Event Comment: Mr Garrick inexpressibly fine.
Mrs Abington Beatrice, first time-very Great Applause (
Hopkins Diary). [
MacMillan's note from
Kemble differs slightly.] Paid
Sparks and Co. Lace Bill #10 15s.
Mr King (glassman) for lustres his bill #75 2s. (Treasurer's Book). [From
the Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, 7 Nov.: "
The desertion of
the theatres in consequence of
the disease with which so many are afflicted, has been productive of one agreeable effect, that of bringing Mr Garrick forward in
Benedict much earlier than was expected. It cannot be a matter of surprise that
Roscius should have escaped
the infection and his spirits and constitution seems proof against
the attacks of age itself; after above 30 campaigns, his ardour and execution appear ra
ther to increase. Benedict owes all its consequence to his attachment;
there is a peculiar turn of humour in this soldier that none but Mr Garrick has ever been able to enter into
the true spirit of. Last night he supported
the character with undiminished excellence, and in
the speech where he meditates and
then resolves on marriage, he soared beyond himself. Beatrice is
Shakespeare's Benedict in petticoats, and very happily has got into
the hands of Mrs Abington" (Quoted in
Hampden, Eighteenth Century Journal).] Receipts: #264 9s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book)
Performances
Mainpiece Title: Much Ado About Nothing
Performance Comment: Don John-Aickin; Benedict-Garrick; Dogberry-Waldron; Verges-Carpenter; Conrade-Griffiths; Messenger-Lamash; Sexton-Wrighten; Don Pedro-Packer; Balthazar (with song)-Vernon; Town Clerk-Baddeley; Leonato-Jefferson; Hero-Miss Hopkins; Beatrice-Mrs Abington (first time); Antonio-Hurst; Borachio-Usher; Friar-Wright; Margaret-Mrs Bradshaw; Ursula-Mrs Millidge; Claudio-Brereton (first time); in Act II: a Masquerade Dance (proper to the play)-; to conclude with a Country Dance-.Afterpiece Title: May Day