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THE
HISTORY
OF THE
08754
THEATRES OF LONDON:
CONTAINING
AN ANNUAL REGISTER
OF ALL THE NEW AND REVIVED
TRAGEDIES, COMEDIES, OPERAS, FARCES,
PANTOMIMES, &c.
THAT HAVE BEEN PERFORMED AT THE
THEATRES ROYAL, in LONDON,
From the YEAR 1771 to 1795.
WITH
OCCASIONAL NOTES and ANECDOTES,
IN TWO VOLUMES.
Walley Chamberlain Oulton.
VOL. II.
LONDON:
Printed for and fold by MARTIN and BAIN, Fleet-ftreet;
Sold alfo by T. EGERTON, Whitehall; W. MILLER, Bond-freet;
J.BELL, Oxford-ftreet; and T. BoosEY, Broad-ſtreet,
near the Royal Exchange.
MDCCXCVI.
DEDICATION.
TO 7. P. KEMBLE, ESQ.
ACTING MANAGER OF THE
THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.
SIR,
To you, whofe theatrical
judgment and execution are deemed equally
great; and whofe extenſive knowledge of
the Stage has, in the opinion of all con-
cerned, juftly entitled you to the fuperinten-
dence of one of the firft Theatres in the world,
I take the liberty of dedicating this SECOND
Volume, (intended as a fifth to Mr. Vic-
TOR'S Hiftory of the Theatres of London); and,
VOL. II.
a
(vi)
as the preſent period of the Drama muſt cer-
tainly be deemed as intereſting as any of the
former, this attempt to hand down to poſte-
rity the Now laudable exertions of our
LONDON MANAGERS, will, I hope, ren-
der any apology needlefs, from
SIR,
Your moſt obedient,
humble fervant,
WALLEY CHAMBERLAIN OULTON.
AN
ANNUAL REGISTER
OF
THE PLAYS,
&c.
Theatre-Royal, Drury-Lane.
1787.
THE opening of this Houſe was intended for the
15th of September, and the School for Scandal, and
the Quaker, advertiſed for the evening's entertain-
ment; but on the unexpected feceffion of Mr.
PALMER from the Theatre, the Managers, un-
provided in a fofeph Surface, loft a night. And
Mr. PALMER, that this lofs might not be wholly
imputed to him, publifhed the following reafons.
for withdrawing from the theatre, including his
correfpondence on that fubject with Mr. KING.
"Mr. PALMER deems it a duty to lay the follow-
ing circumſtances and letters before the public,
"in order to prevent any mifreprefentation of facts,
VOL. II.
B
2
HISTORY OF THE
C
refpecting the cauſe and manner of his quitting
"Drury-Lane Theatre.
Confidering himſelf as moſt illiberally treated
"by the Managers of the winter theatres, Mr.
"PALMER thought he could not either in juſtice to
"himſelf or the profeffion of which he is a Member,
"perform any longer under the direction of thoſe
"who have infulted him individually, and ftigma-
"tized his brethren in general: conformably to
"this opinion, Mr. PALMER, on Friday laſt, con-
"vened his ſubſcribers, informing them of his fen-
"timents on the occafion, and fubmitted implicitly
"to their opinion and advice: they honourably
"concurred with him in fentiment, that he had
"been extremely ill ufed, and accorded with his
propofal of quitting Drury-Lane Theatre. After
"the meeting broke up, Mr. PALMER fent the fol-
"lowing letter to Mr. KING.
"s
"
"Dear Sir,
"The hurry in which I have been kept for fome
days paſt, by the reſpect I owe to the public, has
hitherto hindered me from taking proper notice of
the infertion of my name in the Drury-Lane
play-bill for to-morrow night: I think it is not
❝ too late to do it now.
6.6
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1787.
3
<<
(C
"Stigmatized as I have been for fome months
paft with the appellations of Vagrant, Rogue, and
Vagabond, in the newſpapers,--Do the Managers
" of Drury-Lane imagine that I can, with any pro-
"priety, appear on their boards? I ſhould rather
"conclude that they think me unworthy of fo great
"an honour. Whatever may be their fentiments,
"I feel myſelf infulted by Mr. LINLEY; and the
(C
more fo, as that gentleman, in conjunction with
"Meffrs. HARRIS and COLMAN, perfifts in his
very elegant charge; and has given notice by his
folicitors, WALLIS and TROWARD, that the
King's Bench will be moved against the juftices
"who bailed my brother,* when committed, in the
phrafe of the notice, as a Rogue and Vagabond.
་་
66
This, I repeat it, is perfifting in the charge; and
"under theſe circumſtances, I feel that it would be
"meannefs of fpirit in me to act any longer at
"Drury-Lane. I am therefore to defire, Sir, that
in the bills for to-morrow, my name may be
66
omitted. A perfon of your experience will not
"be at a lofs for another play, or, if the fame play
"be neceffary, for another performer.
"I am to requeſt that you will immediately com-
"municate this to Mr. LINLEY. After a long
* Mr. W. PALMER.
4
HISTORY OF THE
"connection with you, and on my part, great per-
"fonal regard, I feel no ſmall uneafinefs in this fe-
"paration; but I fhall always remain, Dear Sir,
Royalty Theatre,
Sept. 14, 1787.
THOMAS KING, Efq.
Yours,
JOHN PALMER."
« P. S. At the fame time that I wish you to com-
"municate my fixed determination of not again
appearing as a performer at Drury-lane theatre: If
"it be found inconvenient to alter the play adver-
"tifed for to-morrow evening, fooner than the pub-
"lic ſhall be diſappointed,-I will perform.'
To this letter the following anfwer was returned:
"Dear Sir,
"I have not been able to fee Mr. LINLEY fince
"I received your letter; but will as foon as poffible
"make him acquainted with the contents of it. In
"the mean time, I take the liberty to inform you,
"there will not be any performance at Drury-lane
"theatre to-morrow; and am forry to find we are
"not likely to have your affiftance there in future.
"I am, Sir,
Sept. 14, 1787.
Mr. PALMER.
"Your very humble fervant,
"THOMAS KING,"
ENGLISH THEATRE.
5
1787.
"Mr. PALMER, on the receipt of this letter,
conceiving that the diſappointment of the public
might be imputed to him, immediately diſpatched
"the fubfequent letter to Mr. KING."
"
"Dear Sir,
"I this moment received your letter, informing
"me, that there will not be any performance at
Drury-lane theatre to-morrow. I hope the play
is not poftponed in confequence of my letter; as
I before informed you, and now repeat it, that
fooner than the public fhall be difappointed, I am
"ready to appear in the character deſigned me in the
bills.
Royalty-Theatre,
Sept. 14, 1787.
Mr. KING.
"I am, Sir, Yours,
JOHN PALMER."
“Mr. PALMER having thus exonerated himſelf
" from any fuppofed duty to the Managers of Drury-
"lane theatre, Mr. BANNISTER, difdaining to be
"the fervant of his perfecutors, fent the following
"letter to Mr. KING; which was received, but
"not anſwered."
"Sir,
"I am very much concerned, that the conduct of
"the Proprietors of Drury-lane theatre ſhould make
B 3.
6
HISTORY OF THE
"it an indifpenfible duty in me to declare my deter-
"mination not to perform there, in conformity to
"the notice which they have given in the bills that
"announce the opening of their Houfe for the win-
6C ter feafon.
AC
"I have been branded with the infamous title of
"vagabond-I have been perfecuted under that ap-
pellation by, and at the inſtance of the very men
"who announce me, when it is their intereſt ſo to
do, in a contrary ftyle." The inference is plain,
I am a raſcal and a vagrant when they can get
"nothing by me. I am the contrary, when I am
“deemed an object of pecuniary advantage to their
66
❝ theatre.
"Under fuch circumstances, I muft indeed,
"have no grateful idea of the profeffion to which I
"belong, and must pay a poor compliment to my
"good old friends in the Weſt, and to that generous-
"people by whofe countenance and protection, in
"the Eaft of the City, I am enabled to provide for
"my family, if I did not perfonally feel the intended.
"infult, as clearly as I perceive that palpable hy-
<s
66
pocrify which induces, by the Managers adver-
tifement, a deception upon them; for, Sir, it muſt
have been evident to every man of underſtanding,
that the perfecuted, when he can earn a livelihood
ENGLISH THEATRE.
7
1787.
"elſewhere, will never become a fubfervient hire-
66
ling to his perfecutors.
"I am therefore to requeft you will, as acting
"Manager, take notice, that my name, in the play-
"bills of Drury-lane, has been inferted without my
"confent; and confequently I defire that it may be
difcontinued, for the reafons I have mentioned.
"I wish not to give the leaft difappointment
to thoſe noble and numerous patrons,
patrons, whoſe
"claims upon my gratitude muft remain a debt
"which I fhall never be able to diſcharge; and
"therefore, I wish it to be understood by you and
"the Proprietors, that my poor abilities in the
"Quaker are at their fervice to-morrow, and that I
"fhall not charge the Managers any thing for my
"performance; but it is to be confidered as a finall
"token of my gratitude to the public, not as any-
part of my duty to the Theatre.
6(
"I am, Sir, with great eſteem,
"Your moſt obedient humble fervant,
"CHARLES BANNISTER."
«On the whole of the preceding circumftances,
"Mr. PALMER leaves the public to comment..
"The utmost of his defire is, to acquit himſelf with
every reſpect to the town, from whom he has re-
"ceived fo many obligations, for a feries of years,
I
00
HISTORY OF THE
"that a life of profeffional exertion in their fervice
"will be the only means of teftifying his gratitude.
JOHN PALMER."
Royalty-Theatre, Sept. 18, 1787.
The following are the Plays brought out at
Drury-lane this ſeaſon.
November 10.
NEW PEERAGE; OR, OUR EYES MAY
DECEIVE US, a Comedy, by Mifs HAR-
RIET LEE.
Well received.
Fanuary 31, 1788.
THE FATE OF SPARTA; OR, THE RIVAL
KINGS, a Tragedy, by Mrs. CoWLEY.
Well received.
February 25.
LOVE IN THE EAST; OR, THE ADVEN-
TURES OF TWELVE HOURS, an Opera,.
by Mr. COBB.
Well received.
March 29.
·
THE REGENT, a Tragedy, by BERTIE GREAT-
HEED, Efq.
Very well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1787.
g
April 14, 1788.
'TIS AN ILL WIND BLOWS NOBODY
GOOD; OR, THE ROAD TO ODIHAM,
a farce.
This piece was brought out for Mr. BADDELEY'S
benefit, and configned to oblivion. It was a
fatire on the then reigning faſhion for pugiliím.
May 14.
THE STONE-EATER, an interlude, by Mr.
STUART.
Brought out for a benefit, and very well received.
It was played for another benefit.
00
Mr. SMITH retired from the ſtage this ſeaſon
after performing Charles in the School for Scandal,
June 9, 1788, he thus addreffed the audience.
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
After having devoted five and thirty years to your
"ſervice, I now beg leave to retire.
"You have received me with candour, indulgence,
"and generofity. You believe, I hope, your kind-
"nefs is not loft on me.
་
"Actors you have had-you will have-with
"better powers to pleaſe you: But this I muſt be
bold to ſay, none can be found more properly am-
10
HISTORY OF THE
"bitious of your favour-more ftudious at getting it
-more grateful when it was got.
"This is the laſt time I am to appear before you
" in my public character-May I hope the patronage
"and protection you have vouchfafed me on the ftage,
" will be followed by fome ſmall efteem when I am
"off.
"Ladies and gentlemen-farewel!”
Previous to this (March 10th) after the tragedy
of Macbeth, at Drury-Lane, Mr. SMITH fpoke an
Epilogue on his intention to take leave of the ftage
at the conclufion of the feafon.
SMITH told his friends, that
In this addrefs Mr.
finding himſelf grow
old, he thought it time to refign the Sprightly
CHARLES to abler hands and younger heads than
his. After that the Epilogue thus went on :
"FULL thirty-five campaigns, I've urg'd my way,
"Under the ableſt Gencrals of the day,
"Full oft have ſtood by Barry's, Garrick's fide-
"With them have conquer'd, and with them have died.
"I now, no more o'er Macbeth's crimes fhall lower-
"Nor murder my two nephews in the tower-
"Here, I no more fhall rant, "A horfe a horfe!"
"But mount "White Surry" for the BEACON COURSE
"No more my hands with tyrants gore fhall ftain,
But drag the felon Fox from forth his den!
"Then take the circuit of my little fields,
"And taſte the comforts that Contentment yields.
"And as thofe sweetest comforts I review,
Reflect with gratitude they came from you !'e
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1787.
II
This gentleman, in ſpite of a diſagreeable voice,
was a very pleafing actor; his appearance was much
in his favour. Experience and judgment had ren-
dered him unrivalled in many parts; and the charac-
ter in which he played laft, has fuffered confiderably
fince his departure.
Covent-Garden.
October 15, 1787.
ORPHEUS AND EURIDICE, a Pantomime.
This was originally produced in 1740, and then
performed with unbounded applaufe. It was
afterwards revived at different periods with equal
fuccefs; but now it had the fingular fate of
being generally difapproved of, and on the
fecond night it was finally condemned.
October 31.
THE FARMER, a mufical piece, in two acts, by
Mr. O'KEEFE.
Well received.
December 15:
ALL ON A SUMMER'S DAY, a Comedy, by
Mrs. INCHBALD.
Difapproved of, and withdrawn.
12
HISTORY OF THE
This Comedy occafioned the following letter to
""
the conductor of a Morning Paper, in anſwer
to a paragraph that was inſerted.
• Sir,
"IT is with the utmoſt concern I write upon
the ſubject you require-yet no confideration can
<< prevent my repeating, thus called upon-what-
"before the reprefentation of "All on a Summer's
Day"-I never kept a fecret-but had I been fo
"fortunately cautious, I fhould certainly now have
"kept a profound one. This Play was given to
"the Theatre contrary to my inclination, and even
contrary to my most earnest intreaties. It has been
laying by me above two years, in which time
"I have written two plays, befides other pieces,
*
merely to poftpone the fate I had conceived would
"attend this.-Yet, compelled to ſay this much in
"juftification of what you demand, I must add,
"that the friendly, liberal, and very generous beha-
"viour of the Manager of Covent-Garden Theatre
"to me, as an Author,, prevents me from the
fmalleft fufpicion, that my advantage was not
"feriouſly confidered in the producing this piece-
"and if to his miſtake I have to lament its being
repreſented, I likewife owe to his judgment the
"reprefentation of many pieces, which, but for
66
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1787.
13
his good opinion of them, would moſt probably
"never have been brought forward." The Mid-
66
night hour" I repeatedly declined tranflating,
"and at laſt undertook it, folely in deference to his
"opinion rather than my own, for which I have
"ever acknowledged myſelf obliged to him, and
"have never refuſed to mention that circumſtance in
"the fame manner as I have frequently mentioned
"C my extreme reluctance, that "All on a Summer's
"Day" fhould be performed, which, I imagine, firſt
gave occafion to the paragraph I am now called
(C upon to vindicate.
December 26.
ELIZABETH INCHBALD.
THE DUMB CAKE; OR, THE REGIONS OF
FANCY, a pantomime. Well received.
January 13, 1788.
THE KING AND NO KING, a Comedy, al-
tered from BEAUMONT and FLETCHER.
After the first night it was laid aſide.
March 1.
TANTARA RARA ROGUES ALL! a farce,
by Mr. O'KEEFE.
Difapproved of. It was attempted a ſecond night,
and finally condemned. The title was by no
means favourable to the Piece.
VOL. II.
C
34
HISTORY OF THE
April 8.
THE TON; OR, FOLLIES OF FASHION,
a Comedy, by Lady WALLACE.
It was played but three times, having met with
great difapprobation. Her Ladyfhip, to re-
fent the mal-treatment of the play-houfe critics,
publiſhed the piece with a preface, and thereby
incurred all the ſeverity of the cloſet critics.
April 26.
ANIMAL MAGNETISM, a farce, from the
French, by Mrs. INCHBALD.
This fatire was well received.
May 22.
MARIAN, a muſical piece, in two acts, by Mrs.
BROOKS.
Well received.
July 2, 1788.
Haymarket.
THE PRISONER AT LARGE, a farce, by Mr.
O'KEEFE.
Very well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
15
The Prifoner (as fuppofed) was an allufion to Lord
Mazareen, an Irish Nobleman, who had been
long confined in a French Prifon.
July 10.
WAYS AND MEANS, a Comedy, in three acts,
by Mr. COLMAN, jun.
Very well received.
The newſpapers were fevere upon the author, who
was equally fevere upon them.
August 2.
A QUARTER OF AN HOUR BEFORE DIN-
NER; OR, QUALITY BINDING, by Mr.
ROSE.
Very well received.
The idea feems to have been borrowed from Timon
of Athens. This piece is very fhort, it not
having been quite half an hour the first night of
repreſentation, yet as generally performed now,
it is ftill fhorter.
August 5.
THE GNOME; OR, HARLEQUIN UNDER-
GROUND, a pantomime, by Meffrs. WE-
WITZER and INVILL.
Indifferently received..
16
HISTORY OF THE
August 9.
THE SWORD OF PEACE; OR, A VOYAGE
OF LOVE, a Comedy, by a lady.
Received without difapprobation, but not with fa-
tisfaction.
The following letter from the authorefs was ad-
dreſſed to the Printer of the Morning Chronicle.
"SIR,
"FROM baving peruſed the different cenfures,
"criticiſms, &c., The Sword of Peace has given
"rife to, I cannot help thinking the first line of the
"Epilogue prophetic.
"How prone is man to quarrel with plain fenſe !”
"I fhall, however, only trouble you on the two
"following points-the accufation of "romantic,"
"and being thought to have " ftudied novels more
* than life!"
"I authoriſe you to declare the anecdote of the
"Sword is founded on a prefent exifting fact. The
only difference is, the 5000l. was accepted.
"Eliza and Louifa going for their fortunes, is
"another fact. One lady has been for her's; the
"other, when of age, must go to India alfo, or ſhe:
never will receive a rupee of it.
1
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
17
"As to the characters, if I am not allowed to
"have drawn them from nature, I can affure you I
"
have from life; and their are few I fancy, ac-
"quainted with India, but would vouch this for me.
"But the moft laughable cenfure of all to me,
"is the ftudy of novels!" as it happens I am one of
thofe very few, who never could read further than
"the third page of a novel in my life, except Tom
Jones; a fentence out of which, I confefs to have
put into Jeffery's mouth, reſpecting fighting.
C
i
"I wifhed to avoid all ridiculous romance, par-
ticularly reſpecting the paffion of love, and to
"paint that kind only which is founded on true
"merit and eſteem, not the arbitrary impulſe of the
<< moment; and to have had the fatisfaction of unit-
"ing moral benefit with the pleafing entertainment
"of elegant comedy; not wiſhing to defcend to
હે buffoonery, or difgracing my own character,
! merely to gratify a gallery!
"I remain,
“SIR,
"Your most obedient humble fervant,
"The Authorefs of the Sword of Peace."
C 3
18
HISTORY OF THE
Auguſt 16.
A KEY TO THE LOCK, a Farce.
The audience attended with an exemplary patience
till near the conclufion; when they declared their
diſapprobation in the ſtrongeſt manner. How-
ever, the author ftill prepoffeffed in favour of the
bantling, publifhed the piece, fetting forth in
the title page," As it was damned at the
"Theatre-Royal, Haymarket." Sure this recom--
"mendation was enough to ſpoil the Lack.
August 20.
A TOUCH AT THE TIMES, a Prelude. And
THE BLADE BONE, an Interlude.
Theſe temporary pieces were performed, and that's
all.
August 22..
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP, a piece from the
French, of one act, by Mr. ROBSON.
Well received; and yet performed this feaſon but
once, for the benefit of Mr. BANNISTER, fen.
It was afterwards repeated for another benefit.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
Ig
Drury-Lane.
1788.
A revolution took place this feafon by the vo÷-
Juntary abdication of Mr. KING, in whofe ftead Mr.
KEMBLE was appointed as acting Manager:
The reaſons of Mr. KING's refignation are fet
forth in the two following addreffes which appeared
in the public prints.
༠% ་
September 29, 1788..
