occurred on 29 April 1700. In A Collection of New Songs...Compos'd by Mr Daniel Purcel, Perform'd in the Revis'd Comedy call'd the Pilgrim (1700) is a song, Chronos, Chronos, mend thy pace, with Janus sung by Freeman, Momus by Pate, Diana by Mrs Erwin. Gottfried Finger apparently composed the passage sung by Venus, Calms appear when storms are past. William Egerton, Faithful Memoirs of...Mrs Anne Oldfield (1731): The Pilgrim was indeed reviv'd for the Benefit of Mr Dryden, Ann. 1700, but he dying on third Night of its Representation, his Son attended the Run of it, and the Advantages accrued to his Family. Cibber, Apology, I, 269-70: This Epilogue, and the Prologue the same Play [The Pilgrim], written by Dryden, I spoke myself, which not being usually done by the same Person, I have a mind, while I think of it, to let you know on what Occasion they both fell to my Share....Sir John Vanbrugh, who had given some light touches of his Pen to the Pilgrim to assist the Benefit Day of Dryden, had the Disposal of the Parts, and I being then as an Actor in some Favour with him, he read the Play first with me alone, and was pleased to offer me my Choice of what I might like best for myself in it. But as the chief Characters were not (according to my Taste) the most shining, it was no great Self-denial in me that I desir'd he would first take care of those who were more difficult to be pleased; I therefore only chose for myself two short incidental Parts, that of the stuttering Cook and the mad Englishman....Sir John, upon my being contented with so little a Share in the Entertainment, gave me the Epilogue to make up my Mess; which being written so much above the Strain of common Authors, I confess I was not a little pleased with. And Dryden, upon his hearing me repeat it to him, made a farther Compliment of trusting me with the Prologue. Cibber, Apology, I, 305-6: In theYear 1699, Mrs Oldfield was first taken into the House, where she remain'd about a Twelve-month almost a Mute and unheeded, 'till Sir John Vanbrugh, who first recommended her, gave her the Part of Alinda in the Pilgrim revis'd. This gentle Character happily became that want of Confidence which is inseparable from young Beginners, who, without it, seldom arrive to any Excellence: Notwithstanding, I own I was then so far deceiv'd in my Opinion of her, that I thought she had little more than her Person that appear'd necessary to the forming a good Actress; for she set out with so extraordinary a Diffidence, that it kept her too despondingly down to a formal, plain (not to say) flat manner of speaking. Nor could the silver Tone of her Voice 'till after some time incline my Ear to any Hope in he favour. A Comparison Between the Two Stages (1702), p. 27: [After Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields had revived Shakespeare and Johnson] Nay then, says the whole party at D. Lane, faith we'll e'en put the Pilgrim upon him--ay faith, so we will, says Dryden, and if youll let my Son have the Profits of the Third Night, I'll give you a Secular Mask: Done, says the House, and so the Bargain was struck

Event Comment: TThe London Chronicle for 1758 (p. 455): On Friday the 3rd instant was presented Coriolanus. The two first acts of this play, as it is performed at the above theatre, were written by Shakespear; the three last for the most part by Mr. Thomson. But how a man of Mr Sheridan's knowledge (who first introduc'd it there about four years ago) could think of pounding into one substance two things so heterogeneous in their natures as the productions of those authors, is to me amazing. Mr Smith enters in the first act, after having (as we are to suppose) just overcome the Volsci, to the tune of violins and hautboys; but I am a little afraid the grandeur of his triumph is a little misapplied, considering the early times in which Coriolanus lived, before the Roman empire had arrived to any degree of splendor and magnificence, and was great in virtue only. However it makes a fine show; and Mr Smith, who has an excellent person, by the help of a little burnt cork and a real coat of mail cuts a very martial appearance. I think it was one of the Gracchi, who, when he was speaking to the people, always had a servant behind him in the Rostrum with a pitch-pipe which he touched whenever he found his master's voice rising beyond a certain height; such an instrument as this would, in my opinion, be of service to Mr Smith, for his fault seems to be that of keeping too much at the top of his vioce. Mrs Hamilton in the part of Veturai, especially in the last act, excells herself; and in particular, she repeats that line: "He never can be lost who saves his country," with the genuine spirit of a free-born Englishman. By the unnatural conjunction which is attempted to be made in this tragedy, most of the other characters are robbed of their significance. Those two excellent actors, therefore, Ryan and Sparks, only give us just cause to regret that the parts of Tullus and Volscius are not longer....After the play was presented a Ballad Opera called The Contrivances; in which some good comedians are oblig'd to submit to the drudgery of supporting as contemptible a trifle as ever was acted on the stage

