Event Comment: Mrs Barry continuing ill, the reviv'd play of Timon of Athens oblig'd to be deferr'd till Monday when it will be performed for the Second Time. Rec'd stopages #13 13s.; Paid Salary list #501 3s. 6d.; Mrs Abington on Cloaths acct #2; Mr Costain on note #4 4s.; Mr Samuel French 11 days (5th inst. incl.) #2 15s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #156 16s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Alterations and additions to the afterpiece in form of a Trip to Naplesv. Includes two views of the eruption of Vesuviusv [a display used afterwards in Harlequin's Invasionv 19 March]. Theatrical Review, 26 Dec.: The Witches; or a Trip to Naples,...one of those Mummeries, in which the carpenters, painters and taylors belong1ng to the theatre are the principal projectors; who torture dull brains to furnish out most contemptible pieces of entertainment...the disgrace of the English stage. This what-shall-we-call-it...now reviv'd with alterations and the addition of two new scenes, viz. two views of Mount Vesuviusv: the first of which represents a Vulcano burning at a distance, and is reflected by the water in the bay of Naplesv. The second is a nearer land view of the Mounts, and represents the manner in which the Lava is thrown out whenever an eruption happens; the torrents of the lava, like a river of liquid fire, falling into a cascade from a rock. As far as carpenters and painters are concerned, these additional scenes seem to be well executed, but whether the resemblance is exact, we cannot pretend to say; though we suppose it is. Be this as it may we cannot help thinking, the terrific ideas these scenes naturally raise in the mind, must defeat every intention of giving pleasure, and consequently afford less satisfaction to curiosity than a written account of that Vulcano, or any descriptive drawing of it. Paid Printer's Bill #9 6d. Receipts: #235 12s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: By Command of Their Majesties. Tickets and places to be taken of Mr Johnston at the Stage Door of the Theatre at Half a Guinea. Pit 5s. First Gallery 3s. 6d. Second Gallery 2s. Doors to be opened at Five o'clock. To begin at Half past Six. Theatrical Review (London, 1772), appendix, pp. 207-8: The Oratorios performed at this House were conducted by Messrs. Stanley and Smith, for their own emolument; the Managers of the theatre having had no Share of the profit arising from these performances, nor any advantage, except a premium for the use of the house. Mr Stanley's musical abilities are well known. Mr Smith, was, if we are not mistaken, a pupil of the celebrated Mr Handel's; and, we believe, that Gentleman left Mr Smith the greatest part of his music, if not his whole library; so that Mr Smith may with great propriety claim the right of succeeding Mr Handel in the exhibition and conduct of his Oratorios, which he has undertaken (in conjunction with Mr Stanley) every since Mr Handel's death. Their band was composed of some of the most capital performers in this kingdom, and was led by Mr Ximenes. The vocal performers (exclusive of Chorus singers) were Mr Norris, well known to all lovers of Music, for his taste and delicacy of execution. Mr Parry (a Bass voice) from the Cathedral Church of Salisbury. This gentleman, though very young, has an extensive compass, and a great power of voice, and acquits himself with considerable reputation. Mrs Weichsel and Mrs Scott, of whom it would be superfluous and unnecessary to say anything, since their abilities are generally known. And lastly Signora Grassi, a performer of great merit. Theatrical Review, 6 March: This is Mr Dryden's celebrated Ode on St Cecelia's Day, and not an Oratorio, but performed as such...It contains many beauties and such as are worthy of Mr Handel's genius...Being much shorter than the usual length of oratorios, Mr Handel's celebrated Coronation Anthems were added in order to make the evening's entertainment of a proper length. Also a Solo on the Violincello by Mr Janson...lately arrived from Paris, said to have been a pupil of Mr Duport's but, though his taste and excution is very astonishing, we cannot give him the preference of his master. [See 13 April 1773.Charge seems to have been #28 per night plus expenses for oil, candles &c.