"SIR,
"AT a very confiderable diſtance from the
Metropolis, I this day met with your paper of
" Saturday laſt; and in confequence of what I read
"therein, trouble you with a few lines, which I beg
you will do me the favour to infert.
"It is with equal concern and furprize I find my-
"felf called on to account for my fudden retreat
"from Drury-Lane Theatre.
"The Public I moſt readily allow, have a right to
"the truth; which they fhall have in your paper,
"and another in two or three days at moft. In the
mean time, let me fay, the gentleman who fuc--
20
HISTORY OF THE
"ceeds to my un-enviable office, whatever it may
"be called, has, ever fince we have been known to
« each other, lived with me in habits of friendſhip.
"I believe him wholly incapable of the arts at-
tributed to him; nor was he appointed till I' had,
... moft peremptorily, renounced my fituation.
"I have not had the leaft difpute with the Pro-
prietors in regard to falary; I have never dealt
avariciouſly by them, nor have they ever behaved:
"parfimoniouſly towards me. The best friends are
"liable to differences and mifunderſtanding- what
"ours have been fhall fairly appear. Thofe how-
ever, who expect either irony or reproach will be
difappointed; for I believe, we are all, at this
"moment, as we long have been, the fincere well-
wifhers of each other.
"I am, Sir,
"Your very obedient ſervant,
"THOMAS KING."
Mr. KING'S ADDRESS to the PUBLIC.
September 30, 1778.
"BEING at prefent rather more than two hun-
"dred miles from London, the prints of that place
"fall not in my way till ſome time after their pub..
"lication. Several of them, I find, have fo far:
ENGLISH THEATRE.
21
1788.
"honoured me, as to make my retreat from Drury-
"lane Theatre one of the ſubjects of the day, and
"various reaſons are affigned for my conduct on
"the occafion. One Paper treats it as rather a
"fortunate circumftance; while another allows,
that my lofs as a performer will be feverely felt;
"but fays, that neither the public nor Proprietors
"will have cauſe to regret my abfence as a Mana-
ger. The laft mentioned paragraph I cannot
"confider but as highly complimentary for it gives
"me pofitive commendation in the line I under-
"took to fill, and only obliquely cenfures me for
"not making the moſt of a character with which E
have never been entruſted.
:
"The conduct of perfons in public life, particu-
larly fo far as may relate to their public characters,
"I have ever conſidered as a fair object of animad-
"verſion; but fome of the gentlemen who have the
""
management of daily Prints may, without offence,
"be ſuppoſed to have, like all other Managers, at-
"tachments and partialities (perhaps of a very
laudable kind); and it cannot but be acknow-
"ledged, that they are all, like the rest of the world,.
"liable to mifinformation. To the laft-mentioned
"cauſe then, let me attribute the ftrange and im-
"probable account of my having demanded a
thousand pounds a year, for ſeven years,
12
HISTORY OF THE
<<
"in addition to my ufual falary as an actor.
"I have a pleaſure in afferting, that the quantum of
money has never been an object of difpute-the
agreements I have had with the gentlemen, Pro-
prietors of Drury-Lane Theatre, for whom, col-
lectively and individually, I have the greateſt re-
gard, were ever liberally made, and in all pecu-
niary parts moft punctually fulfilled: but there
"has been, for fome few years laft paft, fomething
"undefined, if not undefinable, in my fituation;
"the confequences of which have been, that I have
"fuftained many inconveniences, and have been
"liable to very difagreeable attacks. I have been
"called to account by ladies and gentlemen, authors
"of various dramatic pieces,, for breach of promife
"in the non-performance of works I never before
"heard of; arraigned for rejecting performers,
"with whom I had no power to treat; and cen-
"ſured for the very limited number of pieces pro-
“duced, which it was not any part of my province
"to provide. Should any one afk me, What was
"my poſt at Drury-lane-and add the further
"queftion" If I was not Manager, who was?"-
"I fhould be forced to anfwer, like my friend Atall
" in the comedy-to the first, I don't know; and to
“the laft, I can't tell: I can only once more pofi-
"If
tively affert, I was not Manager; for I had not
"the power by my agreement, nor indeed had I the
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
23
wish to approve or reject any dramatic work, the
"liberty of engaging, encouraging, or difcharging
66
any one performer, nor fufficient authority to
"command the cleaning a coat, or adding, by way
"of decoration, a yard of copper lace; both which
"it muſt be allowed, were often much wanted. I
"ſhall avoid, however, going very minutely into
"particulars of this fort, as I have not the ſmalleſt
wish to treat with afperity the conduct of others;
"I merely mean to vindicate my own. To fuch
"part of the public then (the whole of which I am
"bound to honour) as may think it worth enquiry,
"I fhall endeavour to fet forth, according to my
"own idea, the purpoſes for which I was retained.
"by the Proprietors, in addition to the beſt exer-
"tions of my poor abilities as an actor. I was to
"bring before the public eye, in the beft manner I
"could, under certain limitations, fuch pieces and
"performers as fhould be approved by the faid Pro-
"prietors: I was to negotiate between party and
"party in forming engagements: to be generally
"ready to anſwer the public on any complaint, dif-
“turbance, &c. during the time of performance;
" to make (ſubject to the controul of the patentees)
"the beſt arrangements I could as to the order of
"preſenting the plays in ufe, and to inftruct fuch
<
young or other performers as might be likely to
"derive advantage from a knowledge, which par-
2.4
HISTORY OF THE
"tiality was pleafed to allow I had acquired by
many years obſervation and confiderable practice.
"How unfortunately the Theatre was circum-
"ſtanced laſt winter, I need not call to the minds
"of its frequenters; nor is it neceſſary to the preſent
❝purpoſe, that I should point out the many fuc-
"ceffive events, fome well known, others not ſo,
"that rendered my then fituation uncommonly irk-
"fome. When I looked forward, the profpect
"was not of the flattering kind; for Mr. SMITH
"had given notice of his refolution to retire; Mr.
"PALMER (of whoſe uſe and abilities I muſt ever
"think most highly) feemed, at that time, to have
"purfuits that muft deprive us of his affiftance;
"and report faid, that very excellent performer Mr.
"PARSONS had determined, on the fcore of ill health,
"to take up his abode for a time in the South of
"France. I had my fears that the parties moſt in-
"tereſted would not fufficiently exert themſelves to
*
atone for thefe deficiencies; and that, as ufual,
"the malevolent, or at beft the ill-formed, would
"attribute all mifcarriages to me, who had no
66
power, however ftrong my wish, to prevent them.
"Thus circumftanced, I fent the Proprietors an
"early and formal notice, of my determination to
put an end to our engagement at the cloſe of the
feaſon.
$6
I
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
25
*After the Theatre had been fome weeks fhut
"up, it was thought proper, on the part of the Pro-
"prietors, to open a treaty; and on the feventh of
“Auguſt I had a meeting with a gentleman pro◄
"perly authoriſed to negociate, whoſe name I with
"not unneceffarily to introduce. He, with great
"cheerfulneſs and liberality, declared a wifh that I
"would return; and feemed very defirous, even in
"a matter foreign to my original engagement, to
"do his utmoft that I might be gratified and ferved.
"From what I have before faid, it will, I hope, be
"eafily believed, that no pecuniary object was likely
"to prevent a re-union; but I was ftill anxious,
"that my fituation might be rendered lefs equivocal
“than it had been: I knew, on that, my peace,
(ડ
my character, my all depended. I was not am-
"bitious of having my power increafed, but extremely
"folicitous to have its limits particularly defcribed,
and committed to paper. I expreffed my expectations
"on this head, and they were treated as reaſonable
"and proper. Mention was at the fame time made
to me of fome intended regulations; that the
"form and fubftance of the Play-houfe Articles here-
"tofore uſed, were to be greatly altered; and that
"the cuſtom of their being figned by each per-
former, fhould be revived and ftrictly attended to.
"I do not wifh, even moft diftantly, to infinuate an
"apprehenfion, that either of the meaſures were
VOL. II.
D
26
HISTORY OF THE
"meant to be fubverfive of the rights of the per-
"formers, or injurious to the entertainment of the
"Public; but confcious, that in all large bodies,
་་
every reform is beheld with a jealous eye, I pointed
" out the propriety, nay the neceffity, of producing
"thoſe plans fome time before the opening of the
"Theatre; wiſhing, in caſe they ſhould be offen-
"five, I might have time to prove to all parties
"concerned, that they had not originated with me.
I was affured they fhould be fet about imme-
"diately. Matters fo far adjuſted, we parted as
"we had met, in the utmoſt good humour with each
<< other.
"C
"To ftate minutely every particular tranfaction
"that followed, would be found tedious, perhaps
deemed impertinent; I fhall therefore only ſay,
"that feveral appointments were made; Some of
"which were kept: that rather more than a fort-
"night previous to opening the Theatre, I was
honoured with a vifit by the fame gentleman-
when I again enquired after the form of the
"article, and got the fame anfwer as be-
" fore. I repeated, in a very ferious, though
"moſt friendly way, my defire and my expectation
of having fome written inftrument between us.
I added, I was not folicitous about parchments,
ENGLISH THEATRE.
27
1788.
"ftamps, or legal forms; that any memorandum
"drawn by himſelf, and in his own words, would
"
fatisfy me but that I muſt have fomething to
"refer to, in cafe there fhould be any future mif
"underſtanding: that as he was going into the
"country for two or three days, he would have
"leiſure to frame it againſt we next ſhould meet.
"This he undertook to do, and we again parted.
"From that moment I never met him, either by
"appointment or otherwife, that he was not in a
"great hurry, or furrounded with company; and I
"found that no moderate exertion on my part
"could procure what I judged ſo abfolutely neceffary.
"In this fituation was I left even the day before the
"Theatre was to be opened; when I was attacked
"in the ufual way. Different parties called on me
"about buſineſs, to whom I could give no reply,
"and I received preffing meffages from two of the
"principal performers, concerning dreffes, which,
"though greatly wanted, I could not venture to
"order. I ſaw my danger, and did all I could to
"avoid it—that is to fay, confcious that if I once
"embarked, the firft fix days would involve me in
<<
a variety of engagements, pofitive or conditional,
"from which it would be difficult to retreat, I de-
"termined not to appear, either as Manager or
28
HISTORY OF THE
"Actor, till I was properly warranted fo to do.
56
During the first performance, the gentleman
"abovementioned went, as I believe, to the Theatre;
"where not finding me, he fent to my houfe, to let
me know he would call on me in the courfe of
the evening; for which call I waited with great tem-
per till past three in the following morning. My
"patience being then exhauſted, I immediately wrote
"a letter to one of the Proprietors; in which I in-
"formed him, I relinquished the treaty in all its
(6
«
parts; and that to prevent a renewal of it, I
"would inftantly leave town: which I did in the
"courfe of the day, in order to adjuſt fome concerns
"of confequence to myſelf, but no way connected
"with my duty to the public.
66
¿
By the particulars given in the above dull nar-
"rative, I hope it will at leaſt appear, that in quit-
"(
་་
ing the Theatre, I was not actuated by avarice or
caprice; that I feared being fuddenly embroiled
"with my brethren, many of whom merit my warm
"affection and the world's regard; and that I
"thought it very poffible, from the various attacks
" and diſappointments I had formerly experienced,
my doubtful flation would, at fome future period,
produce unlucky mifconftructions that might de-
prive me of the countenance and protection of a
૮.
1f
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
29
' generous public, which, however little I have
"merited, I have for many years enjoyed.
૯૪
"Whether I fhall, or fhall not elſewhere uſe the
"ſmall degree of theatrical talent I poffefs, is at pre-
"ſent as doubtful as it is unimportant; but fhould
"I, in any other ſeaſon, have again the honour of ap-
"pearing before the truly refpectable audience of
"London, I have the firmeft reliance I fhall be
"received with their wonted warmth of partiality.-
"To breathe a doubt of future indulgence would
"favour of affectation; and, even for a moment, to
be forgetful of the paft, would be the utmoft in-
gratitude in
19.
cr
"The moſt devoted fervant of the Public.
THOMAS KING."
« P. S. Called on as I have been, I could not,
"whatever might be my wish, with fafety to myfelf,
"withhold from the Public the foregoing particulars;
"but I beg leave to add a folemn declaration, that I
"do not mean, by any thing I have faid, to imply
that the gentleman who appeared for the Pro-
"prietors had any finifter views in keeping back
"either the article or memorandum alluded to..
"Hurry in other bufinefs might have prevented
65 finiſhing the former; and many remote,, un
D.3.
30
HISTORY OF THE
"toward circumſtances might have combined to
"render the execution of the latter (which muft of
"courfe have been complicated) more difficult than
"was at firft by either party fuppofed, I cannot
"take blame to myſelf in any one part of the tran-
"faction; yet I would much rather that to me
"fhould be imputed too rigid a caution, than to
"him an intentional impropriety. I have received.
"from him, which I am happy to acknowledge,,
"great and frequent perfonal civilities; and am now.
C as I believe I ever fhall be, one of his warmeft.
"well-wishers."
September 25, 1788.
THE DOCTOR AND THE APOTHECARY,.
a mufical Farce, taken from the German, by Mr-
COBB.
Very well received.
November 28.
THE PANNEL, a Farce, altered by Mr. KEMBLE,
from the Play of It's Well it's no Worfe.
Very well received. There is fo much bufineſs in
this farce, that it may be called a pantomime..
January 26, 1789.
THE IMPOSTORS, a Comedy, by Mr. CUM-
BERLAND. The first four acts were received
ENGLISH THEATRE.
31
1788.
with applaufe; the laſt was tedious. It was not
often played.
February 7, 1789.
CORIOLANUS, a Tragedy, altered from SHAK-
SPEARE and THOMSON.
The different parts, being blended with judgment,
rendered it a very pleaſing tragedy.
February 21.
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS, a Tragedy, by the
Honourable JOHN St. JOHN..
Some parts of this piece had a ludicrous effect, and
fome were tedious. It was however moſt
powerfully fupported the first night, but never
became a ſtock play.
March 10.
FALSE APPEARANCES, a Comedy, tranflated
from the French, by Gen. CONWAY.
This Comedy, which was well received, was firft
of all acted at Richmond Houfe, and the charac-
ters thus repreſented:
The Baron...
... The Earl of Derby,
Monf. De Foiles....Captain Merry,
Champagne .......Captain Howarth,
4
32
HISTORY OF THE
The Marquis.
..Lord Henry Fitzgerald,
The Counteſs--.. ..Mrs. Damer.
Celia..
Lifette
Lucile
Mifs Hamilton.
.. Mrs. Bruce.
Miſs Campbell.
It's private fuccefs induced the author to give it to
the public.
April 30, 1789.
A DESCRIPTION OF BRITISH LOYALTY
OR, A SQUEEZE AT ST. PAUL's, writ-
ten by Mr. COLMAN, jun. and ſpoken by Mr.
BANNISTER, jun. for his benefit, with ſucceſs.
May 1.
THE FARM HOUSE, a Farce, taken from JON-
SON'S Cuftom of the Manor, by Mr. KEMBLE.
Very well received.
May 19.
LAOCUDAINONOS; OR, A PEOPLE MADE
HAPPY, a Mafque for the Introduction of
Songs: Which the audience were very happy
to hear; and the people who fung them very
happy they were liked.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
33
Covent-Garden.
November 6, 1788.
THE HIGHLAND REEL, a mufical romance,
by Mr. O'KEEFE.
Well received.
November 28.
THE CHILD OF NATURE, a Comedy, in
four acts, from the French, by Mrs. INCH-
BALD.
Very well received.
The fubject of this play and the chief characters
may be found in WHITEHEAD's School for Lovers.
December 13.
THE PROPHET, an Opera, by Mr. BENTLEY.
Difapproved of.
This piece was about fix years in the Manager's
hands, before it appeared: It was reported that he
purchaſed it from the author, who had produced,
before, an unſucceſsful Comedy and Tragedy, viz..
The Wishes, and Philodemus. The Prophet was
reduced to an after-piece, and played a few nights.
1-
34
HISTORY OF THE
December 26, 1788.
ALADDIN; OR, THE WONDERFUL LAMP,
a Pantomime.
Very well received.
February 3, 1789.
THE TOY, a Comedy, by Mr. O'KEEFE.
The Prologue was very near damning the piece. It
was played ſeveral nights; and is ſuppoſed by
many to be the Cornedy left unfiniſhed by the
late Mr. PILON, called The Ward in Chancery
February 14.
HIDE AND SEEK, a mufical Farce.
Not played often.
February 17.
THE DEATH OF CAPT. COOKE, a ferious
Ballet from France.
Repreſented with great fuccefs. The first night of
this Ballet Mr. DELPINI was very much hurt.
March 21.
SUCH THINGS HAVE BEEN, a piece in one
act.
Not much approved of.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
35
1788.
!
This piece, faid to be written by Mr. RYDER, was
only an alteration from a Farce of two acts, by Mr.
JACKMAN, called The Man of Parts; or, A Trip
to London, which was performed ſeveral nights at the
Dublin Theatre.
April 4, 1789.
THE FARO TABLE, a Comedy.
This was
1
an alteration of Mrs. CENTLIVER'S
Gamefter, with the addition of fome new cha-
racters, particularly a pugilift, adapted to the
times.
It was not repeated.
April 14.
THE LITTLE HUNCHBACK; OR, A
FROLIC AT BAGDAB, a Farce, by Mr.
O'KEEFE.
J
Performed for Mr. QUICK's benefit, with fuccefs,
and repeated.
May 8.
THE SCHOOL FOR WIDOWS, a Comedy,
by Mr. CUMBERLAND.
This was the Country Attorney altered, but was as
unſucceſsful here as at the Haymarket.
36
HISTORY OF THE
May 15, 1789.
THE DRAMATIST, OR, STOP HIM WHO
CAN, a Comedy, by Mr. REYNolds.
This Play was acted for Mrs. WELLS's benefit, and
very much applauded. The Manager, it is
faid, had no opinion of the piece. Certainly it
is better on the ftage than in the cloſet.
May 22.
THE BRITISH SAILOR; OR, THE FOURTH
OF JUNE, a mufical interlude, for a benefit.
June 2.
PERSEVERANCE; OR, THE THIRD TIME
THE BEST, a mufical piece.
Kindly received. It was played for a benefit.
This piece was a vehicle for fome excellent mufic
by Sig. GIORDANI, which the compofer wifhed
to make uſe of, and was played in Dublin, but on the
above night the best part of the mufic was omitted.
June 8.
POLUSCENICON, a pantomimical felection.
Shewy and fplendid. For Mr. WILD's benefit.
June 12.
THE GIANT DEFEATED; OR, THE RE-
WARD OF VALOUR, a pantomimical
Romance for a benefit, and well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
37
This feaſon the great Neftor of the ſtage, Mr.
CHARLES MACKLIN, at the advanced age of
NINETY, attempted the character of Shylock, for
his own benefit, May 7, 1789: but in the middle of
his part, finding his memory* entirely gone, he was
obliged to come forward and apologize; requeſting
that Mr. RYDER might fupply his place. The
audience with true Britiſh fympathy accepted the
change. This veteran finding himſelf no longer
capable of performing, retired with regret, from the
ſtage; and about four years after, by the advice of
his friends, his two pieces, viz. THE MAN OF THE
WORLD, and LOVE-A-LA-MODE, Were under the
fuperintendence of Mr. MURPHY, first printed and
offered to the public by fubfcription; when the large
contributions of ſeveral diſtinguiſhed characters, the
LITERATI, ADMIRERS and PROFESSORS OF THE
DRAMA, &c. amounted to upwards of 1500l. which,
under the direction of Dr. BROOKLESBY, JOHN
PALMER, Efq. and Mr. LONGMAN, Truftees, was
laid out (agreeable to the propoſals) in purchaſing an
* Previous to this (Nov. 28, 1788), Mr. MACKLIN, in
his performance of Sir Pertinax Mac Sycophant, in his own play of
The Man of the World, loft his recollection in the fame manner; he
then addreffed the audience, and informed them, that unless he
found himſelf more capable, he fhould not again venture to tolicit
their attention.
VOL. II.
E
38
HISTORY OF THE
annuity of 2col. for Mr. MACKLIN, and of 751,
for his wife, in cafe the furvived him.