Event Comment: Portia by Mrs Siddons being her first appearance upon this Stage a good figure rather handsome--wants Spirit and ease her Voice a little course very well receiv'd (Hopkins, Diary). Paid Mr Wrighten on note #100; Mr Garrick 2 nights for Bon Ton and Little Gipsey, #238. Receipts: #197 (Treasurer's Book). Books of the Songs and Chorusses of the Afterpiece to be had at the Theatre. [This note appeared on all subsequent bills advertising the Jubilee this season.] The most accomplished actress can display little other abilities in this part [Portia] than a correct elocution, and a knowledge of the author. The lady of last night being thus circumstanced [her first appearance] it is impossible to pronounce what the nature or extent of her powers may enable her to execute when placed in a situation that calls them forth. But from the speciman she gave there is not room to expect anything beyond mediocrity. Her figure and face, although agreeable, have nothing striking, her voice (that requisite of all public speakers) is far from being favourable to her progress as an actress. It is feared she possess a monotone not to be got rid of; there is also vulgarity in her tones, ill calculated to sustain that line in a theatre she has at first been held forth in; but as these observations are formed when the lady laboured under the disadvantages of a first attempt in the metropolis, her future efforts may perhaps entirely remove them (Middlesex Journal, 30 Dec. Quoted in Hampden, Journal)

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. Pepys, Diary: So resolved to take my wife to a play at court to-night, and the rather because it is my birthday....While my wife dressed herself, Creed and I walked out to see what play was acted to-day, and we find it The Slighted Mayde. But, Lord! to see that though I did know myself to be out of danger, yet I durst not go through the street, but round by the garden into Tower Street. By and by took coach, and to the Duke's house, where we saw it well acted, thought the play hath little good in it, being most pleased to see the little girl [Moll Davis] dance in boy's apparel, she having very fine legs, only bends in the hams, as I perceive all women do

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. Although Downes refers to the play's being acted "12 Days together" [see below], these were not consecutive, as Pepys saw another play at lif on 7 May. Pepys, Diary: To the Duke of York's playhouse, at a little past twelve, to get a good place in the pit, against the new play, and there setting a poor man to keep my Place, I out...and so back again, where I find the house quite full. But I had my place, and by and by the King comes and the Duke of York; and then the play begins, called The Sullen Lovers; or, The Impertinents, having many good humours in it, but the play tedious, and no design at all in it. But a little boy, for a farce, do dance Polichinelli, the best that ever anything was done in the world, by all men's report: most pleased with that, beyond anything in the world, and much beyond all the play. Thence to the King's house to see Knepp, but the play done. Downes (p. 29): This Comedy being Admirably Acted:...This Play had wonderful Success, being Acted 12 Days together

Event Comment: The King's Company. Pepys, Diary: It being almost twelve o'clock, or a little more, and carried [Mercer, Mrs Horsfield, and Mrs Gayet] to the King's playhouse, where the doors were not then open; but presently they did open; and we in, and find many people already come in, by private ways, into the pit, it being the first day of Sir Charles Sidly's new play, so long expected, The Mulberry Garden, of whom, being so reputed a wit, all the world do expect great matters. I having sat here awhile, and eat nothing to-day, did slip out, getting a boy to keep my place...And so to the play again, where the King and Queen, by and by, come, and all the Court; and the house infinitely full. But the play, when it come, though there was, here and there, a pretty saying, and that not very many neither, yet the whole of the play had nothing extraordinary in it, at all, neither of language nor design; insomuch that the King I did not see laugh, nor pleased the whole play from the beginning to the end, nor the company; insomuch that I have not been less pleased at a new play in my life, I think. And which made it the worse was, that there never was worse musick played--that is, worse things composed, which made me and Captain Rolt, who happened to sit near me, mad. So away thence, very little satisfied with the play, but pleased with my company. [For Bannister's setting a song for Mrs Knepp for this play, see 7 May 1668.

