Event Comment: Mainp1ece [1st time; T 5, by
Frances D'Arblay. Prologue by
the author (see text). Author of
Epilogue unknown]. "It did not fail to keep [
the audience] in
the height of good humour, by frequent irresistible claims on
their risible faculties; a particular instance of this was in
Elgiva 's dying scene, when a passing stranger, in a fine tragic tone, says, 'Let us carry her to
the o
ther side of
the hedge.' This hedge, which is supposed to be remotely situated from any dwelling, never
theless proved to be a very accomodating retreat; for, in a few minutes after,
the wounded lady is brought from behind it on an elegant couch, and, after dying in
the presence of her husband, is carried off and placed once more 'on
the o
ther side of
the hedge.'
The laughter which this scene occasioned, although supported by
the dying words of Mrs Siddons, was inconceivable" (
Morning Herald, 23 Mar.).
Powell, 20 Mar.:
Edwy and Elgiva rehearsed at 10; 21 Mar.:
Edwy and Elgiva rehearsed at 10. Receipts: #350 19s. (296.4.6; 51.9.0; 3.5.6)