Event Comment: Portia by
Mrs Siddons being her first appearance upon this Stage a good figure ra
ther handsome--wants Spirit and ease her Voice a little course very well receiv'd (
Hopkins, Diary). Paid
Mr Wrighten on note #100;
Mr Garrick 2 nights for
Bon Ton and
Little Gipsey, #238. Receipts: #197 (Treasurer's Book). Books of
the Songs and Chorusses of
the Afterpiece to be had at
the Theatre. [This note appeared on all subsequent bills advertising
the Jubilee this season.]
The most accomplished actress can display little o
ther abilities in this part [Portia] than a correct elocution, and a knowledge of
the author.
The lady of last night being thus circumstanced [her first appearance] it is impossible to pronounce what
the nature or extent of her powers may enable her to execute when placed in a situation that calls
them forth. But from
the speciman she gave
there is not room to expect anything beyond mediocrity. Her figure and face, although agreeable, have nothing striking, her voice (that requisite of all public speakers) is far from being favourable to her progress as an actress. It is feared she possess a monotone not to be got rid of;
there is also vulgarity in her tones, ill calculated to sustain that line in a
theatre she has at first been held forth in; but as
these observations are formed when
the lady laboured under
the disadvantages of a first attempt in
the metropolis, her future efforts may perhaps entirely remove
them (
Middlesex Journal, 30 Dec. Quoted in
Hampden, Journal)