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 o
thers.
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)