Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; B 3, by
Richard Brinsley Sheridan. Prologue by
the Hon. Richard Fitzpatrick (
Public Advertiser, 3 Aug. 1781)]: With a Procession. [This was included in all subsequent performances. For
the Sea Fight see 20 Nov.] With New Scenes, Dresses and Decorations.
The Scenery designed by
DeLoutherbourg, and executed under his direction.
The Doors to be opened at 5:15. To begin at 6:15 [same for rest of season, except on 1 May 1780]. "
The House was so crowded that
there were many disturbances, one so great that
Smith when he had nearly finished 'To be or not to be' was obliged to leave
the Stage, and when
the noise subsided, to return and begin
the soliloquy again... As
The Critic took up two hours and a half in performance, it must of necessity be considerably shortened" (
Morning Chronicle, 1 Nov.). "
The scene of
the battle with the Armadav [was] executed in
the most masterly manner.
The Motion of
the sea,
the engaging of
the ships, and
the destruction occasioned by
the fire-
ships were happily contrived and accurately represented" (
London Chronicle, 1 Nov.). Account-Book, 9 Nov.: Paid R. B. Sheridan on Acct. of Critic #320. Receipts: #241 19s. 6d. (222.11.0; 19.3.6; 0.5.0)