Mr. MACKLIN, though no longer a performer,
is ftill an occafional vifitor at the Theatre, but never
ftays for the farce; he generally fits near the Or-
cheftra in the Pit, and has been known in 1795, to
beſtow his applaufe upon one or more candidates for
Theatrical fame-applaufe which was loudly
echoed by his neighbours, who no doubt were fome-
times guided by his judgment.
The following is a lift of the feveral characters
performed by Mr. MACKLIN, in London, from the
year 1734.
1 Captain Strut,- ....DOUBLE GALLANT.
2 Sancho,---
3 Clincher, jun. -
4 Farmer,..
.LOVE MAKES A MAN,
CONSTANT COUPLE.
MERLIN; OR, THE DEVIL
AT STONEHEnge.
5 Thomas Appletree, ---RECRUITING OFFICER.
6 Poins,
7. Ramillie,.
8 Wormwood, - - .
9 Whisper,.
·
10 Petulant,.
11 Undertaker,
HENRY IV.
.MISER.
1735.
VIRGIN UNMASKED.
.BUSY BODY.
WAY OF THE WORLD.
THE PLOT; A PANTO-
MIME.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
39
12
13 Muftacho,.
14 Manly,.
15 Snip,
TEMPEST.
.CURE FOR A Scold.
.MERRY COBler.
TRICK FOR TRICK.
1736.
16.
CONNOISSEUR.
17 Drunken Colonel, - - - - . INTRIGUING CHAMBER-
18 Snap,-
19 Robin,
20 Lory,
2r 2d Grave Digger,
MAID.
.LOVE'S LAST SHIFT.
..CONTRIVANCES.
.RELAPSE.
HAMLET.
THE WHAT D'YE CALL
IT.
SQUIRE OF ALSATIA.
WIFE'S RELief.
22 Peter Nettle,.
·
23 Cheatley,
24 Young Cash,
25 Davy,
..Mock DOCTOR.
26 Beggar,..
..PHEBE.
27 Boor Servant,
.BURGO-MASTER
TRICKED.
28 Oftric,-
.HAMLET.
29 Francis,.
.HENRY IV.
30 Pierrot,.
31 Feffery,
-
.POOR PIERROT MAR-
RIED.
AMOROUS WIDOW.
40
HISTORY OF THE
32 Peachum,
1737.
BEGGAR'S OPERA.
WINDSOR.
33 Sir Hugh Evans,.-..MERRY WIVES OF
34 Finder,
-35 Sailor,
36 Captain Weazel,
37 Grig,
38 Razor,
39 Subtleman,.
40 Gibbet,
41 Count Baffet,
42 Feremy,
43 Abel,.
44 Setter..
45 Coupee,
46 Brafs,.
47 Poins,
48 Poet,.
49 Afino,
-
.DOUBLE GALLANT.
TEMPEST.
EURYDICE; OR, THE
DEVIL HENPECKED.
Beggar's Wedding.
.PROVOK'D WIFE.
TWIN RIVALS.
STRATAGEM.
PROVOKED HUSBAND.
.LOVE FOR LOVE.
.COMMITTEE.
.OLD
….Old Bachelor.
VIRGIN UNMmasked.
CONFEDERACY,
2d Part of HENRY IV.
MOTHER-IN-LAW.
UNIVERSAL PASSION.
50 Beau Mordecai, - . - - - HARLOT's Progress,
51 Lord Froth,
52 Face,...
53 Cutbeard,.
..DOUBLE DEALER.
-ALCHYMIST..
.SILENT WOMAN,
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
41
54 Quaint,
1738.
-ÆSOP.
55 Ferry Blackacre, .....PLAIN DEALER.
56 Pierrot,-
57 Bayes,
HARLEQUIN GRAND
VOLGI
COFFEE HOUSE.
58 Orange Woman, .....MAN OF MODE.
59 Lord Foppington,
60 Lord Foppington,
61 Scrub,
62 Man of Tafte,
63 Roxana,..
64 Tattle,
65 Citizen,
66 Butler,-
67 Teague,
68 Witch, -
69 Teague,.
70 Slouch,
71 Ben,..
CARELESS HUSBAND.
...RELAPSE.
STRATAGEM.
MAN OF TASTE.
RIVAL QUEENS.
-LOVE FOR LOVE.
- JULIUS CESAR.
.DRUMMER..
TWIN RIVALS.
.MACBETH.
.COMMITTEE.
..ROBIN GOOD FELLOW,
-LOVE FOR Love.
72 Sir Polydore Hogftye,. - ESOP.
73 Trappanti,
74 Foigard,.
75 Mad Welſhman,
76 Numps,
SHE WOULD AND SHE
WOULD NOT←·
STRATAGEM.
PILGRIM.
.TENDER HUSBAND..
E3
42
HISTORY OF THE
77 Morocco Servant, ....FALL OF PHAETON.
78 Squib,.
.TUNBRIDGE Walks.
1739.
79 Marplot,
80 Modelove,
8+ Clown,.
-
@
82 Don Choleric,- -
83 Clincher, fen..
84 Old Mirabel,
85 Mock Doctor,.
86 Tim Peafcod,
BUSY BODY.
BOLD STROKE FOR A
WIFE.
..HARLEQUIN SHIP-
WRECKED.
LOVE MAKES A MAN.
...CONSTANT COUPLE.
INCONSTANT.
..Mock DOCTOR.
WHAT D'YE CALL IT.
......PROVOKED HUSBAND.
LOVE'S LAST SHIFT.
87 John Moody,
88 Sir Novelty Fashion,
91 Clɔdpole,
·
89 Sir John Daw,
go Lord Lace,-
92 Sir William Belfond,..SQUIRE OF ALSATIA.
...SILENT WOMAN.
LOTTERY.
AMOROUS WIDOW.
93 Bullock,
94 Trincalo,
95 Mercury,
-
96 Bayes,
RECRUITING OFFICER..
TEMPEST.
HOSPITAL FOR FOOLS.
97 Fondlewife,
98 Drunken Man,
BRITONS STRIKE HOME..
1740.
OLD BACHELOR.
LETHE.
I
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
43
!
99 Mifer,
100 Tom,
101 Trim...
MISER.
..CONSCIOUS LOVERS.
..FUNERAL.
102 Sir John Linger, ....POLITE CONVERSATION
103 Sir Fafper Fidget,....COUNTRY WIFE.
104 Sir Francis Wronghead PROVOKED HUSBAND.
105 Toby Guzzle,
106 Higgin,
107 Petit Maitre,-
RURAL SPORTS.
ROYAL MERCHANT.
ENCHANTED GARDEN..
1741.
108 Malvolio,-
109. Shylock,-
Which was revived the
year. The 19th night of
Mr. MACKLIN's benefit.
lowing manner:
TWELFTH NIGHT.
MERCHANT OF VENICE;
14th of February in this
its performance was for
It was caft in the fol-
Antonio,-
Mr. Quin..
Baffanio,
Mr. Milward..
Gratiano,-
.Mr. Mills.
Shylock,
.Mr. Macklin.
Launcelot,
Mr. Chapman.
Gobbo,-
Mr. Johnſon.
Salanio,.
..Mr. Berry.
Morochius,
.Mr. Cafhell.
Lorenzo,
.Mr. Havard.
44
HISTORY OF THE
Prince of Arragon, Mr. Turbutt.
Duke,.
Mr. Winstone.
Tubal,
Mr. Tafwell.
Solarino,
.Mr. Ridout.
Portia,
Mrs. Clive.
Neriffa,
Felica,-
110 Macahon, . .
111 Old Woman,
112 Touchstone,
Mrs. Pritchard...
Mrs. Woodman...
.STROLLERS.-
RULE A WIFE AND
HAVE A WIFE.
AS YOU LIKE IT.
113. Dromio of Syracufe; ----COMEDY OF ERRORS.
114 Phyſician,.
115 Gomez,
-
REHEARSAL.
--SPANISH FRIAR.
1742..
116 Clown,.
117 Corvino, . .
118 Sir Paul Pliant,.
119 Queen Dollalolla,-
120 Rigdum Funnidos, ----
121 Zerobabel,
ALL'S WELL THAT´´
END'S WELL.
VOLPONE..
.DOUBLE DEALER.
TOM THUMB..
CHRONONHOTONTHƠ- ·
LOGOS.
MISS LUCY IN TOWN..
122 ft Grave Digger, .... HAMLET.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
45
123 Nol Bluff,..
124 Mr. Stedfaft,
125 Glofter,
126 lago,
127 Ghoſt,
128 Loveless,
B
Α
1743.
OLD BACHELOR.
WEDDING DAY.
1744.
JANE SHORE.
OTHELLO.
HAMLET.
...RELAPSE.
1745.
129
QUACKS.
1746.
130 Huntley,..
131 Sir John
132 Brazen,.
133 Stephano,
-
……..HENRY VII.
Brute,......PROVOKED WIFE.
B
134 Sir John Airey,
-
135 Sir Roger,
137 Capt. Cadwallader,
136 Storm, -
RECRUITING OFFICER.
TEMPEST.
..SHE GALLANTS,
SCORNFUL LADY.
.LYING LOVer.
...HUMOURS OF THE
ARMY.
138 Sir Gilbert Wrangle,.. REFUSAL.
1747.
139 Major Bramble,
FINE LADIES AIRS
140 Gripus,.
..AMPHITRYON.
46
HISTORY OF THE
141 Flaſh,
142 Strickland,
#43 Pandolfo,-
MISS IN HER TEENS.
SUSPICIOUS HUSBAND.
..ALBUMAZAR.
1748.
144 Sciolto,.
FAIR PENITENT,
145 Faddle,
146
147
148 Polonius,.
149 Vellum,..
.FOUNDLING.
..LOVERS MELANCHOLY
.WIDOW BEWITCHED.
1750.
ล
HAMLET.
.DRUMMER.
150 Don Manuel,
SHE WOULD AND SHE
·
WOULD NOT.
151 Sir Oliver Cockwood, ..SHE WOULD IF SHE
152 Mercutio,
COULD.
ROMEO AND JULIET.
1752.
153 Barnaby Brittle; .....Amorous WIDOW.
154 Lopez,-
FALSE FRIEND.
155 Sir Wilful Witwou'd,. Way of the World..
156 Lopez,
157 Fluellen,
1:58
T
.. MISTAKE.
HENRY V.
..COVENT GARDEN..
THEATRE
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
47
159 Buck,.
1753-
ENGLISHMAN IN PARIS.
1759.
160 Sir Archy Macfarcafm LOVE-A-LA-MODE.
161 Lord Bellville,......
1761.
MARRIED LIBERTINE.
1767.
162
IRISH FINE LADY,
1773.
163 Macbeth,
MACBETH.
177.5.
164 Richard III.........RICHARD III.
1781.
165 Sir Pertinax Mac Sycophant, MAN OF THE
WORLD.
Numerous as Mr. MACKLIN's characters are,
it is not to be doubted, but what they would have
been confiderably encreafed, had it not been for the
frequent interruptions which he experienced; his
enemies were powerful and malignant; he had to
encounter the prodigality of FLEETWOOD; the
apoftacy of GARRICK, when a performer, and his
jealouſy when a Manager. In 1753, he took leave
of the ftage and opened a Coffee Houſe, under the
ì
48
HISTORY OF THE
Piazzas of Covent-Garden, where he fet up an un-
ſucceſsful Debating Society called "The Britiſh In-
66
quifition." Whether he was prompted to this
retirement through any mal-treatment received, or
that he imagined his abilities were then decaying,
cannot be aſcertained; but the following Epilogue,
which he ſpoke on the occafion, feems to intimate
the latter.
64
POOR I, tofs'd up and down from ſhore to ſhore,
“Sick, wet, and weary, will to ſea no more;
"Yet, 'tis fome comfort, tho' I quit the trade,
"That this laſt voyage, with ſucceſs is made,
"The fhip full laden, and the freight all pay'd.
"Since then for reaſons I the ſtage give o'er,
"And for your fakes-write* tragedies no more:
"Some other ſchemes, of courſe, poſſeſs my brain,
"For he who once has eat,muſt eat again.
"And left this lank, this melancholy phiz,
"Should grow more lank, more diſmal than it is,
"A ſcheme I have in hand will make you ſtare;
"Tho' off the ſtage I ſtill muſt be the play'r.
"Still muft I follow the theatric plan,
"Exert my comic pow'rs, draw all I can,
"And to each gueſt appear a different man.
"I (like my liquors) muft each palate hit,
"Rake with the wild, be fober with the cit,
}
77
"Nay, fometimes act my leaſt becoming part, the wit.
* Mr. MACKLIN produced his Tragedy of King Henry VII.
in 1746.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1788.
49
With politicians I muſt nod-ſeem full-
"And act my beſt becoming part-the dull.
"My plan is this---man's form'd a focial creature,
"Requiring converfe by the laws of nature;
"And as the moon can raiſe the ſwelling flood,
"Or as the mind is influenc'd by the blood,
"So-do I make myfelf well underſtood?
“I'm puzzled faith—let us like Bayes agree it,
"You'll know my plot much better when you ſee it.
"But truce with jefting, let me now impart,
"The warm o'erflowings of a grateful heart;
1
"Come good, come bad, while life or mem'ry laſt,
"My mind fhall treaſure up your favours paſt;
"And might one added boon encreaſe the ſtore,
"With much lefs forrow fhould I quit this fhore:
"To mine, as you have been to me, prove kind,
"Protect the pledge my fondness leaves behind
"To you, her guardians, I refign my care,
"Let her with others your indulgence ſhare;
"Whate'er my fate; if this my wifh prevails,
"Twill glad the Father, tho' the Schemit fails."
That Mr. MACKLIN's re-appearance on the
ftage (which did not take place till about fix years
after) was expected no more by the public, is
evident from the feveral verfes which then appeared
in the Grays Inn Journal, &c. among which were
the following lines, addrelled
VOL. II.
F
50
HISTORY OF THE
To Mifs MACKLIN, on her Father and Mother's
હા
leaving the Stage.
SINCE fprightly wit, and humour you poffefs,
"Majeſtick carriage, and polite addreſs;
"Since you, as if by instinct, do inherit,
"Your father's genius, and your mother's fpirit;
"With leſs regret the loſs of them we bear,
"Who left fo rich a treafure in our care;
"While with paternal fondneſs running o'er,
"To our protection he refigns his ftore;
"Who but with inward forrow must repine;
"Who could refufe an offer fo divine?
"Thee to admire, encourage and reward,
"Let ev'ry gen'rous Briton have regard,
"To give that budding merit kindly heat,
"Which time with ſtealing hours fhall make compleat ;
"Then the rich produce we may hope to ſee,
"Of Oldfield's excellence reviv'd in thee.
"When in the graceful dance thy footsteps move,
Elegance bids each man of tafle approve.
"E'en things minute and trivial you adorn,
"And make that pleaſe, which elfe would meet our fcorn.
"Thrice happy MACKLIN, who can thus retire,
And like the Phoenix leave thy parent fire,
Which must as long as judgment rules the ball,
Give fpirit, life, and happineſs to all.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
51
Haymarket.
The Manager this feafon opened before the win-
ter theatres clofed.
May 18.
UT PICTURA POESIS; OR, THE ENRAGED
MUSICIAN, a mufical Entertainment, con-
fifting of Recitative and Songs, by the Mana-
ger.
This piece, which was taken from Hogarth's Print,
was much applauded.
May 25.
HALF AN HOUR AFTER SUPPER, a Piece
of one Act.
A new Actress (Mrs. TAYLOR) having appeared
in this piece, contributed much towards its fuo-
cefs. It is a fatire on Novel-reading, but very
inferior to Polly Honeycombe.
June 3.
AS IT SHOULD BE, a piece of one act.
This little Drama met with unufual applaufe; but
was laid afide, to make room for other perform-
ances, when the Actors from the winter thea-
tres joined this Houſe.
52
HISTORY OF THE
The character of LORD MEGRIM, which the criti-
cal Reviewers believed to be original, is fimilar
to one in the Pharos. The plot of the piece is
taken from No. 1, of the Bufy Body.
On the fifth night of the reprefentation, while Mr.
R. PALMER was reading the part of Lord Me-
grim, (Mr. ILIFF being ill)an alarm of fire oc-
cafioned a difagreeable tumult; the performers
affured the audience there was no danger, it
being the oppofite theatre (the Opera Houſe,
which was confumed) that was in flames.
The Ladies however ftill retained their appre
henfions, and all were eager to depart; happily
this anxiety produced no accident.
Fune 22.
THE SWOP, a Farce. Author unknown.
Damn'd in a very ſudden manner.
July 11.
THE FAMILY PARTY, a Farce.
Well received.
July 15.
THE MARRIED MAN, a Comedy in three A&ts,
taken from the French, by Mrs INCHBALD.
Well received.
4
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
53
July 31.
HOBBY HORSES, a Farce.
Played but once.
August 5.
THE FRIENDS; OR, BENEVOLENT PLAN-
TERS, a mufical prelude, by Mr. T. BEL
LAMY.
Well received, and played for two Benefits.
Auguſt 10.
THE COMET; OR, HOW TO COME AT
HER, a piece in three acts.
Well received. Played for a Benefit.
Auguft II.
THE BATTLE OF HEXHAM; OR, DAYS OF
OLD, a Play in three acts, with Songs, by Mr.
COLMAN, jun.
Very well received..
August 25
THIMBLE's FLIGHT FROM THE SHOP-
BOARD, a piece of one act, performed for a
Benefit.
Difapproved of on account of its perfonality, but re-
peated the enfuing ſeaſon.
F 3
54
HISTORY OF THE
Drury-Lane.
October 24. 1789.
THE FALSE FRIEND, a Comedy, altered from
VANBRUGH, by Mr. KEMBLE. Well received.
Noven ber 7.
MASCELLA, a Tragedy, by Mr. HAYLEY.
It was performed at this houſe without the Author's
confent, and got up in fuch hafte, to foreſtall its
repreſentation at the other houſe, that it was
not much liked.
November 13.
THE ISLE OF ST. MARGUERITE, an Opera,.
in two acts, by the Hon. Mr. ST. JOHN. Well
received.
This performance was originally defigned for a re-
preſentation of the affault and deſtruction of the
Baftile. The celebrated ftory of the iron maf-
que was alfo introduced; but for political rea-
fons the piece was refufed a licence, which to
obtain, it underwent much mutilation.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
55
November 24.
THE HAUNTED TOWER, a comic Opera by
Mr. COBB.
Well received.
December 22.
TRICK UPON TRICK, a Farce, taken from
BULLOCK's Play of the Woman's Revenge.
This piece fo often played at Fairs and in Barns,
would not do on the London Stage.
December 26.
HARLEQUIN's FROLICS; OR, THE POWER
OF WITCHCRAFT, a Pantomime.
Compiled from feveral others, and well received.
January 15, 1790.
THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, a
Comedy, altered from SHAKSPEARE.
It was altered by Mr. Victor in 1763.-Its prefent
revival met but a cool reception.
March 8.
LOVE IN MANY MASQUES, a Comedy,
This was an alteration from Mrs. BEHN'S Rover.
Well received.
About 30 years ago, this Comedy was performed at
Covent Garden. The Characters of Whit
more, Blunt, and Helena, by Mr. SMITH, Mr.
SHUTER and Mrs. WOFFINGTON.
56
HISTORY OF THE
March 18. 1790.
THE ADVENTURERS, a Farce, in two acts, by
Mr. MORRIS.
This promiſing production of a Youth at College
was very well received.
March 22.
THE SPOIL'D CHILD, a Farce.
It was brought out for Mrs. JORDAN's Benefit, but
meeting with an oppofition the ſecond night,
Mrs. JORDAN kindly adopted the child, where-
by the bantling was permitted to live; it is
however afcribed to Mr. FORD. Often played.
April 16.
NO SONG NO SUPPER, a comic piece in two
acts, by Mr. HOARE.
It was brought out for Mr. KELLY's benefit, and
met with fo much applaufe as to become a ſtock-
piece.
Eovent-Garden.
November 16. 1789,
MARCELLA, a Tragedy, by Mr. HAYLEY.
This play had a better reception here than at the
other Houſe, where it had the ſtart.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
57
1
December 5.
THE FORCE OF FASHION, a Comedy, afcri-
bed to Mr. MACKENZIE.
Very coldly received.
December 21.
HARLEQUIN's CHAPLET, a Pantomine, which
proved a very agreeable compilation.
Fanuary 29, 1790.
EUDORA, a Tragedy, by Mr. HAYLEY.