Event Comment: Never performed in this Kingdom. In the manner of an Oratorio. This is a species of entertainment borrowed from our volatile neighbors on the continent, and never performed in England before; that is not directly in this manner. [But see 4 May 1759.] The performance was divided into three parts: the First consisted of Mr Addison's celebrated Hymn, set to music by Mr Handel, which is a masterly performance; the second contained Miserere mei Dei, &c., the music compsoed by Sig Pergolesi; this is a noble performance; the third part consisted of a very fine anthem, by Sig Nigri of Milan, a work of great merit. A concerto on the French Horn (as 6 March) and a concerto on the Violin (as 11 March) (Theatrical Review, p. 220). Charges: #35 (Account Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Fischer. Pit and Boxes 6s. First Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s

Event Comment: Benefit for Wendling. A serenata written by Metastasio, set by Bach, with Grand Chorusses. Pit and Boxes half a Guinea. First Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. To begin at 7:00 p.m

Event Comment: N.B. The West Indian is oblig'd to be deferred. Paid Mr Vernon on note, #43 13s.; Housekeeper's bill #2 12s. 3d.; Properties 17s. 8d. (Treasurer's Book). [The housekeeper's bill was rendered weekly and the properties bill about every two weeks. The first averaged #8 7s. per week and totaled #310 for the season. The second averaged #2 4s. for a total of #81 14s. for the season. Neither will be itemized further.] Receipts: #248 2s. (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Mainpiece: By Desire. The Second Time. Paid Moody for a coat 8s. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #272 (Treasurer's Book)

Event Comment: Benefit for Increase of a Fund for the support of Decayed Musicians, or their families. Pit and Boxes half a Guinea. Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. 6d. Doors open at 5:30 to begin at 6:30 p.m. [Governor's report from June 1770-June 1771 indicates an outlay of #826 17s. 3d.

Event Comment: Oratorio composed by Handel. Tickets to be had and places for the Boxes to be taken of Mr Johnston at the Stage Door of the Theatre, at Half a Guinea each. Pit 5s. First Gallery 3s. 6d. Second Gallery 2s. The Doors to be opened at Five o'Clock. To Begin at Half past Six. N.B. Those ladies who had Side Boxes last year, are humbly requested if they intend to continue them the ensuing season, to give immediate notice to Mr Johnston to have them secured. [The Westminster Magazine (March) commented: "One of those whims by which the public are continually influenced, has made it the ton to resort to this theatre to hear and see Miss Linley, the syren of Bath. This young lady who is greatly indebted to nature for the eclat with which she is followed, and not a little to the fortuitous concurrence of remarkable incidents in her life has drawn crowded houses incessantly; and this success has been insured by the constant attendance of his Majesty and the Royal family at this theatre."

Event Comment: Benefit for Pinto and Eichner. To begin at 7:00 p.m. Pit and Boxes 10s. 6d. Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s

Event Comment: At the Great Room, Crown and Anchor. Second Night

Event Comment: The Second time. By Particular Desire

Event Comment: The first entertainment a Serenata written by the late celebrated Mr Hughes. Music entirely new compos'd by Hook. The second a Burletta [by Lady Dorothea Dubois] in 2 Acts. Benefit for Hook

Event Comment: Benefit for Mrs Woodman. [She takes a second one because as a note on her bill suggests her first benefit was postponed several times, with resultant confusion and meagre income.