Event Comment: The Duke's Company. Pepys, Diary: With my wife and Deb. to the Duke of York's playhouse, and there saw The Slighted Maid, but a mean play; and thence home, there being little pleasure now in a play, the company being but little. Here we saw Gosnell, who is become very homely, and sings meanly, I think

Event Comment: The United Company. The exact date of the first production is not known, but the play was entered in the Term Catalogues, February 1691@2, and mentioned in the Gentleman's Journal, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 February 1691@2). In all probability, it was first acted not later than January 1691@2. The music to one song, As soon as the Chaos, was composed by Henry Purcell. See Purcell, Works, Purcell Society, XX (1916), xvii. Two songs--Bonny lad prithee lay thy pipe down, with music by Tollet; Great Jove once made love like a bull, with music by Mountfort--are in The Banquet of Musick, The Sixth and Last Book, 1692. Dedication, Edition of 1692: Having at last so well acquitted it self on the Stage (tho' the thronging, imperfect Action, and worse than all, the faulty length, which I will never be guilty of again, render'd it little Diversion the first day). A Letter to Mr D'Urfey [by Charles Gildon], Edition of 1692: If there be any fault in this Play, 'tis that which few are guilty of; that is, there are too many good Characters, too full of Humour, a very Pardonable failing, which only proceeds from Variety, the life of Pleasure and Wit, tho' that gave it the disadvantage of seeming too long the first days Acting, tho' the Stage's being throng'd with Spectators, did not a little contribute to the imperfect Acting of it, which accidental Misfortunes concurring with the Endeavours of an opposite Faction, must needs have damn'd it, had it not by the Force and Vigour of its own Worthy, rais'd it self the second day with the general Applause of all that saw it....But the Marriage-hater went further, and in spight of all the disadvantages it labour'd under of Action and Audience, pleas'd on, after several times Repetition. See also Poeta Infamis; or, A Poet not worth Hanging (1692) for a variety of comments upon this play. London Mercury, 26 Feb. 1691@2: Query 4. Whether in Justice he [D'Urfey] is not obliged to present Mr Dogget (who acted Solon to so much Advantage) with half the Profit of his Third Day, since in the Opinions of most Persons, the good Success of his Comedy was half owing to that admirable Actor? Query 5. Whether, if there be any Wit in bringing a Person upon the Stage with an extravagantly broad-brimmed Hat, and a Muff of the same Size, so it will not be a very easy Matter for the next Poet that writes a Play, to Out-hat and Out-muff his Predecessors, and consequently to Out-wit him? Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 42: Mr Dogget perform'd the part of Solon Inimitably. Gentleman's Journal, p. 454, February 1691@2 (licensed 12 Feb. 1691@2): I send you the Marriage-hater match'd, a new Comedy by Mr Durfey; it hath met with very good success, having been plaid six days together, and is a diverting Play. Gentleman's Journal, January 1691@2: Now I speak of Music I must tell you that we shall have speedily a new Opera, wherein something very surprising is promised us; Mr Purcel who joyns to the Delicacy and Beauty of the Italian way, the Graces and Gayety of the French, composes the Music, as he hath done for the Prophetess, and the last Opera called King Arthur, which hath been plaid several times the last Month [presumably December 1691]

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. This performance is known from a playbill apparently no longer extant: W. R. At the Desire of several Persons of Quality. At the New Theatre in Little Lincoln's-Inn Fields, this present Tuesday, being the 27th of February, will be presented, a Tragedy call'd The Mourning Bride. The Moorish? Entry perform'd by The Little? Boy. Vivant Rex. (W. J. Lawrence, The Elizabethan Playhouse and Other Studies (Stratford, 1913). See also R. W. Lowe, Thomas Betterton (London, 1891), and Fitzgerald, A New History, I, 389

Event Comment: Betterton's Company. Flying Post, 2-4 July 1700: At the Request, and for the Entertainment of several Persons of Quality, at the New Theatre in Lincolns-Inn-Fields, to Morrow, being Friday, the 5th of this instant July, will be acted, The Comical History of Don Quixote, both Parts being made into one by the Author. With a new Entry by the little Boy, being his last time of Dancing before he goes to France: Also Mrs Elford's new Entry, never performed but once; and Miss Evan's Jigg and Irish Dance: With several new Comical Dances, compos'd and perform'd by Monsieur L'Sac and others. Together with a new Pastoral Dialogue, by Mr George and Mrs Haynes; and variety of other Singing. It being for the Benefit of a Gentleman in great distress; and for the Relief of his Wife and Three Children. Downes, Roscius Anglicanus, p. 45: Don Quixote, both Parts made into one, by Mr Durfey, Mrs Bracegirdle Acting, and her excellent Singing in't; the Play in general being well Perform'd tis little Inferior to any of the preceding Comedies