This was the firft dramatic piece the author intend
ed for the Stage; it was but coldly received.
March 8.
THE CZAR, a comic Opera by Mr. O'KEEFE,
This was performed for Mrs. BILLINGTON'S Bene-
fit, and afterwards for the Houſe; but very
coldly received.
April 14.
ARDEN OF FEVERSHAM, a 'Tragedy.
This was taken from an old Play published in 1599,
and altered by LILLO. Played but once for Mr.
HOLMAN'S Benefit.
April 29.
THE FEMALE ADVENTURER; OR, STOP
HER WHO CAN, a Comedy.
1
58
HISTORY OF THE
This was MOORE'S Gil Blas, with fome flight al-
terations, for Mrs. WELLS's benefit.
This Comedy, when firſt brought out, though fup-
ported by GARRICK, WOODWARD and PRIT-
CHARD, had no great fucceſs,
May 5, 1790.
THE WIDOW OF MALABAR, a Tragedy in
three acts, afcribed to Mifs STARKE, was per-
formed for Mifs BRUNTON's benefit with
fuccefs.
May 6.
THE CRUSADE, an hiftorical Romance, by Mr.
REYNOLDS.
This piece was written for the purpofe of introdu
cing fome ſcenery which had been painted for an un-
fuccefeful play. It did not add to the author's fame.
June 4.
NOOTKA SOUND; OR, BRITAIN PREPA-
RED, a pantomimic operatic Farce.
This Exhibition, which was got up in a great hurry,
answered the fpur of the occafion.
Towards the latter end of this Seafon Mr. QUICK
attempted the Character of Richard the Third, for
his benefit (April 9.) Many of our beft Comedians
have diſcovered an enthuſiaſtic propensity for put-
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
59
ting on the Bufkin; MOODY, EDWIN, MUNDEN,
&c. figured away in Tragedy, and Richard the Third
has had allurements for SHUTER, WESTON, KING,
DODD, &c. It was fuppofed Mr. QUICK intended
to burleſque the part, but he has too great a venera-
tion for the immortal bard, ever to deſign a SHAKS-
PEARE travestie. He did his beſt to ſupport the clamo
rous tyrant, though he had greater reafon to appre-
hend the lofs of his voice than when he thinks he has
loft it in the Highland Reel. His Vis comica is fo pecu-
liar and fo attached to his face and voice, that he muſt
never attempt an acquaintance with Melpomene; but
this one night's deviation is much more pardonable
than when a Bufkin'd Hero, who has no pretenfions
to the Sock, makes himſelf, but not his character, the
object of our mirth. The following Addrefs writ-
ten by Mr. MERRY, was ſpoken by Mr. RYDER, on
this occafion.
Enter (fpeaking at entrance).
WELL-get back to the Green Room, retire, do, with ſpeed
'Tis too late to repent of your own act and deed.
(Coming forward.)
Quite pale with ambition-of tragedy fick,
In plight the moſt doleful—I have left my friend Quick-
So afraid of his powers, and amaz'd at his plan,
I declare it has quite metamorphos'd the man.
He's grown of a fudden, as lank as a rabbit,
And in kingly attire looks afham'd of his habit;
60
HISTORY OF THE
1
Much doubting if he like old Blood of renown,
Shall efcape for his daring attack on the crown;
And though tied to his fabre with plumes on his creſt,
He'd relinquish his kingdom, fo he were undreſt.
He met me juſt now with tears in his eye,
And cried, "H-o-w do yo-u do, Ryder ? Oh! I'm ready to die!
This great part I've taken occafions my grief,
'Tis the Hunchback of Shakspear, not Johnny O'Keefe.
fo
I'm ſo overcome, and already ſo ſpent,
That I'm fure I fhall faint with my fright in the tent;
Or, if I ſhould longer have power to encroach,
When I call for a horfe, let 'em call me a coach.
Then take me home quietly, and put me to bed,
And fay, I've a fever-or fwear, that I'm dead!”
To this I replied, little Ifaac, you're mad,
King Dicky believe me you'll not act fo bad;
Your figure is grand-let me fee it-pray pafs,
Why, you're fierce as a bantam-cock! look in the glafs!
At this he grew grave; but I bade him be gay,
And truft, his beſt friends here-would favour the play;
That 'twas no great attack on Melpomene's right,
To put on her Bufkin for only one night.
But that, if for this effort, he now got a rub,
He'd ne'er foar hereafter 'bove Arthur or Scrub;
I then spoke of your fmiles, and his terrors were o'er,
Then forgive him this time, and he'll do fo no more.
His trial comes on, what a vaſt croud 't has excited,
For Shakspear's the man by whom he's indicted;
He owns he's affum'd many fhapes moft in vogue,
Has oft play'd the fool-very oft play'd the rogue.
But thefe you'll forget-for he claims as his right,
Alone to be tried for th'offence of to night;
He'll have from this court th'indulgence befit him,
If guilty, you'll find fo-if not, you'll acquit him.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
61
This theatre loft Mr. FEARON, who died Sept.
30, 1789; he was for many years a member of it, and
much reſpected both as an actor and a man: alfo
Mr. BOOTH, Comedian, July 7, 1789: and the fuc-
ceeding day Mr. BESFORD, property man, which
ftation he held for feveral years.
The celebrated ANN CATLEY, formerly a Mem-
ber of this Theatre, died the beginning of this
feafon, (Oct. 14, 1789) at General LASCELLES'S
Houſe, near Brentford, to whom it is faid, fhe was
married.
This lady was a ftriking example of what merit
can do, unaided by birth or intereft. She was born
in 1745, in an Alley near Tower Hill," of pa-
"rentage obfcure."-her father being a hackney
coachman, (afterwards the keeper of a public houſe
near Norwood) and her mother a waſherwoman.
Her extraordinary vocal abilities foon diſcovered
themſelves, for at the early age of ten years the fung
at Public Houſes in her father's neighbourhood, and
for the officers on duty in the Tower; her fituation
of courſe expoſed her to feduction,--but who that
confiders her then helpleſs condition of life, will not
curfe the feducer, and pity the feduced!
Her mufical talents foon fpread their own fame;
and one BATES, a Mufician, who lived in the West
VOL. II.
G
62
HISTORY OF THE
end of the town, entered into an article with her
father and took her apprentice; but BATES and
CATLEY could not agree, and the former, it is faid,
was once fo provoked as to threaten to turn her out
of doors, and fue her father for 200l. the penalty of
the bond executed when ſhe was bound.
Her first appearance was at Vauxhall, in the fum-
mer of 1762; and on the 8th of October in the fame
year, the appeared, for thè firft time on the ſtage, at
Covent-Garden, in the character of the Paftoral
Nymph, in Comus.
The fucceeding year fhe became the object of
public attention from a very remarkable circum-
ftance; Sir Francis Blake Delaval being fmitten
with her beauty, and understanding that the maſter
and fair apprentice could not agree, refolved on re-
leafing her entirely from the coercion of Mr. BATES,
and making her his miftrefs. Accordingly it was
agreed that Sir FRANCIS fhould pay BATES the
penalty of the father's bond, and alſo give him two
hundred pounds more in lieu of what ſhe might earn
for him, by the engagement he had made for her
with the Managers of Covent-Garden theatre, and
Marybone Gardens. For this purpoſe Mr. FRAINE,
an Attorney, was ordered to draw up a proper
transfer of her indentures from BATES to Sir
}
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
63
FRANCIS; and the and her mother were removed
into lodgings, where fhe lived publickly with Sir
FRANCIS, was attended by his fervants, and rode
out with him every day.
The Attorney having made the father a party to the
articles, waited on him to have his fignature and feal.
Mr. CATLEY lived at this time with the very refpect-
able Mr. BARCLAY, of Cheapfide, as private coach-
man, and having got poffeffion of the articles,
confulted his maſter on the nature of them. The
honest quaker, fhocked at the wickedness of trans-
ferring a girl, by legal procefs, for the purpoſe of pro-
flitution, adviſed with his lawyer, who laid a cafe
before counſel, and the enfuing term two motions
were made to the court, founded on thefe articles.
The firſt of theſe motions was for a habeas corpus,
directed to Sir FRANCIS BLAKE DELAVAL, to
bring the body of ANNE CATLEY into court. The
fecond was for a rule to fhew caufe why an informa-
tion ſhould not be granted againft Sir FRANCIS
BLAKE DELAVAL, BATES the mafter, and FRAINE
the Attorney, for a confpiracy to proftitute ANne
CATLEY, under the forms of law.
On the enfuing day our heroine, in confequence
of the habeas corpus, appeared in court, accompanied
by Sir FRANCIS, and was then difcharged out of
64
HISTORY OF THE
his cuftody; the affidavits for the profecutor were
read, and a day was fixed for caufe to be fhewn. On
the lady's releaſe, her father attempted to feize her
and carry her off by force. Sir FLETCHER NOR-
TON, counfel for Sir FRANCIS, immediately com-
plained to the court, and the violent conduct of the
father was very feverely reprimanded by the chief juſ-
tice, Earl Mansfield, who obferved, that though the
girl was not of legal age, fhe was at full years of dif-
cretion; and the queftion being put, whether the
would return with her father or Sir FRANCIS, fhe
declared her attachment to the latter, put her hand
under his arm, and making a curtfey to the Judges,
and another to the bar, walked with him out of
Weſtminſter Hall, to his carriage, which waited at
the gate, and carried them home.
On caufe being fhewn, the court were clearly of
opinion that the information fhould be granted.
Lord MANSFIELD obſerved that the court of King's
Bench was cuftos morum of the country, and had
authority, eſpecially where the offence was mixed
with confpiracy, to punish every thing contra bonış
mores. He called the premium given by Sir FRAN-
CIS to BATES premium proftitutionis, and cited the
cafe of Sir RICHARD SEDLEY in the reign of Char-
les II. to prove it.
The confequence of this information against Sir
FRANCIS, BATES, and FRAINE, was a trial, and all
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
65
the Defendants being found guilty by the Jury, were
feverally fined, the whole expence of which (with
the coſts to a very confiderable amount) fell upon
Sir FRANCIS.
After this ſhe fung at Marybone gardens, and be-
came a pupil of Mr. MACKLIN who procured her
an engagement at Dublin from Moffop, where ſhe
met with great fuccefs and brought crowded houſes.
Many anecdotes are related of her while on her vifit
to Dublin; the following are the moſt remarkable.
"
"A merchant, with a wife and family, having
་་
been fmitten by her charms, fent her a billet-doux
"requesting an appointment to fupper, and accom-
panied his requeſt with a large hamper of cham-
paigne. CATLEY returned the wine untouched,
"with a direction to the amorous trader's fpoufe,
encloſing his note under a cover. At ſupper the
" wife declared the had a longing for champaigne,
"and muſt have a glafs: the hufband, reprobated
"fuch extravagance: " but I will treat you my
"but
"dear," faid the wife, " you may fee I have re-
"ceived a prefent, on which the put CATLEY's note
"into his hands."-It is eaſy to conceive the do-
"meftic quarrel that enfued, and the perfon here al-
"luded to has for years back lived in London in the
"moft indigent circumſtances."
G 3
66
HISTORY OF THE
"When Dean Bailey was a principal fuperin-
"tendant to the public charities of Dublin, it was
"determined by the governors that a concert ſhould
"be performed for the benefit of the Lying-in-Hof-
"pital, whereupon the Dean took upon him to en-
"gage CATLEY as a finger, and wrote her a card
"requeſting fhe would give him a night-and men-
"tion when the fhould be difengaged. The anfwer
was, that Mifs CATLEY was ſpecially engaged for
" a week, but after that time, as the Dean was a
charitable man, fhe would give him a night gratis.
"Our heroine kept her word, to the great emolu-
"ment of the hofpital, and told the ftory which
produced a general laugh againſt the ecclefiaftic."
She paid another vifit to Dublin during RYDER'S
management; when her Juno, in the Golden Pippin,
was highly applauded; and her fong of " Push about
the Forum" univerfally encored. Perhaps the man-
ner of performing Burlettas there, where the Reci
tative is generally Spoken as Dialogue, afforded her a
greater opportunity of diſplaying that peculiar viva-
city, which fcorned all bounds, except thofe of de-
corum.
In 1770 fhe appeared again at Covent-Garden,
and continued to perform a ſtated number of nights,
for many fucceeding years, much to her own and the
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1789.
67
Manager's advantage. In 1773 fhe fung at the
oratorios at Covent-Garden, by which the added to
her fortune more than her fame, for her natural vi-
vacity was not well fuited to the folemnity of fuch
performances, and having to contend with the more
chaftifed deportment of Mr. SHERIDAN, at the
rival theatre. Being always attentive to oeco-
nomy, in a courſe of years the had amaffed a con-
fiderable fortune; and when her attraction failed,
ſhe was enabled to retire to independence. Her laſt
performance was in 1784.
Her goodneſs of heart and benignity of difpofition
appear in many charitable works, which would have
done honour to more high born Dames; her wander-
ings cannot be called errors, but misfortunes, the
common refult of a bad education. Though fhe came
into the world without reputation, fhe left it with a
good Character, a fufficient proof that all her levities
proceeded from inexperience, and not from natural
depravity.
Though ſhe was no Wit, fhe poffeffed a confidera-
ble ſhare of Humour, feveral bon mots, however, have
been made for her, ſuch as ſhe would have been
afhamed to utter, for good nature and decency were
infeparable Companions of her mirth. To the man
of her choice ſhe was faithful, loving,and fubmiffive,
though on the ſtage the best Juno that ever boxed
a Fupiter !
68
HISTORY OF THE
The following eulogium was paid to her memory,
in the public prints.
<
"She was the favourite of Thalia, the favourite of
the Town, and the favourite of Fortune.
"Her theatric reprefentations will be remembered
" as long as the fame exifts of the poets that pour-
trayed them. The difcuffion of her profeffional me-
"rit fhould be the fubject of a volume; we ſhall
"therefore only add, that her voice and manner were
"perhaps, never equalled in the fame ftyle. The
"heart of conviviality ftill vibrates with fong and
"joy at the recollection of Push about the Forum.
"Her perfon all but equalled her accompliſhments,
"and nearly to her death fhe was the center of at-
❝ traction.
Beauty is a captivating fyren; and to refift her
❝enchantments man muft poffefs fomething more, or
fomething leſs than the uſual portion of humanity.
"The allurements a theatric life holds out to lovely
"women, admits the fame obſervation, and juftifies
"the application with tenfold force. All that can
"be faid is, Alas, poor human nature!
She poffeffed many virtues, and the greateſt of
"all-humanity. Her generous hand often lighten-
"ed the heavy heart. Feelingly alive by nature to
"every impreffion of fenfibility, this amiable virtue
ENGLISH THEATRE.
69
1790.
accompanied her elevation to rank and riches; and
'joined others that adorn the firſt ſtations in fociety,
“and which alone make them refpectable. She was
"the good mother, the chafte wife, and accompliſh-
"ed woman.
66
Prudery certainly formed no part of her charac-
"ter; but where is the prude that ever owned half
"her merit! Her openness, goodneſs, knowledge,
"and generofity, added to her perſonal accompliſh-
"ments, rendered her an acquifition of which the
"worthieft might be proud. This morality of play-
"ers, like that of princes, is exempt from the pre-
"cifion of vulgar rules."
Haymarket.
The younger Mr. COLMAN now officiated as Ma-
nager in the place of his father, who laboured under
a fevere malady, which impaired his reaſon.
"And ah!-their good old pilot they had loft,
"Who at the helm ſo long had work'd-who knew
"And 'fcap'd each dang'rous fhoal and cheer'd his crew!"
June 26.
THE OCCASIONAL, ADDRESS.
TRY AGAIN, a Farce in two acts, afcribed to a
clergyman, and faid to be foametime in the ma
nager's hands.
Well received, but no ftock-piece.
70
HISTORY OF THE
July 16.
NEW SPAIN; OR, LOVE IN MEXICO, a co-
mic Opera, in three acts, afcribed to Mr.
SCHOEN.
Not liked, but performed nine nights.
August 6.
OPPOSITION, a piece in one act.
This was taken from Sir COURTLEY NICE, by Mr.
RYDER, as believed, it being for that gentle-
man's benefit.
This Play has been occafionally made uſe of at every
theatre. The preſent extract however, was of
too little moment to claim attention.
August 11.
MODERN BREAKFAST; OR, ALL ASLEEP
AT NOON, an Interlude, by Mr. SIDDONS,
jun.
This trifle was performed for Mrs. KEMBLE's be-
nefit, and repeated for the houſe without fuccefs.
The author of this piece performed the infant Son
of Ilabella in the Fatal Marriage,in 1782, when
Mrs. SIDDONS made her appearance at Drury-
lane, in the character of the Mother.
He was
but fifteen years of age, and a Scholar at the
ENGLISH THEATRE.
71
1799.
Charter Houfe, when he produced the above
little drama, which, though ill received, was a
moral piece, and very promifing.
Auguft 13.
TASTE AND FEELING, a dramatic caricature,
for the benefit of Mrs. BANNISTER.
Well received; but difapproved of the ſeaſon after,
when it was repeated.
Fuly 7,
LIBERTY; OR, TWO SIDES OF THE
WATER, a humourous addrefs, written by
Mr. COLMAN, jun. and ſpoken by Mr. BAN-
NISTER, jun.
September 4.
THE BASKET MAKER, a muſical Farce, in two
acts, by Mr. O'KEEFE.
This piece dragged exceedingly heavy to a patient
audience, who now and then regretted that a
good ſtory was fpoiled. Played but four nights.
This feafon Mr. EDWIN died (July 31): his lofs was
very great to the little theatre, as almoſt all O'KEEFE'S
parts were written for him. This comedian was
fo happy in outré characters that the author and
actor were of mutual fervice to each other. EDWIN
upported O'KEEFE-O'KEEFE fupported EDWIN.
72
HISTORY OF THE
Drury Lane.
November 17, 1790.
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, a Comedy,
by Mr. ANDREWS.
The audience appeared diffatisfied in the fourth act;
they refumed their patience and good hu-
mour towards the conclufion, and the piece was
played a few nights, but never became a popu-
lar play.
December 27.
THE FAIRY FAVOUR; OR, HARLEQUIN
ANIMATED, a Pantomime, partly new and
partly compiled. Well received.
Fanuary 1, 1791.
THE SIEGE OF BELGRADE, an Opera, by
Mr. COBB.
This piece was received without the leaft oppofi-
tion. It was altered after the firſt night, and
the character, which Mr. R. PALMER played,
omitted.
5
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1790.
73
May 3, 1791.
THE CAVE OF TROPHONIUS, a mufical
piece, by Mr. HOARE. Tolerably well re-
ceived; it was brought out for a benefit, re-
peated, but ſuddenly laid aſide.
March 22.
THE GREEK SLAVE; OR, SCHOOL FOR
COWARDS, a Comedy.
This was
an alteration from BEAUMONT and
FLETCHER'S Humorous Lieutenant; and being
performed for the benefit of Mrs. JORDAN,
who played Celia, (Mrs. WoFFINGTON'S
part) was afcribed to that lady.
May 10.
THE HUE AND CRY, a Farce, from the French,
by Mrs. INCHBALD.
Played for a benefit, and condemned.
May 18.
THE UNION; OR, ST. ANDREW's DAY.
A Divertiſement of dialogue, fong, dance, &c.
This after-piece, performed for a benefit, being de-
void of both plot and humour, was exceeding-
ly tedious.
VOL. II.
ADIEU OLD DRURY!!!
H
74
HISTORY OF THE
1790.
Covent-Garden.
The Day after the opening of this Houfe, died
Mr. DAVID Ross (Sept. 14) who was, when he
exerted himſelf, an actor of confiderable merit he
was interred in the paved department of St. James's
church-yard, in Piccadilly, on the 17th. A great
many of his friends were in the country, and the
funeral was very private.
Mr. Ross, was born in the year 1728. His
father was a lawyer in Scotland, who cruelly difin-
herited him for going upon the ftage, notwith-
ſtanding he retained the company and efteem of all his
Weftminſter School-fellows, where he was bred.
But the Scotch have been particularly averfe (in
many inſtances) both to dramatic writers, and per-
formers on the ſtage.