Event Comment: Receipts: #200 7s. 6d. (Account Book). Mainpiece: With New Dresses and Decorations. [The first of a series of five performances (the last, Merchant of Venice, 18 Nov.) which got Macklin dismissed from the theatre until 1775, when his lawsuit against six persons whom he claimed formed a conspiracy to hiss him from the stage and ruin his livlihood was concluded favorably for him. His performance of Macbeth was favorably treated but with certain misgivings in the Morning Chronicle (25 Oct.), but he was mercilessly criticized in the London Evening Post and St James Chronicle: "In Act II, Sc. i, Shakespeare has made Macbeth murder Duncan; Now Mr Macklin, being determined to copy from no man, reversed this incident, and in the very first act, scene the second, murdered Macbeth." The favorable review (Morning Chronicle) thought he did well in first and last acts, but gave way to stage rant and "vehemence of energetic expression" wanting any variation in tone in between. It also pointed out a certain faulty memory of his lines. His novel stage effects came in for a paragraph of comment: The alterations in the jeux de theatre respecting the representation of this tragedy do Mr Macklin great credit. His change of the scenery is peculiarly characteristical. The Quadrangle of Macbeth's castle, and the door which is supposed to lead to Duncan's apartment (both of which are entirely new) are additions of consequence to the exhibition of the play. The door also through which Macbeth comes to the Weird Sisters, in the 4th act, is a better and more probable entrance than through the common stage portal. The dresses are new, elegant, and of a sort hitherto unknown to a London audience, but exceedingly proper. The Banquet was superbly set out, and it must be confessed that the managers seem to have spared neither cost nor assiduity to ornament and add to the effect of the representation." A favorable letter from a correspondent to the London Evening Post adds: "I must observe, Mr Printer, that from the graceful and characteristic manner in which Macbeth was introduced by the martial music and military procession, from the manner of M. Macklin's acting, from his judicious alteration of the dresses, the disposition of the scene where the King is killed, the cave of the witches in the 4th act, from the improvement of Mrs Hartley's thinking in Lady Macbeth and from her manner of speaking, which seemed plainly to be the effects of some intelligence she had received from Mr Macklin...I thought Mr Macklin deserv'd great praise." See the newspaper comments all gathered and reprinted in an Apology for the Conduct of Charles Macklin, (London, 1773). See also note to 30 Oct. See also London Chronicle, Oct. 23-26 (cf. Odell, I, 453). The Westminster Magazine suggests the performance was pitiable. "Macklin knew what he ought to do, but could not do it." The Scenemen's pay this week was about double the normal cost. (Account Book).] Verse Squibs from St James Chronicle (Oct. 1773) against Macklin: @Macbeth@"Eight Kings appear and pass over in order, and Banquo the last"@Old Quin, ere Fate suppressed his lab'ring breath@In studied accents grumbled out Macbeth:--@Next Garrick came, whose utt'rance truth impressed,@While ev'ry look the tyrant's guilt confess'd:--@Then the cold Sheridan half froze the part,@Yet what he lost by nature sav'd by art.@Tall Barry now advanc'd toward Birnam Woodv@Nor ill performed the scenes--he understood--@Grave Mossop next to Foris shaped his march@His words were minute guns, his action starch.@Rough Holland too--but pass his errors o'er@Nor blame the actor when the man's no more.@Then heavy Ross, assay'd the tragic frown,@But beef and pudding kept all meaning down:--@Next careless Smith, try'd on the Murd'rer's mask,@While o'er his tongue light tripp'd the hurried task:--@Hard Macklin, late, guilt's feelings strove to speak,@While sweats infernal drench'd his iron cheek;@Like Fielding's Kings [in Tom Thumb] his fancy'd triumphs past,@And all be boasts is, that he falls the last.@ Also from St James Chronicle:@The Witches, while living deluded Macbeth@And the Devil laid hold of his soul after death;@But to punish the Tyrant this would not content him,@So Macklin he sent on the stage to present him.

Event Comment: Music by Sacchini and other celebrated composers. The Dances under the direction of Pitrot. With New Cloaths, Scenes and other Decorations. Pit and Boxes Half a Guinea; Gallery 5s.; Second Gallery 3s. Doors to open at 5:30. To begin at 7:00 p.m. N.B. Fierville having unfortunately sprained his ankle by a fall at the rehearsal yesterday...Mariottini, who never appeared in England before, has kindly undertaken to supply his place. The Managers beg leave to acquaint the Nobility and Gentry that Mesdames Favier having arrived from Florence, but being indisposed from the great fatigue of the journey are incapable of dancing this day

Event Comment: By George Saville Carey at the Great Room, Panton St., Haymarket. To begin at 8:00 p.m. Price 2s. 6d. [Second night. This was repeated numerous times during the summer season, 28, 30 July, 2, 4 Aug., &c.