This gentleman came upon Covent-garden ſtage
about the year 1753; and having the advantages of
a good perfon and good education, he gave an earneſt
of thoſe talents, which afterwards raiſed him to at
leaſt the ſecond rank in tragedy, and genteel comedy.
He uninterruptedly enjoyed this fituation until about
the year 1778, when being left out of managerial en-
gagement, he never afterwards recovered it. For
ſometime after this period he was configned to fevere
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1790.
75
diſtreſs: and in this fituation, an ill-paid annuity
from a mortgage on the Edinburgh-Theatre, ferved
rather to tantalize than to relieve. His wants, how-
ever, unavoidably diſcloſing themſelves, he was one
day furpriſed by an encloſure of a 6ol. note; the en-
velope containing only a mention that it came from
an old fchool-fellow, and a direction to a banker,
where he was to receive the fame fum annually.
This, which he afterwards found his moft certain
proviſion, was continued for many years, and the
donor was ſtill unknown. The myſtery was at
length diſcovered, through an inadvertance of the
banker's clerk, and Mr. Ross, with infinite gratitude,
found his friend in Admiral Barrington. The acci-
dent of breaking his leg, in 1788, decided his thea-
trical fall, and he lived principally on the bounty of
his naval benefactor.
His indolence, or love of pleaſure, was a confi-
derable detriment to his abilities: he could be a lover
in genteel comedy, and in tragic characters of the
mixed faſhion could be very great-but he was,
in general, ſo MOODY, that the taſk of performing
ſeemed an abſolute drudgery. Thus far, he could fel-
dom be accuſed of Sameness, for though he might
pleaſe one evening in Richard the Third, perhaps an-
other night he would difguft in the very fame charac-
ter. The following original anecdote of Mr. Ross,
!
76
HISTORY OF THE
(which the reader may depend upon as a fact) fuf-
ficiently proves that even ſtudy was as painful to
him as were frequently his performances.
During his laft vifit in Dublin, he was preſented
with a tragedy by a gentleman then of Trinity-
College, and now an eminent Barrister in that city,
for his opinion. Mr. Ross approved highly of the
plot, characters, and fituations, but found great
fault with the length of the fpeeches, advifing the
author never to exceed ten lines, for the future, not
even for the fake of any metaphor, fimile, or def-
cription whatever; for long ſpeeches were not only
a great trouble to ftudy, but a cruel tax upon the
memory.
Previous to KELLY's publication of the fecond
part of Theſpis, viz. "Strictures on the principal
"performers belonging to Covent-Garden Thea-
"tre," The Theatrical part of the public, as
well as the performers themſelves, were not a little
anxious to know who he praifed, or who he abuſed.
In this ſtate of fufpenfe, and on the evening im-
mediately before its appearance, the publifher hap-
pened to drop in at the Queen's Arms, St. Paul's
Church-yard, where the book fellers, the wits, the
neighbouring tradeſmen, and others, ufed generally
to affemble. Upon his entrance the company one
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1790.
77
and all exclaimed, "Well, what fays Thefpis in
his fecond part?" "Why not fo fevere I
"think," fays the publiſher, as the first, except
"in the caſe of poor Ross, which I'm really forry
"for." "Aye, of Ross!" they replied, "what does
"he fay of Ross? do recollect." On this the pub-
lither pulled out a proof ſheet, which he happened
to have in his pocket and read as follows:
"ROSS, tho' of various requifites poffefs'd,
"To grow to force-to rush upon the breaft;
"Tho' with a perfon finely form'd to pleaſe,
"He boaſts each charm of elegance and eaſe,
"And joins a voice as mufically clear,
"As ever pour'd, perhaps, upon the ear;
"Yet oft, through monftrous negligence will frike e
"His warmest friends with pity or diſlike,
"And render doubtful, through a want of care,
"His very title to the name of player.
"Tho' well appris'd this conduct must offend,
"He owns his fault, but never ftrives to mend;
“Tho' the plain uſe of induſtry he fees,
"He hates a moment's treſpaſs on his eaſe,
"And lets mere chance conduct him ev'ry night,
"Convinc'd of wrong, yet negligent of right-
"Hence, who that hear him with a lifeless air,
"In Phocius talk of madneſs and deſpair,
"Or marks his odious vacancy of eye
"Ev'n on the ſpot where Aribert muſt die,
"Could e'er ſuppoſe the flabberer had an art
"At times to cling ſo cloſely round the hearts
H3
28
HISTORY OF THE
"Could think he play'd Horatio with a fire,
"That forc'd e'en flander loudly to admire;
"Or dream his actual excellence in Lear
"Could dim each eye-ball with the tendereft tear;"
This Philippic was fcarcely finifhed, when Rofs,
who fat in a niche by the fire-place, totally unob-
ferved by the publiſher, came forward, and looking
round at the company, who were rather filently auk-
ward upon this occafion, thus exclaimed:
"Why fits this fadress on your brows, my friends ?
"I ſhould have blushed if Cato's houfe had stood,
"Secure, and flouriſh'din a civil war.”
The calm propriety of this quotation, the digni-
fied and feeling manner with which Ross fpoke it,
fhot like electric fire around the room, and he had
in an inſtant the applaufes of the whole company-
The publiſher was the only perfon that remained
embarraſſed; but Ross, knowing his general
good-manners, foon relieved him, by laughing it
off as a joke, and begging him to think no more
about it.
October 4, 1790.
PROVOCATION, a Ballet Pantomime.
This was Nootka Sound, performed the preceding
ſeaſon, now improved, and amplified by Mr.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1790.
79
BYRNE, the original fabricator; and which re-
ceived additional applaufe. On the firſt night
of repreſentation, Mr. BYRNE in one of the
affaults between the Engliſh and Spaniards, re-
ceived fuch a violent wound in his right arm,
that he was obliged to wear it afterwards in a
fling.
November 4.
THE FUGITIVE, a mufical piece in two acts,
by Mr. O'KEEFE.
This was the author's unfuccefsful opera of the
Czar, compreffed, which, as a farce, dragged
on only four nights, and was obliged to be with-
drawn.
November 11.
THE GERMAN HOTEL, a Comedy, tranflated
from the German, by (as reported) Mr. MAR-
SHALL.
Well received.
November 23.
THE DIVERTISEMENT, an entertainment
in two parts.
The celebrity of Mr DIBDIN's fongs, induced the
Manager (as they were publiſhed) to contrive
82
HISTORY OF THE
Very well received. It was first performed for Mr.
LEWIS's benefit; afterwards for the houſe.
Several Critics think that Mr. O'KEEFE is not the
real author of this, and Modern Antiques: for
my part I cannot fee the leaft ground for.
fufpicion. The pleafantry and whim of
O'KEEFE may be traced in almoft every ſcene.
May 5, 1791.
THE DREAMER AWAKE; OR, THE PUGI-
LIST MATCHED, a Farce, by Mr. EYRE.
This was performed for two benefits, but indiffer-
ently received. The performers were very im-
perfect.
May 9.
NATIONAL PREJUDICE, a Comedy, by Mr.
SIMON, for a benefit.
The audience underſtanding this to be the firft pro-
duction of a young Hibernian, fat with exem-
plary patience, and commended whenever they
had an opportunity.
May 18.
PRIMROSE GREEN; OR, LOVE IN THE
COUNTRY, a muſical Piece, for a benefit. It
was not repeated, being diſapproved of.
・June 3⋅
THE COTTAGE MAID, Ditto, Ditto, Ditto.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1790.
83
June 6, 1791.
TIPPOO SAIB; OR, BRITISH VALOUR IN
INDIA, a ſtory told in action. Well received.
Eight Pieces were brought out this feaſon for Be-
nefits and only one at the other houſe.
This feafon, Mr. MUNDEN made his first ap-
pearance before a London audience: (Dec. 2, 1790)
This gentleman was engaged to fupply the place of
EDWIN, a taſk not only arduous, but alarming to
any young adventurer; for first impreffions are, in
general, fo ftrong, that notwithſtanding the con-
ceptions of another performer may be more juſt,
they will not meet with that approbation be-
ftowed upon the original. The juſtneſs of this re-
mark muſt appear from the partiality entertained by
each kingdom for the refpective performer of any
new character, particularly one of an eccentric na-
ture ;-Lingo for inftance in Dublin we find, they
were fo attached to their Lingo who performed it
as a grave pedantic pedagogue, that they could not
tolerate the character when played after the manner
of EDWIN vice verfâ-we proved an equal at-
tachment to the rodomontade humour of our fa-
vourite, by rejecting tir Lingo. To fupply the
place therefore of a favourite performer, is a ha-
:
:
84
HISTORY OF THE
zardous undertaking; for if the adventurer adopts a
ftile and manner of his own, he may then be
thought not to underſtand the character, being un-
like his predeceffor; and if he ſhould attempt the
other's ftile and manner, he may then be deemed a
vile imitator, a poor copier. Mr. MUNDEN, though he
did attempt one of Edwin's characters the firſt night
(Femmy Jumps in the entertainment of the Farmer,)
was wife enough not to make his FIRST APPEAR-
ANCE in one, having chofen the part of Sir Francis
Gripe in the play of the Bufy Body; and we muſt cer-
tainly own he was very fuccefsful in his undertaking,
not having fuffered by COMPARISON. This Gentle-
man however did not take altogether EDWIN's line of
buſineſs, but one of a more extenſive nature, repre-
fenting occafionally ferious and comic old men,
oftentimes with a rich ftile of colouring. His atten-
tion to Dress confiderably advances his merit: the
Actor is difguifed in the character: his Witch in
Macbeth furely coincides with the idea of the author,
by ſtriking the "mind's Eye" as a Being fuperna-
tural!
JOHN BEARD, Efq. formerly one of the proprie-
tors and acting manager of this theatre, a popular
finger, and celebrated actor, died February 5, 1791,
aged 75, at Hampton, where he refided fince his re-
I
ENGLISH THEATRE.
85
1790.
tirement from the ſtage. This Gentleman's firft
marriage is thus recorded on a handfome pyramidal
monument in Pancras church-yard:
"Sacred to the remains
"of Lady HENRIETTA BEARD,
"only daughter of James Earl of Waldegrave.
In the year 1734
She was married to Lord Edward Herbert,
"fecond son to the Marquis of Powis,
"by whom she had iffue one daughter,
Barbara, now Countess of Powis,
"On the 8th of January, 1738-9,
he became the wife of Mr. John Beard;
"who, during an happy union of 14 years,
tenderly loved her perſon, and admired her
❝ virtues;
"
who fincerely feels and laments his lofs;
"and muſt for ever revere
"her memory,
to which he confecratcs this monument.
"Ob. xxxi Maii, MDCCLIII, æt. xxxvi.
•
Requiefcat in pace."
ያ
By this lady's death, a jointure of 6eol. a year de-
volved to Earl Powis. Mr. BEARD'S fecond mar-
riage was with a daughter of Mr. RICH, who was
likewife patentee of this theatre, and by whofe death
Mr. BEARD found himfelf in affluent circumftances.
Mr. BEARD was bred up in the King's Chapel,
and was one of the fingers in the Duke of Chandos'
VOL. H.
I
86
HISTORY OF THE
Chapel at Cannons, where he performed in Eſther, an
Oratorio, compofed by Mr. HANDEL. He appeared
the first time on the ftage at Drury-lane, Auguft 30,
1737, in Sir John Loverule, in The Devil to Pay. On
his first marriage he quitted the ſtage for a few years;
he afterwards returned to Drury-lane, and in 1744
changed for Covent-Garden, where he remained un-
till 1748. In that year he engaged with Mr. GAR-
RICK, and continued with him until 1759; when on
his fecond marriage he was engaged at Covent-Gar-
den; and on the death of his father-in-law, Mr. RICH,
became manager of that theatre. His first appear-
ance there was on the roth of October 1759, in the
character of Macheath, which, aided by Miſs BRENT,
in Polly, ran 52 nights. In 1768 he retired from
the theatre, on account of the loſs of his hearing. He
left legacies to the amount of 3000l. 100l. to the
fund for decayed performers; and to Mr. HULL,
his intimate friend and acquaintance, 50l. to buy a
ring in memory of him-The following epitaph
to his memory is afcribed to Mr. HULL:
Satire be dumb! nor dream the fcenic art
Muſt ſpoil the morals, and corrupt the heart.
Here lies JOHN BEARD.
Confefs, with penſive pauſe,
His modefty was great as our applauſe.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
87
1790.
"Whence had that voice fuch magick to controul?
" 'Twas but the echo of a well-tun'd foul:
66
Through life his morals and his muſic ran
"In fymphony, and ſpoke the virtuous man.
"Go, gentle harmonist! our hopes approve,
"To meet, and hear thy facred fongs above;
"When taught by thee, the ftage of life well trod,
"We rife to raptures round the throne of God."
In 1767, Mr. BEARD having rejected a Comedy
of Dr. SHEBBEARE'S, occafioned the author to pub-
lifh the letters which paffed between him and the
manager on the fubject. In this Pamphlet it was
flated that “about 15 years ago (which must have been
about 1751) Dr. SHEBBEARE wrote a Comedy, and
afterwards revifing it, waited upon Mr. BEARD,
and offered it.
Mr. BEARD told him that he was engaged for the
next ſeaſon, but that in the following, if it was
found agreeable, he would willingly receive it.
Under this condition of its being acted, Dr.
SHEBBEARE fubmitted his manufcript play to the
manager, and waited till the beginning of September
1766, when the fecond feafon approached without
receiving any anfwer.
He then applied to Mr. BEARD by letter, in
which he told him, that after fo long a detention
and ſilence, he ſhould think himſelf guilty of injustice
88
HISTORY OF THE
to Mr. BEARD's good character by entertaining the
Imalleft thought that his comedy would not be played
the enfuing winter. To this letter which was direc-
ted to Mr. BEARD, at Hampton, he fent the follow-
ing anſwer.
"SIR,
Being but juſt returned to Hampton, from a
vifit in Buckinghamshire, I did not receive the
"favour of yours of the fecond inftant till laſt night,
"to which I am forry it is not in my power to fend
you an immediate fatisfactory answer. In ten days-
" or a fortnight, I fhall be in town, when you may
depend on feeing or hearing from,
46
1
"Sir, Yours, &c.
"J. BEARD."
Dr. SHEBBEARE conftrued Mr. BEARD's expref-
fion "it is not in my power to fend you an imme-
“diate futisfactory anſwer," into a promife of re-
ceiving his piece. But foon after, in confequence
of the preceding letter, he received the following:
« SIR,
"I am truly concerned that I am obliged to
"make the comedy you left in my hands accompany
"this letter: but the friends I am obliged to confult
"in affairs of this kind (as I am anfwerable to a
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1790.
89
"whole family for the good or ill fuccefs of the
"theatre) advife that it fhould not be performed.
"Their objections are, that the plot is too fimple,
❝ and the incidents far too few to gratify the general.
taſte, at preſent.-They add, that the improba-
46
(C
bility of fuch contrivances being carried on by a
"counterfeit nobleman, at fo public a place as Briſtol
"Wells, would render the performance very hazar-
“dous; and it would be greatly augmented by the
"many farcafins throughout the piece on trade and
nobility, ftrikingly nervous as the expreffions, and
naturally eafy as the other parts of the dialogue
66. are. If there has appeared too much delay in my
"conduct, I muft beg you to impute it, good Sir, to
"the diſagreeable reluctance with which I return
еб
46
any gentleman's work of genius, and particularly
44 one which comes under the fanction of a name
"ſo well known, and juſtly admired in the literary
"province, as yours. I am really much concerned-
Gr
to be reduced to it, and hope, in juftice, you will
"be fo kind to charge your diſappointment on the
er
care and duty I owe (as agent) to a whole family,
not on the choice or liking of
"Your most obedient humble fervant, '
"J. BEARD?
I 3
90
HISTORY OF THE
This anſwer not being fatisfactory to the doctor,
he told Mr. BEARD by letter, that after fo long a
detention of the comedy, he knew not whether he
was more furprifed at the apology, than at the
reafons for fending it back, and hinted that if he had
been prefent at the perufal of the piece, as agreed,
he would have obviated every objection of his friends.
But Mr. BEARD and his friends were of a different
opinion, and the Doctor received the following an-
fwer to his letter the day after it was written.
"SIR,
"The variety of affairs wherein I am concerned
**and embarraffed, will not afford leiſure to enter
"into a more critical examination of your comedy,.
66 or to ſupport a longer argumentation on particulars.
Submitting any ſingle opinion to thoſe of ſeveral
“able judges, and being by my fituation obliged to
«be biaffed by the will of others, much more than
*C
my own, I muſt beg your acceptance of this final.
"anfwer: The piece you have offered will by no
means anſwer our purpoſes, and therefore cannot.
be done.
"I again repeat my concern that I muſt return.
any gentleman's production on his hand, but I
cannot avoid it.
A
ENGLISH THEATRE.
91
1791.
¢་
If you are ſevere enough again to arraign my
delay, I repeat, that I am very forry for it; but it
"is a fate, which (through the great number of
" various performances offered to us, and the con-
"ftant urgency of bufinefs to take up my time)
"muft unavoidably attend many.
"Had I power to fend a more pleaſing anſwer to
believe me, it would be much more agreeable
you,
66 to,
Sir,
Your humble fervant,
J. BEARD."
This letter enraged the author, who entered into
a zealous defence of his own piece, and an angry ex-
poſtulation with the manager for rejecting it.
The remains of Mr. BEARD were depofited in
the vault of the church at Hampton, in Middleſex.
Fune 25, 1791.
Haymarket.
THE KENTISH BARONS, a Play, with fongs,
by the Hon. Major NORTH.
92
HISTORY OF THE
This piece was to have appeared the ſucceeding fea-
fon, but a death in the author's family prevented
it.
On the first night it was oppofed in the laſt act,
and interrupted. It was however repeated, and
its general, reception afterwards became fa-
vourable. The new Scenery was highly extol-
led in the newſpapers, though not one painted
for the occafion. Seldom played.
July 5, 1791.
NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOURS, a Comedy, in
three acts, by Mrs. INCHBALD.
Taken from two French pieces, and very well re-
ceived.
· July 30.
THE SURRENDER OF CALAIS, a Play, with
fongs, by Mr. COLMAN, jun.
Received with great applauſe.
August 13.
THE IRISHMAN IN SPAIN, a Farce, by Mr.
STUART.
This piece was firft announced under the title of
She would be a Duchefs; and its perſonal inten-
tion being anticipated, intereft prevented a
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1791.
93
licence, till the title was changed, and the piece
confiderably altered. What the farce had been
in point of merit, cannot be faid, but in its al-
tered ſtate, it was difmiffed by the audience with
great diſapprobation. And though re-altered,
curtailed, and reduced to one act, ftill it was
ill received.
Fuly 16.
THE NORTHERN INN; OR, THE GOOD
TIMES OF QUEEN BESS, a Farce, altered
by Mr. S. KEMBLE, from HEYWOOD's Fair
Maid of the Weft; or, a Girl worth Gold.
Some parts excited applaufe, and fome were difap-
proved of
Mr. RYDER, a Member of this Theatre and
Covent-Garden, whoſe firſt appearance in London
has been already obſerved, died at Sandy Mount,
Dublin, Nov. 26, 1791.
This gentleman was a Printer, and fuppofed to be
an Irishman, but he declared himſelf a native of
London. He began his theatrical career in Dublin,
at the theatre in Smock-alley, in December 1757,
then under the government of Mr. SHERIDAN. Mr.
BROWN having fucceeded Mr. SHERIDAN in 17592
94
HISTORY OF THE
►
retained Mr. RYDER, at a handfome falary; at this
time Mrs. ABINGTON was engaged, and Mr.
RYDER performed all the firft parts with her. He
commenced Manager after the death of Mr. Mos-
SOP in 1771: both thefe gentlemen held the reins
about the fame length of time. Mossor became
director in 1761, and RYDER finished his reign in
1782, and both equally experienced the viciffitudes
attending Irish managements during their ten years
reign. The latter was more fuccefsful at his entry,
being aided with an unexpected prize in the lottery.
The fortunate ticket was for feveral weeks lying
neglected, till at laft Mrs. RYDER meeting with it
accidentally at her toilet, reminded her huſband of
it, who made enquiry both to his furprize and fatis-
faction: the profufe difpofition, however, of Mrs.
RYDER, foon made her huſband a bankrupt, and he
was afterwards fo reduced, as to be incapable of
paying his performers their falaries. This naturally
occafioned green-room diſturbances; and one even-
ing, when a play was commanded by the Lord Lieu-
tenant, and Mr. RYDER had just recovered from a
fevere fit of illness, one of the performers (Mr.
CLINCH,) when the bell rung for the curtain to rife,
came on the ſtage and informed the audience that
the company, having received no money, could not
ENGLISH THEATRE.
95
1791.
perform that evening. His Excellency and fuite
departed; when, to add to the infult, the play
was then performed. Mr. RYDER, on being ac-
quainted with this fingular event, for he fill kept
his room, advertiſed his appearance on the ſtage, ill
as he was, to lay before the public, the whole cir-
cumftances. When he came out, his pallid coun-
tenance, fo moved the audience, that they cried out
for a chair for him.
Mr. RYDER then read feveral
papers, for he could not, he faid, truft to his
memory; when it appeared, that they who were the
moſt unkind, had the leaſt cauſe for complaint. On
this memorable night, Mr. DALY, the prefent
manager, of the Dublin Theatre, made his fecond
appearance in that kingdom, in the character of
Lord Townley. The play did not begin till almoſt
nine o'clock, and each performer, on his or her ap-
pearance, was received with either applaufe or dif-
approbation according to the manager's report.-
one of the performers indeed, (Mr. OWENSON)
wiſhed to have replied to Mr. RYDER, but was not
permitted. The poor Manager, after all this, endea-
voured to ſtruggle ſtill in the fervice of the public.
At this time he rented both the theatres, Smock-
alley and Crow-street, the latter of which he kept
open; but not being able to diſcharge ſome arrears,
96
HISTORY OF THE
of the former, he was perfuaded to give it up; when
Mr. DALY immediately got poffeffion of it, and
commenced an oppofition. RYDER exerted his beft
ſkill, and opened this feafon with COLMAN's pre-
lude of The Manager in Diſtreſs, a very applicable
title; his rival however was too powerful, and bank-
ruptcy enfued.
On his outfet as manager, he was more fortunate,
for when Fiſhamble-ſtreet theatre was open againſt
him, he got the better of a very ſpirited conteft; but
this was chiefly owing to a manoeuvre. Mr. SHERI-
DAN's favourite piece of the Duenna was got up at a
great expence, by his opponents, immediately after
its reprefentation in London:-Mr. RYDER em-
ployed fome confidential perfons to take down the
dialogue in fhort hand, and becoming thus mafter of
the words, advertiſed it under the title of The Gover-
nefs (including the Songs &c. of the Duenna, which
were publiſhed) and gavefreſh names to all the Drama-
tis perfona; the Jew Ifaac, which he performed
himself, was called Enoch. A profecution was na-
turally the refult of this, but Mr. RYDER, fucceeded
as defendant, it being the opinion of the Iriſh Judges
that any perſon may make memoranda of what-
ever is publicly exhibited, and for which he pays.
During Mr. RYDER's management_ the following
ENGLISH THEATRE.
97
1791.
Mr.
performers were engaged at different times.
and Mrs. BARRY, Mr. SHERIDAN, Mr. FOOTE,
and Mr. HENDERSON, (theſe had a ſhare of the pro-
fits) Mrs. ABINGTON, (fhe had £500. for twelve
nights) Mifs CATLEY, (fhe had 40 Guineas per
night) Mifs POPE, Mr. DODD, Mr. SMITH, Mr.
J. PALMER, Mrs. HARTLEY, Mr. Lewis, Mr. T,
AIKEN, Mr. Ross, Mr. REDDISH, Mr. and Mrs.
JACKSON, Mr. DEATH, Mr. WEWITZER, Mr.
O'KEEFE, Mr. DUBELLAMY, Mr. WEBSTER,
Mifs WEWITZER, &c. &c.
As an actor Mr. RYDER difplayed great verfatility
of genius, and could fuftain with credit almoft every
fituation of the drama; but low Comedy was his
forte; and this he himſelf liked leaft; he reprobated
the taſte of the times, and expreffed his greateft ap-
probation of fentimental pieces. When manager, he
brought out a Comedy, chiefly fentimental, called
The Benevolent Man, afterwards performed at Edin-
burgh, and no doubt would have been performed in
London, had the author (now an eminent Barrister
in Dublin) printed it. Mrs. JACKSON performed in
it, and by her means it found its way to the Edinburgh
boards. Mr. RYDER alfo brought out Mr. M'NAL-
LY's first dramatic production, called the Ruling
Paſſion, an Opera, alſo a farce, aſcribed to Mrs. SHE-
RIDAN, called the Ambiguous Lover, &c. Mr.
VOL. II.
K
!
98
HISTORY OF THE
O'KEEFE first tried his literary abilities at RYDER'S
theatre; his Agreeable Surprize he brought out under
the title of the Secret Enlarged, when it was DISAP-
PROVED OF! he intended alſo to have brought out the
Dead alive, for his benefit, under the title of Le bon
Vivant, or All in the Right, but the mufic was not
ready. Mr. RYDER, it is faid, had written a play,
but it was never produced: as he had frequently ex-
preffed a great wish to have the Vicar of Wakefield
dramatized, in all probability his fubject was taken
from that. Some addreffes were afcribed to him, and
he generally ſpoke "Bucks have at ye all" with ad-
ditions of his own. Several new performers he alſo
brought out. Mrs. JORDAN made her first appear-
ance upon any ſtage under his management. In the
General Magazine for 1790, we find a tranflation of
a Latin Elegy by Mifs. RYDER.
On Mr. RYDER's leaving Ireland, Mr. Mos-
Sop, the Pingo of that Kingdom, executed a die, from
which was ftruck a fufficient quantity of medals of
gold, filver, and copper, to ſupply a numerous Lift of
fubfcribers. This mark of reſpect was the more
flattering, as the artiſt was applied to, in the firſt in-
ſtance, by many of the firſt rank and faſhion, who
patronized the undertaking. After the fubfcribers
were fupplied, the die was deftroyed.
5
ENGLISH THEATRE.
1791.
99.
As a private Character, Mr. RYDER'S Memory
is juſtly entitled to eſteem: he was a tender father,
TOO indulgent an huſband,AND A FAITHFUL FRIEND.
His daughter he brought out on the ſtage a little be-
fore his death at the Haymarket, in Portia and Fef-
fica, Shylock by himſelf; but a father's agitation aba-
ted in a great meaſure the Jew's vindictiveneſs.
Mrs. RYDER did not long furvive her huſband.
100
HISTORY OF THE
Drury Lane Company.
REMOVED TO
THE NEW-BUILT OPERA HOUSE,
HAYMARKET.
1791.
In confequence of the re-building Drury-Lane
theatre, the Company, this feafon, performed at the
new-erected Opera Houſe, Haymarket, formerly the
King's theatre. The extraordinary Expences at-
tending the temporary removal of the Company to
this magnificent Houſe being eftimated at £11,000
for the feaſon, an addition was made to the prices
of admiffion; viz. to the Boxes and Pit, of One
Shilling the former, and Sixpence the latter: the
Houſe opened with
(September 22.)
POOR OLD DRURY, an occafional Prelude
by Mr. COBB.
The entrances to the Houfe not being afcertained,
a confufion occafioned much difguft among the
audience, who would not attend to the Prelude, and
called very violently for the manager. Mr. KEMBLE
appeared; he affured the Company that ever fince
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1791.
ΙΟΣ
he had had the honor of conducting any part of
their amuſements, it had been, as much as poffible,
his endeavour, and he deemed it at the fame time his
duty, to do every thing which he thought would af-
ford them fatisfaction: and when acquainted with the
cauſe of their prefent diffatisfaction, it ſhould be his
earneft endeavour to remove it: on this a paper was
conveyed to him from the pit, which fignified that
their diſapprobation refulted from the * delay of open-
ing the doors, and the inconvenience of the paffages:
which Mr. KEMBLE promifing fhould be remedied
on the next opening of the theatre, the Prelude was
ſuffered to proceed, but under fuch circumftances
had not as may be fuppofed, fair play; on its fecond
reprefentation it met with great applaufe.
January 18, 1792.
HUNIADES, a Tragedy, by Mifs Brand, who made
her first theatrical appearance in it.
It received much applaufe during its progrefs; but
its extreme length rendered it not fo acceptable
at the conclufion. It was afterwards repeated
under the title of AGMUNDA, with a new
Epilogue; being however deemed unfit for re-
prefentation it was quietly difmiffed.
* Some imagined it to be the advanced prices of admiffion to
the Boxes and Pit.
K 3
102
HISTORY OF THE
· March 17, 1792.
THE ALGERINE SLAVES, amuſical piece, by
Mr. COBB.
This was a compreffion of the author's Strangers at
Home. It was not well received.
March 19.
THE AMERICAN HEROINE; OR, INGRA-
TITUDE PUNISHED, a Pantomime, on the
ftory of Inkle and Yarico, repreſented for the
benefit of Mr. PALMER, and very ill received
April 12.
THE SWINDLERS, a Farce, written, as report-
ed, by Mr. BADDELEY, and performed for that
gentleman's benefit.
A middling reception. It was performed eight years
before on the fame occafion.
April 16.
THE VILLAGE COQUETTE, a Farce, taken
from the French, by Mr. SIMON, for Mrs.
JORDAN'S benefit, and indifferently received.
April 20.
THE FUGITIVE, a Comedy, by Mr. RICHARD-
SON.
Very well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1791.
103
May 23, 1792.
DIDO, QUEEN OF CARTHAGE, a ferious
Opera, from Metaſtafio, by Mr. HOARE.
This was performed only three nights, and then con-
figned to oblivion.
May 29.
THE DUPES OF FANCY; OR, EVERY MAN
HIS HOBBY, a Farce, in two acts, by Mr.
CAREY.
The length of this piece contributed much towards
its condemnation.
About the beginning of this ſeaſon (November 26,
1791) an Apology having been made for Mrs. JOR-
DAN, who was to have played that Evening in Ri-
chard Coeur de Lion, but pleaded indifpofition, Mrs.
CROUCH fupplied her place: ſeveral paragraphs
were inferted the enfuing week in the newſpapers,
intimating that the excufe was feigned, and that Mrs.
JORDAN betrayed a want of reſpect to the Public.
This occafioned the following letter from Mrs. JOR-
DAN addreffed to the feveral Editors.
"SIR,
Treasury Office, Nov. 30, 1791.
"I have fubmitted in filence to the unprovoked
and unmanly abufe which for fome time paft has
104
HISTORY OF THE
"been directed againſt me, becauſe it has related to
་་
"
་་
66
fubjects about which the public could not be inter-
"efted; but to an attack upon my conduct in my
profeffion, and the charge of want of refpect and
gratitude to the public, I think it my duty to reply.
Nothing can be more cruel and unfounded than the
"infinuation that I abfented myſelf from the Theatre
on Saturday laft from any other caufe than real ina-
"bility from illneſs to ſuſtain my part in the entertain-
"ment. I have ever been ready and proud to exert my-
felf to the utmost of my ftrength to fulfill my
"engagements with the theatre, and to manifeft my
reſpect for the audience; and no perfon can be more
"grateful for the indulgence and applaufe with which
"I have been conftantly honoured. I would not
"obtrude upon the public an allufion to any thing that
"does not relate to my profeffion, in which alone, I
"may without prefumption fay, I am accountable to
"them; but thus called on in the prefent inftance,
"there can be no impropriety in my anfwering thoſe
"who have fo ungenerouſly attacked me, that if they
"could drive me from that profeffion, they would
"take from me the only income I have or mean to
"poffefs; the whole earnings of which upon the paſt,
"and one half for the future, I have already fettled
cc
upon my children. Unjuftly and cruelly traduced as
"I have been upon this fubject, I truft that this fhort
ENGLISH THEATRE.
105
1791.
"declaration will not be deemed impertinent; and
"for the reft, I appeal with confidence to the juſtice
"and generoſity of the public.
"I am Sir, Your obedient fervant,
DOR. JORDAN."
This appeal not producing entire conviction, a
diſturbance took place when Mrs. JORDAN appear-
ed afterwards in Roxalana in the Sultan, (Dec. 10)
when the addreffed the Audience in the following
manner :
"Ladies and Gentlemen,
"I fhould conceive myſelf utterly unworthy of
"your favour, if the flighteſt mark of public difap-
“probation did not affect me very fenfibly.
"Since I have had the honour and the happineſs
to ſtrive here to pleaſe you, it has been my con-
“ſtant endeavour, my unremitting affiduity, to me-
"rit your approbation. I beg leave to affure you
upon my honour, that I have never abſented my-
"ſelf one minute from the duties of my profeffion,
"but from real indifpofition. Thus having inva-
"riably acted, I do confider my felf under the pub-
"lic protection."-
108
HISTORY OF THE
March 26, 1792.
THE MERMAID, a Farce, by Mr. ANDREW
FRANKLIN.
Performed for Mrs. POPE's benefit, and tolerably
well received.
April 17.
ZELMA; or THE WILL O'THE WISP, a
Dramatic Romance.
This piece (as reported) was literally tranflated from
the German, by a Mr. MEYRES, a miniature
painter, who put it into the hands of Mr. HAY-
LEY. This gentleman, on the deceafe of Mr.
MEYRES, improved the piece to the beſt of
his ability; and brought it out for the benefit
of Mr. MEYRESs's family, but as it was per-
formed only a few nights, it did not anſwer the
benevolent purpoſe.
April 18.
THE INTRIGUES OF A MORNING; OR,
AN HOUR IN PARIS, a Farce, of two acts,
by Mrs. PARSONS.
Performed for Mrs. MATTOCKS's benefit, but not
repeated.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1791.
109
April 21, 1792.
THE IRISHMAN IN LONDON; OR, THE
HAPPY AFRICAN, a Farce, in two acts.
Partly an alteration by Mr. MACREADY, for Mr.
JOHNSON'S benefit, and performed for ſeveral
fucceeding benefits, till at laſt the Manager ef-
pouſed it; and, notwithſtanding his right to all
benefit pieces, he liberally rewarded the author.
Mr. JOHNSON's inimitable performance of the
Iriſhman, rendered this Farce a ſtanding diſh.
May 10.
JUST IN TIME, an Opera, by Mr. HURL-
STONE.
Performed for Mr. MUNDEN's benefit, with ap-
plaufe, and afterwards repeated for the houſe.
with alterations.
May 15.
A CURE FOR A COXCOMB; OR, THE
BEAU BE-DEVIL'D, a dramatic piece.
Meerly calculated to ſerve a benefit by the introduc-
tion of fome of DIEDIN's and COLINS's fongs.
The beginning of this feafon (Sept. 21, 1791),
introduced Mr. FAWCET to Covent-Garden boards.
VOL. II.
L
1
Η ΙΟ
HISTORY OF THE
This young candidate made choice of one of
EDWIN's characters for his appearance, Caleb, in
He would be a Soldier, and proved a promifing fub-
ftitute for the departed actor. This gentleman is
not only in EDWIN's caft, and like EDWIN, a good
burletta finger, but by taking another ſtep, is likely
to become the BANNISTER of this theatre. His
humour being extravagant, ſuits well the caricatures
or rather non-defcripts of the whimfical O'KEEFE.
His Ferry Sneak and fuch like outré characters abound
in broad pleaſantry; in this line Mr. FAWCET is
certainly beft; but there is a rapidity both in his
dialogue and finging, which fhould be corrected.
He is one of thofe many performers who must be
feen often before his abilities are rated.
June 15.
Haymarket.
POOR OLD HAYMARKET; OR TWO SIDES
OF THE GUTTER, an occafional prelude,
by the young Manager.
This was a vehicle of complaint against the winter
Managers for encroaching on the fummer feas
ſon; alſo a ſatire on the building magnificent
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1792.
III
theatres. It was received with great applauſe,
but fomewhat fuddenly laid afide after a few
nights.
June 30.
YOUNG MEN AND OLD WOMEN, a Farce
in two acts, by Mrs. INCHBALD, taken from
the French.
It met with fome oppofition the firſt night, and was
performed only fix times.
Fuly 7.
ALL IN GOOD HUMOUR, a comic piece in one
act,
It met with an oppofition the first night, but was
well received afterwards.
July 25.
THE ENCHANTED WOOD a legendary tale,
of three acts, by Mr, FRANCES.
Well received, but only performed this ſeaſon.
August 9.
HAIL FELLOWS WELL MET. And
THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN.
Theſe two comic ſketches were performed for Mr.
WILSON's benefit, and indifferently received.
L3
I 12
HISTORY OF THE
August 23.
CROSS PARTNERS, a Comedy, by a Lady.
Well received, but only performed a few nights.
It was partly a tranflation from the French, on
which a piece called the Contract, was brought
out before at this theatre, and condemned.
September 6.
THE FAMILY COMPACT, a Farce, in two
acts, by Mr. ROSE, author of A quarter of an
hour before Dinner.
It was received with a mixture of applaufe and cen-
fure, but the latter predominated.
Mrs. BANNISTER, who had ever retained a moft
reſpectable character on the ftage, now took her
leave Sept. the 5th, on which occafion fhe ſpoke
the following farewell addrefs:
"PAINFUL the task for me, which muft enfue!
"My heart is grateful, yet tis aching too,
"While I ſtep forth to bid you all adieu!
"Full fixteen Summers now have roll'd away,
"Since on theſe boards I made
my firſt effay.
"Here firft your favour I afpir'd to court-
"Met my fond wifh-and kept it-YOUR SUPPORT!
Trembling I came-by partial favour cheer'd—
"My doubts difpers'd, and I no longer fear'd.
Approv'd by you I thought my trials paft-
"But my fevereſt trial comes at laſt!
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1792.
113
"Farewell my beſt protectors, patrons, friends l
"To-night my labour in your fervice ends.
"And oh! if faintly now the voice reveals
"Thoſe ſtruggling movements which the bofom feels,
"Let the big drops, that gliften in my eyes,
re
Exprefs that fcene the fault'ring tongue denies,
"As oft retir'd, unruffled, and ferene,
"I ponder o'er the past and bufy fccne-
"So oft ſhall memory pay the tribute due,
"Warm from the heart to gratitude and you."
Mrs. BANNISTER, having concluded amidst the
hearty applaufe of a crowded houfe, was after-
wards handed off the ftage by her huſband; whoſe
feelings on the occafion were equally expreffive.
114
HISTORY OF THE
Drury-Lane Company
AT THE
OPERA-HOUSE, HAYMARKET.
October 18.
THE PRISONER, a mufical romance, in three
acts.
Taken from a German novel. Well received.
November 21.
THE PIRATES, a Comic Opera, by Mr. CовB.
This piece, through the means of ſcenery and
muſic, was much applauded.
February 25, 1793.
ANNA, a Comedy.
Aſcribed to Mifs CUTHBERTSON; and brought
out under the aufpices of Mrs. JORDAN, who
was thougt o have fome fhare in the com-
pofition. Mr. KEMBLE predicted the fate of
this piece; but the reprefentation of it being
ftill urged, it was accordingly performed, and
condemned.
1
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1792.
115
March 7, 1793.
OSMYN AND DARAXA, a muſical piece, in
two acts.
Afcribed to Mr. BoADEN. Well received.
March II.
THE PRIZE; or, 2, 5, 3, 8, a mufical piece, by
Mr. HOARE.
Very well received. It was performed for the bene-
fit of Signora STORACE, and afterwards for
the Houſe.
March 18.
THE RIVAL SISTERS, a Tragedy, by Mr.
MURPHY, publiſhed fome years ago in his
works, but now for the first time performed for
Mrs Siddons's benefit.
Well received,
April 3.
FALSE COLOURS, a Comedy, by Mr. MORRIS,
author of the Adventurers. Well received.
May 7.
FORTUNE's WHEEL, a muſical entertainment,
for the benefit of Mr. BANNISTER.
Indifferently received.
116
HISTORY OF THE
May 10, 1793.
THE MARINERS, a muſical entertainment, of
two acts.
鏤
​Performed for a benefit. Well received, and repeat-
ed for the houſe.
May 22.
THE FEMALE DUELLIST, a Farce.
Performed for a benefit, and indifferently received..
Covent-Garden.
1792.