Event Comment: A New Serious Opera. The Music by several eminent composers under the direction of Giordani. Dances under the direction of Lany. New Scenes by Colomba, with magnificent Dresses and Decorations for the Opera and Dances. Tickets Pit and Boxes put together at Half a Guinea. Gallery 5s. Second Gallery 3s. By Command of their Majesties no person whatsoever to be admitted behind the scenes or into the Orchestra. Doors to be opened at 6, to begin at 7:00 p.m. Vivant Rex et Regina. In order to prevent inconveniencies to the ladies in getting to and from their carriages, they are requested to order their coachmen to set down with their horses heads towards Pall Mall, and to take up with their heads towards Picadilly. The door in Market Lane and the King's door for Chairs only

Event Comment: A drunken man and a livery servant were both very troublesome in the first gallery [according to an account in the Morning Chronicle, 11 Dec., which continued]: It is a very great insult to respectable citizens and gentlemen of moderate fortunes, who from principles of economy choose to sit in the first gallery, that they admit too men in liveries. Their prices of admission have been raised within these thirty years, and every art practised for interest of the managers; and in these times, when every necessary and convenience of life is considerably enhanced, it is a matter of prudence in persons of the middle rank of life to prefer the gallery to the pit. But this is no reason why livery servants should be allowed to place themselves by the wives and daughters of private gentlemen and reputable tradesmen, to whom they often behave with great insolence and indecency. [It is desirable] to know why a constable does not make his appearance in the back row of the first, as well as the second, gallery, being frequently as much wanted in the one as the other (John Hampden Diary, p. 122)

Event Comment: Benefit for Lee. Last Performance but two before the Holidays. Afterpiece: Never acted there. In the comic scenes will be introduced (as they were sung in Masqued and other Characters) the favorite songs, Ye Warwickshire Lads and Lasses, Sweet Willy O, The Mulberry Tree, and the Roundelay of Sisters of the Tuneful Strain. In the second act, a Statue of Shakespeare will be erected, and the ode on Dedicating a Temple to that great poet recited, with proper Airs and Chorusses-Particularly Sweetest Bard that Ever Sung, Tho' Crimes from Death and Torture Fly, the Characteristic Song on Falstaff, More Gentle than the Southern Gale, and Thou Soft-Flowing Avon. Part of Pit laid into boxes

Event Comment: Benefit for Mattocks. [Interest in this Wild Beast in the masquerade in the afterpiece seems to have lasted only throught the second performance.] Full Prices

Event Comment: [The Westminster Magazine for Sept. Comments on Miss Jackson: "She is extremely stiff in her delivery and action. Could she, however, divest herself of stage formalities, there would be few better Juliet s at either house, and she would prove a very decent second-rate actress."

Event Comment: Afterpiece: A New Musical Entertainment in 2 Acts [by Theodosius Forrest] never pebformed. With a New Overture by Dr Arnold. The Airs chiefly selected from the most eminent masters. [Larpent MS 392 confirms the character names and adds a Country Lad and a Country Lass. The Westminster Magazine for Oct. condemned the Weathercock: "To speak of this piece as a literary compostiion, it was throughout a dull, uninteresting narrative, told in duller numbers. Considered in a dramatic light, it was still less defensible....The overture by Dr Arnold was trite, except the last movement, which had great merit, and was universally admired....We expected in spite of the numerous Orders sent in by the Author and Managers, that it would have met with its deserved fate on the first representation, it was, however, somehow carried through that and a second night's hearing-on the third evening, however, it received a formal damnation."

Event Comment: Mrs Siddons' second appearance. Receipts: #243 8s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)