Mr. Harris having expended £25,000 on this
place, by an entire alteration of the interior parts,
and an addition to the exterior, rendered it a NEW
theatre; a title which it alſo affumed when Mr. KING
was first deputy manager of Drury-lane, fo that the
Manager's liberality and attention will never,it feems,
permit Covent-Garden to be an old Houfe. At
preſent the grandeur of the decorations, the im-
proved and commodious plan which is throughout
adopted, and its elegant appearance, well deferve the
appellation of a magnificent Houſe.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
117
1792.
The Amphitheatre is entirely new, and contains
three rows (or, as they are now called, circles) of
boxes, and a gallery furrounding the whole. The
form is that of a truncated Ellipse, or an egg flat-
tened at one end, the effect of which upon the ſtage,
and the found (not always to be determined by
rules,) is certainly good. The front of the ſtage ad-
vances fomething more than the old one into the Pit,
and is in a ſtraight line: the feats in the Pit are
parallel to the Orchestra: The Orcheſtra is very
roomy and more commodious than the old one,
having a place for an organ, and the floor laid on
an arch ſo contrived as very much to affift the general
found. At each end of the Orchestra, the Pit is
continued under the fide Boxes.
The first circle of Boxes is, by a new contrivance,
continued round the houfe. The Boxes are fepa-
rated from each other by partitions which are low in
front, rife behind, and are placed in a new and
commodious direction. They are lined and ceiled
with wainſcot, and are not papered for the advan-
tage of found. They are coloured red, as fuiting
beft the audience. Their fronts project in a manner
very accommodating to thoſe who fit in the front
rows; the ceilings are neatly painted. The new
contrivance mentioned feparates the first row of
the front Boxes from the back rows, by partitions,
118
HISTORY OF THE
and a paffage of communication; yet the back
rows look over them, and are as good places for fee-
ing and hearing as any in the Houſe, though not ſo
good for being feen.
The ſecond and third circles of Boxes are con-
tinued round the Theatre, and differ from thoſe be-
low only in reſpect of their height.
The gallery crowns the whole, and is continued.
round the Theatre. The feats are confiderably ele-
vated. fo as to give a complete uninterrupted view
of the ftage. Its decorations have been fufficiently
attended to; it is neat, airy, and lofty, and has a
proper degree of elegance. The ceiling is painted
as a fky, the opening to which is furrounded by a
balluftrade fupported by enriched frames, which
have their bearings on the walls and on the Prof-
cenium. The Profcenium is compofed of pilafters
and columns of the corinthian order, fully enriched,
having between them the ftage doors, over which are
the balcony boxes. In the entablature to the order
is introduced the old motto, "Veluti in Speculum;”
and over the entablature is a cove enriched with an-
tique foliage on each fide of the royal arms. The
foffit of the entablature forms the founding board to
the profcenium, and the cove is calculated to throw
the voice forwards.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
119
1792.
There are no columns or viſible fupporters to the
Boxes, it being juftly imagined, that they inter-
cepted the fight, yet to the people in the pit, thofe
rows of boxes full of company, and having no ap-
parent fupport, are apt to give an unpleaſant ſenſa-
tion.
The decorations are of white and gold, forming
compartments, in each of which is a painting of
gold colours on a pearl ground round every circle of
boxes; and to the gallery, are very ſpacious corredors,
acceffible by roomy ftaircafes.
In Hart-ftreet, a very large building has been
erected for the ſcene painters, fcene rooms, green-
room, dreffing rooms, &c. Through this building
is a private fuitable entrance for the Royal Family
to the ſtate box. The ſtage door and Box-office are
alfo in an additional building in Hart-ſtreet.
1
The whole of the avenues to the Theatre have
been much altered and improved. The principal
and new entrance is in Bow-ftreet, under an antique
Doric Portico, leading through a large and ſpacious
faloon, handfomely fitted up and warmed by ftoves,
to the lower circle of boxes, and to a double ftaircafe.
that leads to the upper circles.
120
HISTORY OF THE
In Bow-ftreet the old way to the Pit and Gallery
is preferved. From the Piazza in Covent-Garden,
the old Box entrance is alſo retained, leading by the
front Boxes round the Houfe, and to the old coffee-
room, which is likewife preferved. It leads alfo by
a new and roomy ftaircafe to all the circles of the
Boxes.
A new entrance was made to the Pit, and a new
double ſtaircaſe up to the Gallery. The piazza to
Hart-ftreet no longer continues a thoroughfare.
Great attention is paid to convenience, and fecurity
from fire.
Previous to the opening of this new theatre, feveral
ill-natured paragraphs and effays appeared in the diur-
nal prints, to prevent, if poffible, the advanced prices
on the Boxes and Pit. It was afked in one Paper
what plea had Mr. HARRIS for raifing his prices?
"He has not removed a Company like Sheridan."
But the vast expence which Mr. HARRIS was at in
furniſhing the Public with fuch an elegant place of
entertainment, being properly confidered, fpite of
the difcontented few, it was admitted by many that
he had an equal right.
Several new regulations were alfo agreed upon
this feafon, particularly the non-admiffion of Orders
after the first Act, whereby the Manager very judi-
5
ENGLISH
121
THEATRE. 1792.
ciouſly rendered what was intended to ferve friends
the very inftrument of ferving himself, by making a
good appearance in the houſe at an early hour. Indeed
Orders had been hitherto attended with much in-
convenience, eſpecially when all the performers were
at liberty to write them, for though limited to a num-
ber, they often exceeded that for fear of giving of-
fence: yet, on the introduction of Bones there was
great murmuring, as none under the falary of fix
Pounds were allowed any: this, though it reduced
the number of Orders confiderably, prevented many
a poor Performer from making his benefit: Thofe
who had fix Pounds and upwards were allowed fo
many according to their falary. Notwithſtanding
thefe bones occafioned fome uneafinefs, they gave
rife to many humourous remarks and witticifms.
On their being first propofed a poor performer ex-
claimed "what nothing but BONES,-flesh nor
blood can't bear this!"-It was alfo, among other
intentions, to exclude upper-Gallery vifitors, as it
feems there were fo many Momus's among the Gods,
that the poor mortals in the pit were often terrified
at their Jokes of throwing down Bottles, &c. but
the Deities, infifting on their right, as hereafter
fhewn, were immediately accommodated with a new
Sky,
VOL. II.
M
I22
HISTORY OF THE
•
September 17, 1792.
The Houſe opened with AN OCCASIONAL
PRELUDE, by Mr. CUMBERLAND.
A violent contention between foes and friends pre-
vented the prelude from being heard. Some cried for
a fhilling gallery, others no rife of prices! and feveral
written papers were handed from the pit to Mr. LEWIS,
who accepted theſe notes of hand, though they did not
pafs current among the houfe. The comedy of the
·Road to Ruin was attempted, and two acts being
performed in a pantomimical manner, Mr. LEWIS
came forward and thus addreffed the audience.
"Ladies and Gentlemen:
I
"Let me entreat to be heard for one moment.
"am authoriſed to addrefs you from the Proprietor
"of the Theatre, He has too great an opinion of
CI
your liberality—he knows you will not fuffer ruin
to attend his endeavours for your accommodation.
"In regard to a one-ſhilling gallery, I am authoriſed
"to ſay, that as foon as the Architect can carry it into
"execution you shall have it."
A mixture of huzzas and hiffes attended this
Speech; and the remainder of the comedy was hur-
ried over.
Mr. LEWIS then came forward again,
ENGLISH THEATRE.
123
1792.
and having made his bow, and obtained an audit,
thus addreſſed the audience:
66
"I once more beg leave to affure you of the
Manager's ardent wishes to comply with your
"commands. I have already had the honor to
"affure you that a gallery fhall be erected."
66
"I have farther moft folemnly to affure you, that in
any thing fhort of total ruin the Manager would
"be happy to accord with your wishes, but ſhort of
66
advanced prices it is impoffible to open this Theatre."
The farce of the Irishman in London was next at-
tempted, but the uproar continued till the curtain
dropped.
A fmall diſturbance took place on the fecond
night's repreſentation, but this was foon fuppreffed,
and all oppofition terminating the third night, the
additional prices of the boxes and pit were admitted;
and notice being given by advertiſements, a fhilling
gallery was opened Oct. 1.
The prelude was withdrawn after the fecond night.
November 3.
HARTFORD BRIDGE; OR, THE SKIRTS
OF THE CAMP, a mufical piece, of two
acts, by Mr. PEARCE,
Well received.
124
HISTORY OF THE
December 1.
COLUMBUS;
OR, THE WORLD DIS.
COVERED, an hiftorical play, by Mr. MOR-
TON and others.
Very well received.
Mr. THELWALL, the political Lecturer, com-
plains that this piece was stolen from one which he
had prefented to the manager, previous to the repre-
fentation of the above. That two author's may
hit upon one fubject, and frequently introduce the
fume ideas, is a well-known truth.
December 20.
HARLEQUIN's MUSEUM; or, MOTHER
SHIPTON TRIUMPHANT, a panto-
mimical compilation.
Well received.
Fanuary 29, 1793.
་
EVERY ONE HAS HIS FAULT, a Comedy,
by Mrs. INCHBALD. Very well received.
This Comedy is a proof, that whenever writers,
eſpecially dramatists, find favour from the public,
ENGLISH THEATRE.
125
1792.
the shafts of envy and malice are immediately levelled
at their works; all exertions used to diminish the:
laurels of merit; and errors difcovered and multi-
plied, to balance, or if poffible to weigh down thofe
beauties to which candour and impartiality muft lean.
Thus, Mrs. INCHBALD, who endeavoured to prove.
that Every One has his Fault, was charged with faults
of her own, but faults which fhe difclaimed in her
following ſelf-vindication (wherein the readers will
fee the accufations) addreffed
To the PRINTER of the DIARY.
1. SIR,
AFTER the moſt laborious efforts to produce a
Dramatic work, deferving the approbation of the
"town, after experiencing the moft painful anxiety
"till that approbation was fecured; a malicious falfe--
"hood, aimed to deſtroy every advantage arifing
from my induſtry, has been circulated in a Print-
called The True Briton; in which I am accufed
"of conveying feditious fentiments to the Public.
"This charge I confidered of little importance,
"while an impartial audience were, every evening, to
judge of its truth ;-but my accufer having, in this-
day's paper, taken a different mode of perfecution,-
ſaying I have expunged thoſe ſentences which were
66
M. 3
1-26
HISTORY OF THE
·
"of dangerous tendency, the play can, now, no long-
"C er be its own evidence. I am therefore compelled
"to declare, in contradiction to this affertion, that
"not one line, or one word has been altered or omit-
"ted fince the first night of repreſentation.
e
"As a further proof of the injuftice with which I
have been treated, had I been fo unfortunate in my
"principles, or blind to my own intereft, as to hav
"written any thing of the nature of which I am ac-
"cuſed, I most certainly fhould not have preſented
"it for reception to the Manager of Covent-Garden
Theatre.
E. INCHBALD.
Leicester-Square, Feb. 1, 1793.
That there were fome who found no fault with the
play is evident from the following compliment which
was paid the author, in another Print.
"Each has his fault" you boldly fay,.
Nay, prove the maxim true;
And yet, fo perfect is the Play,
We can't find fault with you.
February 25,
THE MIDNIGHT WANDERERS, a mufioal
piece, by Mr. PEARCE.
Well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE.. 1792.
727
March 11, 1793.
THE GOVERNOR; OR, CREOLIAN IN-
SURRECTION,, a Pantomime Ballet, con-
trived by Mr. BYRNE, and well received.
March 23.
THE RELIEF OF WILLIAMSTADT; or,
RETURN FROM VICTORY, an Inter-
lude.
Well received..
April 4:
THE ARMOURER, an Opera, by Mr. Cum-
BERLAND.
Indifferently received.
April 18.
:
HOW TO GROW RICH, a Comedy, by Mr-
REYNOLDS.
Very well received.
April 25.
MONEY AT A PINCH; OR, THE IRISH-
MAN'S FROLICS, a muſical Entertainment,
by Mr. ROBSON.
Indifferently received.
4
1.28
HISTORY OF THE
May 3.
}
TO ARMS; OR, THE BRITISH RECRUIT,
an Interlude, by Mr. HURLSTONE.
Well received,
May II.
SPRIGS OF LAUREL, a mufical piece, in two
acts, by Mr. O'KEEFE.
A tolerable reception.
May 27.
THE PAD, an occafional piece of one act.
Well received, and played afterwards at COLMAN'S
theatre a few nights. It was brought out for a
benefit, and at the fame time,
THE SHIPWRECK; OR, FRENCH INGRA-
TITUDE, a Pantomime Ballet.
Well received.
Haymarket.
Mr. JAMES WRIGHTEN, who was many years
prompter to this theatre and Drury-lane, died at his
lodgings in Iflington, April 3, 1793. He was
ENGLISH THEATRE.
129
1793.
fucceeded by Mr. PowEL at Drury-lane, and Mr.
WALDRON at the Haymarket; Mr. WRIGHTEN
was originally bred a copper-plate printer; but his
paffion for theatrical performances early induced
him to quit that employment, and indulge his pro-
penfity by engaging and performing with fome
refpectable provincial companies, in one of which he
became acquainted with Mifs MATTHEWS, after-
wards a pupil to Mr. GRIFFITHS, whom he mar-
ried, and who long maintained a diſtinguiſhed rank,
as a vocal performer, at the theatres-royal and Vaux-
hall, till fhe bafely eloped a few years ago, from him.
and her three daughters. She is now performing
with much celebrity, in the theatres of North
America. In confideration of his profeffional merit
and abilities, the proprietors of Drury-lane theatre,
and Mr. COLMAN, gave a night at each of their
theatres for the benefit of his orphan children.
June 29.
THE LONDON HERMIT; OR, RAMBLES
IN DORSETSHIRE, a piece in three acts,
by Mr. O'KEEFE, which, being pointed, met
with ſome applauſe, but on account of the ex-
treme heat of the weather, was of very little ad-
vantage to the author.
130
HISTORY OF THE
August 3.
THE MOUNTAINEERS, a play, with fongs, in
three acts, by Mr. COLMAN, Jun.
Very well received. This piece is an union of two
ftories by CERVANTES; and Mr. KEMBLE of
Drury-lane having performed in it, contributed
much towards its fuccefs.
Auguft 12.
CAERNARVON CASTLE; OR, THE BIRTH
OF THE PRINCE OF WALES, a mufical
entertainment of two acts, by Mr. Rose.
This complimentary production, met with tem-
porary fuccefs.
Mr. COLMAN, jun. having made arrange
ments with the Proprietors of Drury-lane patent,
who could not finish their new houfe in time for the
cuſtomary commencement of the feafon, nor occupy
as before, the Opera Houfe, which now became again
the King's Theatre, the Pantheon, where the Opera
had for a time been performed being confumed by fire,
1
the theatre-royal, Haymarket, opened September
the 19th, under the fanction of Drury-lane autho-
rity, in order that the public might not be deprived
of the option of theatrical entertainment, deriveable
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
131
from having a ſecond play-houſe to reſort to, during
the winter months.
October I.
THE CHILDREN IN THE WOOD, a mufical
piece of two acts, by Mr. MORTON,
Founded on the old ballad of the Babes in the Wood,
and received with great applaufe. It was a
long time before the children's FATHER Was
difcovered.
November 5.
GUY FAWKES; OR,
THE FIFTH OF
NOVEMBER, a dramatic ſketch.
Well received, but not repeated.
November 23.
WIVES IN PLENTY; OR, THE MORE
THE MERRIER, a Comedy in three acts,
with fongs.
This was an alteration from MOLLOY'S Unfuccefsful
play of the Coquette; and very much difappro-
ved of.
December 3.
THE PRODIGAL, a piece of one act, taken
from HILL'S Fatal Extravagance, by Mr.
WALDRON; and well received.
132
HISTORY OF THE
December 16.
MY GRANDMOTHER, a mufical piece of two
acts, by Mr. HOARE.
Very well received.
The idea of the Picture in this piece, is not new, it
having been originally introduced in a piece
called the Portrait, by Mr. COLMAN, fen.
December 26.
HARLEQUIN PEASANT; OR, A PANTO-
MIME REHEARSED.
This pantomime was a compilation; on the firſt
night the audience teftifying fome diſpleaſure
at the irregularity of the carpenters, Mr. WE-
WITZER very facetioufly begged them to con-
fider it was only A Rehearſal, which had the
defired effect of putting them into good hu-
mour.
January 14, 1794.
HEIGHO! FOR A HUSBAND, a Comedy in
four acts, by Mr. WALDRON.
This is an alteration of the author's piece of Imita-
tion, performed at Drury-lane in 1783. It
was now well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
133
The laſt line in the Prologue has been the ſubject of
much criticifm
No plagiarift deem him, but favour the loan."
It is contended that there is no fuch word as Pla-
giarift (though this is not the firſt time of its being
ufed); the word plagiariſm fignifying the thing ſtolen,
and plagiary the perfon who fteals; fome lexicographers
make plagiary both the perfon and thing.
February 8.
THE PURSE; OR, BENEVOLENT TAR, a
mufical piece in one act, by Mr. CROSS.
1
Very well received.
February 22.
THE BOX LOBBY CHALLENGE, a Comedy,
by Mr. CUMBERLAND.
Well received, but not played often; it was criti-
cifed feverely on account of its immoral ten-
dency.
This feafon produced a most melancholy accident:
On the 3d of Feb. their Majeſties having commanded
My Grandmother, No Song no Supper, and The Prize,
the crowd was fo great at the Pit door, that when
opened (as imagined) a gentleman was thrown
down, and the people ftill pushing forwards, others
N
VOL. II.
134
HISTORY OF THE
fell over him, and were trampled upon by thofe
who were ſtill rufhing in. The fhouts and ſcreams.
of the dying and maimed were truly fhocking, while
thoſe who were literally treading their fellow creatures
to death had it not in their power to avoid the doleful
mifchief. The lifeless bodies were carried with all
poffible expedition to the neighbouring houſes, and
every means uſed to reſtore animation; but feveral
of both fexes fell a facrifice to this misfortune.
This calamity, fad as it was, did not either delay
or even caſt a cloud over the evening's entertainments.
It is faid that it was not known to the company in the
houfe till late in the evening: Amazing-but proba-
bly true, for we cannot imagine but that the groans
of the dying, and the excruciating pains of the
other fufferers must have more influence over the
mind than the infignificant pleaſure of three hours;
"Though no excefs of human frailty appeared in cer-
tain perfons upon this occafion.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793-
135
New Drury-Lane.
(1793)
This fplendid theatre opened for the first time
(March 13) with a felection of facred mufic. A
play was announced for the fame evening at the Hay-
market, but finding two theatres could not keep open
under one patent, the little theatre clofed in a very
abrupt manner. The external ornaments of this
theatre were not yet completed, owing to fome diffi-
culty in purchafing the adjoining ground, and which
required an application to Parliament. The inter-
nal parts were finished with remarkable expedition, as
foon as the foundations and main walls, which were
compofed of wood that formed a fkeleton of the
edifice, were fufficiently dry. The building was
for fome time delayed, till, agreeable to the will of
the fubfcribers, a patent, which lay dormant in the
hands of Mr. HARRIS, was purchaſed.
The buildings which furround the theatre are at
prefent faced with Portland ftone, but will be finish-
ed with a balluſtrade. The theatre, which rifes
above them, is alfo to be faced with ftone, and finish-
ed with a balluftrade. Through the roof rifes a
136
HISTORY OF THE
turret, making a large ventilator, and a flaircafe
which leads to a terrace on the roof. On the fum-
mit is placed a figure of Apollo, more than 10 feet
high, but this is to be removed to the weft front,
when finiſhed, and replaced by one of Shakspeare.
The accommodations for the ftage are upon a
much larger fcale than thofe of any other theatre in
Europe. The opening for the ſcenery is 43 feet wide,
and 38 high; after which the painter and machine
contriver will have a large ſpace of 85 feet in width,
92 in length, and 110 in height, for the exertion of
their refpective abilities.
In the roof of the theatre are contained, befides
the barrel-loft, ample room for the fcene-painters,
and four very large refervoirs, from which water is
diftributed over every part of the houſe, for the pur-
poſe of inftantly extinguishing fire, in any part where
fuch accident is poffible; at the fame time the
greatest precautions have been uſed to prevent any
fuch misfortunės, by the application of every kind
of fecurity that expence and ingenuity can fuggeft.
Befides other precautions, an iron curtain has been
contrived, which, on any fuch occafion, would com-
pletely prevent all communications between the au-
dience and ftage, where alone accidents by fire have
been known to commence.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
1793. 137
The audience part of the theatre is formed nearly
on a femicircular plan. It contains a pit, eight boxes
on each fide the pit, two rows of boxes above them,
and two galleries, which command a full view of
every part of the ſtage. On each fide of the galleries
are two more rows of boxes, rifing to a cove, which
is ſo contrived as to form the cicling into a complete
circle. The profcenium, or that part of the ftage
which is contained between the curtain and orchestra,
is fitted up with boxes, but without any ftage-door,
or the ufual addition of large columns.-The boxes
are furniſhed with chairs in the front rows, and be-
hind with benches. The trimming and covering are
all of blue velvet.
The corridors which furround the boxes are fpa-
cious, and communicate with each other by means of
ftaircaſes in the angles of the theatre. At the Weft
end of the theatre there is a very large femi-circular
room, opening by an arch to the corridors, and having
five places in it, and bar-rooms, from which the com-
pany may be fupplied with refreshments. There are
alfo large faloons on the North and South fides of the
theatre, and alfo handfome fquare rooms; one of
which is intended for the ufe of his Majefty, and the
other for the Prince of Wales. Theſe rooms are
fitted up in the modern taſte, with large. handſome
pannels and glaffes.
N3
138
HISTORY OF THE
The decorations of the theatre are in a ſtyle en-
rely new, and though poffeffing a richneſs of effect,
have at the fame time fuch fimplicity as not to in-
terfere with any of the ftage ornaments. On this
account the cicling has been painted in compart-
ments of one colour only, and the fame ftyle of paint-
ing prevails through the decorations of the galleries..
The fronts and infides of the boxes have for the
ground a clear blue colour, richly ornamented in
chiaro obfcuro. The different rows are fupported
by filver columns of antique forms, and cut-glaſs
luftres are attached to thefe columns by filver brac-
kets. In the center pannels on the front of the
boxes are introduced paintings, by REBECCA, from:
antique fubjects. Befides the filver columns which
fupport the boxes, there are four principal fquare,
but ſmall pillars, which fupport the cieling, and are
decorated with looking-glafs. The found board or
cieling of the profcenium is painted in compart-
ments, and in the front of the profcenium are intro-
duced the royal arms, with trophies and other fuit-
able accompaniments. When this theatre is com-
pleted on the outfide, agreeable to the plan pro-
pófed, it will ornament the metropolis, and fuit the
convenience of both the public and the performers,
and be, without doubt,, the firſt and moſt complete
edifice of the kind in all Europe..
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
139
On April the 2: ft, the house opened for the
performance of dramatic pieces, to the great terror
of the performers of the other houfe who had not
yet taken their benefits. The first dramatic exhi
bition was Macbeth, which, though one of SHAKS-
PEARE's well known plays, was now attended with
much novelty, owing to fome very material altera-
tions; the fcenes were all new, and the witches no.
longer wore mittens, plaited caps, laced aprons, red
ftomachers, ruffs, &c. (which was the dreſs of thoſe.
weird Sifters, when Meff. BEARD, CHAMPNESS,
&c. reprefented them with GARRICK'S Macbeth)
or any human garb, but appeared as preternatural
beings, diftinguishable only by the fellneſs of their
purpoſes, and the fatality of their delufions.
cate's companion fpirit defcended on the cloud, and
rofe again with him. In the Cauldron-fcene, new
groups were introduced to perfonify the black fpirits
and white, blue fpirits and grey. The evil fpirits.
had ferpents writhing round them, which had a
Ariking effect.
He-
It has been obferved that theſe imaginary beings
have been fometimes dreffed above their rank, and as
often beneath it: they were elevated into majeſtic
Sibylls by the late Mr. COLMAN, and by Mr. GAR-
140
HISTORY OF THE
RICK funk down into beggarly Gammers, though
intended by SHAKSPEARE as terrific hags, agreeable
to the old ſtory of their being " Women in ftraunge
and ferly apparel, refembling creatures of an elder
"worlde." No doubt, creatures fuppofed to have the
Elements at command could not difplay that autho-
ritative dignity when clad in the mean habiliments
of common fortune tellers; and on the other hand it
must be confeffed that Sibylline robes were ill be-
ftowed upon "Killers of Swine." The prefent at-
tempt of the managers of Drury-lane was to ftrike
the eye with a picture of fupernatural power, by fuch
appropriate veſtures, as marked neither mortal gran-
deur nor earthly infignificance; and likewife to avcid
all buffoonery in thoſe parts, that Macbeth might no
longer be deemed a Tragi-Comedy.
Another alteration was made refpecting the ghost
of Banquo, whofe vifible appearance to Macbeth was
now omitted; This omiffion has long been recom-
mended by feveral of our beſt dramatic judges, yet
thoſe who are advocates for the vifibility of the ghoft
contend, that as it was fo in the days of the author, it
was SHAKSPEARE's intention that it should appear,
particularly as he frequently made his ghofts Speak,
and in all probability would have made Banquo's fhade
addrefs Macbeth, but that it would have inconveni-
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
14 1
enced the company on the ftage who do not fee him,
and for that reaſon he only nods: thofe however who
argue for its exclufion declare, that the air-drawn
dagger might as well be repreſented to the audience;
and Mr. LLOYD, in a Poem called "The Actor,"
publiſhed before CHURCHILL'S "Rofciad," in 1761,
thus writes on the ſubject:
"But, in ftage cuſtoms, what offends me moſt,
"Is the flip-door and flowly rifing ghoſt.
"Tell me, nor count the queſtion too fevere,
"Why need the difmal powder'd forms appear?
"When chilling horrors fhake th' affrighted King,
And guilt torments him with her fcorpion fting;
"When keeneft feelings at his bofom pull,
"And fancy tells him that the feat is full;
"Why need the ghoſt ufurp the monarch's place,
"To frighten children with his mealy face ?
"The king alone fhould form the phantom there,
"And talk and tremble at the vacant chair.
Formerly the ghofts of PIERRE and JAFFIER
were ſeen by the audience, as fancied by the diftracted
BELVIDERA, and this too was the author's defire:
thus a ſcene which now demands our tears, was hi-
therto fubject to create laughter. Might not the au-
dience as well behold the shoal of furies, and all the
crimson billows which ORESTES fancies? certainly
ghofts fhould be feen as feldom by the audience
as poffible, and even when they do fpeak, were
142
HISTORY OF THE
it poffible to convey the voice to their ears, without
fhewing them their mealy forms, I doubt not but in
many ſcenes it would have a better effect, particularly
in that of Richard III. where the creaking of fo
many trap-doors generally turns a ſerious ſubject into
ridicule, and there is very little occafion for the au-
dience to ſee the troubled monarch's dream.
The prefent alteration however was fo generally
approved, that Banquo's ghoft was no longer viſible
at this houfe; the apparition was only to be feen at
Covent-Garden.
While on the fubject of Macbeth, it may
not be amifs to take notice of the remarks of a
certain anonymous writer, mentioned by JOHNSON,
and alluded to by MALONE, in one of the notes on
this Tragedy, wherein he thinks there is a particular
paffage in Macbeth that has hitherto been generally,
if not always, miſunderſtood and mifapplied. The
arguments of this fecret writer, which perhaps are
known to very few, are as follow:
"In the fixth fcene of the fourth act, where Roffe,
a meffenger of fome rank, vifits Macduff, and in-
"forms him that his Caftle has been furprifed, and
"his wife and children moft favagely flaughtered,
"the young king of Scotland (Malcolm) who had
"been fome time at the English court, foliciting
"troops and affiftance from Edward the Confeffor,
"undertakes to comfort his friend and fubject (Mac-
ENGLISH THEATRE.
143
1793.
6.6
duff) who had attended him to England, and was
deeply involved in his caufe, Macduff for fome
"moments remains thunderftruck and filent at Roffe's
"information. Malcolm, by way of confolation; fays,
"Give forrow words, the grief that does not ſpeak,
"Whiſpers the o'er-fraught heart and bids it break."
"However, Macduff pays no regard or attention
"to Malcolm, but turning to Roffe, the bearer of
"theſe fad tidings, thus exclaims
"My children too!"
"to which Roffe replies,
"Wife, children, fervants, all
"That could be found.”
Macduff. "And I must be from thence
"My wife killed too ?"
Roffe." I have faid.
"Now Macduff makes no immediate anfwer, but
"enfolding his arms and hanging down his head in
"all the melancholy filence of inexpreffible grief,
"ftands fixed like a ftatue on the farther fide of the
"ſtage: Malcolm, ftill endeavouring to awaken
Macduff from this lethargy of woe approaches,
" and thus adviſes him.
t
"Be comforted,
** Let's make us med'cines of our great revenge.
"To cure this deadly grief."
144
HISTORY OF THE
"Macduff till remains motionleſs and unmoved,
"but when he looks up and fees his royal friend
"Malcolm returned to Roffe, on the other fide of
the ſtage, he fighs deeply, and in a low voice
preffes himſelf thus,
..
"He has no children--all my pretty ones :
"Did you fay all ?-Oh Hell-kite! all!
"What all my pretty chickens and their dam
"At one fell fwoop-".
ex-
"Now the expreffion, "He has no children"
"is generally fuppofed to imply that Macbeth, who
66
6
being childless, could not afford Macduff an ade-
quate revenge: The fuppofition undoubtedly is
"natural. In cafes of injury the law of retalia-
❝tion never fails to occur to our minds, and to the
"object of our paffions: but this is not the cafe;
“Macbeth HAD a fon whofe name was Luthlac.
"After the death of his father he was extremely
"troubleſome to Malcolm-he claimed the crown:
"and though a very weak deficient young
.
"
man, he anſwered the intentions of a rebellious
party, confifting of fuch followers as had been
"attached to the late Macbeth. They carried him
"to Scone, and he was there faluted king; but the
"competition was fhort, nor was it attended with any
very dangerous or extraordinary circumstances.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
145
1793.
1
"In leſs than three mon hs the u'urper Luthlac
"was flain by Malcolm; then, and not till then, the
"race of Macbeth terminated.
"Does it not then evidently appear that the fen-
66 tence, he has no children, cannot refer to Macbeth?
"But it will be aſked at whom then is it pointed.
&C
The reply may be-AT MALCOLM. The heart-
"ftruck Macduff heard with patience the con-
"
folitory advice adminſtered by his royal maſter;
"but well knew, and could not avoid expreffing him-
felf, that as Malcolm had no wife, or children, he
"could little judge of that torrent of grief with
"which a husband and father muft naturally be
"overwhelmed at the lofs of a wife and all his pretty
ones! He could not feel the throbs of a parent's
"heart, or the anguish of a huſband's love! To
him the great and inexpreffible fenfations of nup-
"tial happineſs were unknown; he was ignorant
"of the deareſt pride-the rifing hopes-the allur-
ing profpects that occupy and fwell alternately
"a father's breaft.Young and inexperienced
"he had not felt thofe thrilling nerves of nature
"which are never ftrung but by virtuous love
and parental palpitations. The good-natured
"Malcolm offered his advice unfeafonably; he
"broke prematurely in upon forrow that muſt
VOL. II.
O
146
HISTORY OF THE
"require time and reafon to fink itfelf into the gulph
"of fatiety. The intention of Malcolm was kind
"to the higheſt degree, but the effect of that in-
"tention was exerted in too hafty and improper a
manner, for Malcolm had no children.
"This conſtruction feems fupported by a fentence
"which foon follows, where Malcolm again comes to
"the friendly charge of confolation, and ſays,
"Support it like a man"-
"To which Macduff replies,
" I fhall;
"But I muft alfo feel it as a man.""
"Now if I may be indulged to expatiate upon the
"thought, I think Macduff in thofe few words
"means thus to exprefs himſelf.
"I muft, in the relation of father and huſband,
"fuffer the deepeſt ſenſations of grief that human
"nature can imbibe. Not all the world can repair
"my lofs; by the cruel murder of my wife, I am for
"ever deprived of the beſt of all my friends: In my
' children I have loft the pride of my houſe, the
"comforts of my age, the engaging amuſements of
"my domeftic hours, the future fervants, fubjects
"and defenders of my king and country. You muſt
"be a father and a huſband, Malcolm, ere you can
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
147
"meaſure my grief; for I cannot but remember
"that fuch things were, that were most precious to me.
"According to this interpretation, the actor must
"fhow by fome gefture, fome motion, either of his
"head or hand, that Malcolm is the perfon in his
"thoughts, when he fays, He has no children. After
ftaying fome time in the place where he was
"firft ftruck motionlefs, he fhould be roufed at once.
"by indignation and croffing the ftage, fay to
"Roffe "All my pretty ones."
((
"If theſe words had referred folely to Macbeth,
(fuppofing he had no children) it may be under-
"ftood, as nothing elfe follows to illuftrate the fay-
"ing, to carry fury, revenge, and rage; and that
Macduff, regretted he had no children to fall a fa-
"crifice like his; but in the other view, it is the
"reflection of a wife confiderate man, who is thank-
"full to his friend for his advice, while he is con-
"ſcious of its prefent inefficacy.
"
“ BUCHANAN, in his hiftory of Scotland, evidently
proves that Macbeth had a fon at the time when
"Macduff's wife and children were flain, as the fol-
"lowing quotation from Book vii. being the reign
" of Malcolm III. the 86th king of Scotland, will
• flow.
148
HISTORY OF THE
1
"Whilt theſe things were tranfa&ted at Forfar,
they who remained of the faction of Macbeth, car-
ried his fon Luthlac to Scone (who was firnamed
"Fatuus from his want of wit) and there he was fa-
"luted king. Malcolm affaulted him in the valley
"Bogian, where he was flain three months after he
"had ufurped the name of king: out of refpect to the
kingly race, his and his father's bodies were buried in
"the royal fepulchres in Ionia."
"SHAKSPEARE was the moſt remarkable of all
dramatic writers for his adherence to hiftory;
even the witches in this play are founded upon
"tradition, and we cannot fuppofe that he would
6.6
61
wantonly make a deviation whereby neither fcene
nor fable was affifted."
Such however as think that Shakspeare alluded
to Macbeth, may obferve a fimilar expreffion in his
play of Henry the Sixth, third part, where Queen
Margaret, witneffing the murder of her fon, after
fome expreffions of maternal refentment,-exclaims
"You have no children Butchers-if you had,
"The thought of them would fure have ftirr'd remorfe."
Here the murderers are pointedly alluded to-Richard
and Clarence,--not the king, who was their father, and
according to SHAKSPAARE, had a hand in the mur-
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
149.
der, though COLLEY CIBBER makes him only ftrike
the Prince with his gauntlet, and transfers theſe words
from the mouth of the Queen to the King, with
no alteration except in a stop!" You have no
"children-Butchers! if you had," &c. which
does not vary the fenfe; but perhaps this writer
would have anfwered, that if SHAKSPEARE, in
Macbeth, alluded to the murderer, as he confeffedly
does in Queen Margaret, he would not have broken
off fo abruptly, but have enlarged the fentence in
the fame manner, You have no children, hell kite! if
you had, &c. Notwithſtanding all theſe ingenious ar-
guments, the words of Macduff, according to their
general acceptation, muſt be held by many as beauti-
fully expreffive of a father's feelings, and the re-
morfelefs cruelty of Macbeth: befides, I look upon
it as no material deviation from hiftory, but on the
contrary, think SHAKSPEARE was right in fup-
pofing Macbeth had no child, when no child is in-
troduced in the play; for if Macbeth was fuppofed
to be the father of a fon, fo near a relative muſt
needs be expected to have made one of the Dramatis
Perfona.
A PROLOGUE for the opening of the Houfe was
written by the Right Hon. Major General FITZ-
PATRICK, and ſpoken by Mr. KEMBLE; This
03
150
HISTORY OF THE
turned chiefly on the foſtering fhelter which the free-
dom and tranquillity of this country fo happily give
to the liberal arts. The erection of that theatre was
properly repreſented as a monument to the Genius
of SHAKSPEARE, more fuitable
"Than the proud Pyramid's unmeaning mafs."
It concluded with a panegyric on the Tragic and
Comic Muſes, and with profeffions of gratitude on
the part of the Managers, for that public Patronage,
which enabled them to erect a theatre, in which
their favorite amufements could be exhibited to the
beft effect.
An Epilogue written by GEORGE COLMAN, Efq.
jun. was likewife fpoken by Mifs FARREN; the
argument of which was, that when fome opulent
Peer, proud of his vertu, gave a public day, fome
ftale houfe-keeper was appointed to explain the
beauties of the collection; fo on the opening of this
new houfe, fhe was appointed to fhew it.-She then
affured the audience that they need be in no fear of
fire, for they had water enough to drown them;
and the curtain drawing, difplayed a very fine river
on the ſtage, on which a waterman, in his boat, paf-
fed to and fro; in addition to this he told them
they had an iron curtain preparing, fo that the
fcenes only and the actors could be burnt. It con-
<
ENGLISH THEATRE.
151
1793.
cluded with a view of SHAKSPEARE's monument,
under his Mulberry Tree, furrounded by a groupe of
his own characters, with the Tragic and Comic
Muſes. The ſcene finiſhed with the fong of "The
"Mulberry Tree," and the glee of, "Where the
"the Bee fips."
Mr. KEMBLE, after expreffing the proprietor's
thanks to the audience for the indulgence they had
fhewn to the delays in the ſhifting of the ſcenes,
from the confufion of a firſt performance, announced
the fame entertainments for the following evening.
This new theatre contains in the Pit 800 perfons;
whole range of boxes 1,828: two-fhilling gallery
675; one-fhilling gallery 308; total 3,611; amount-
ing to 8261. 6s. There are 8 private boxes on
each fide of the pit; 29 all round the first tier, and
II back front boxes; 29 all round the fecond tier,
of which 11 are fix feats deep; 10 on each ſide of
the gallery, 3 tier; boxes in the cove 9 each fide.
Diameter of the pit is 55 feet; opening of the cur-
tain 43 feet wide; height of the curtain 38 feet;
height of the houſe from pit-floor to the ceiling is
56 feet 6 inches.
May S, 1794.
THE JEW, a Comedy, by Mr. CUMBERLAND,
Very well received.
152
HISTORY OF THE
On account of the fhort time the company had to
perform this ſeaſon, the Managers purchaſed
the play of the author, and by all accounts,
made a Jew's Bargain.
June 7, 1794.
1
LODOISKA, a mufical romance.
Tranflated
from the French, by Mr. KEMBLE, and re-
ceived with great applaufe.
June 20.
THE NATURAL SON, a Comedy, in four acts,
by Mr. CUMBERLAND.
This was an alteration of the author's play which
was originally acted in five acts. Well re-
ceived.
July 2.
THE GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE, a mufical
piece.
This night was given as a benefit to the Fund, for
the relief of the Widows and Orphans of the
gallant men who fell in the fervice of their
country, in the naval victory obtained by Earl
Howe, on the firſt of June, 1794. The dra-
matic part of this cccafional piece was by R. B.
ENGLISH THEATRE.
1793. 153
SHERIDAN, Efq. and Mr. CоBB; the fongs
by the Duke of LEEDS, Lord MULGRAVE,
Mr. RICHARDSON, Mrs. ROBINSON, &C.
The piece was well received and repeated.
Covent Garden.
October 24, 1793-
THE WARD OF THE CASTLE, a muſical
piece in two acts.
It was faid to be written by an Irifh lady. Not ap-
proved.
November 13.
THE SIEGE OF BERWICK, a Tragedy, by
Mr. JERNINGHAM.
The ftory of this play was already produced on the
London Stage by Mr. HOME, in the Siege of
Aquileia, in 1760; but though ſupported by Mr.
GARRICK and Mrs. CIBBER, barely reached
nine nights; the above was not even fo for
tunate.
154
HISTORY OF THE
November 23.
THE WORLD IN A VILLAGE, a Comedy,
by Mr. O'KEEFE.
Received with fome applauſe.
December 19.
HARLEQUIN AND FAUSTUS; OR, THE
DEVIL WILL HAVE HIS OWN, a Pan-
tomime.
Very well received.
February 5, 1794.
LOVE's FRAILTIES; or, PRECEPT
AGAINST PRACTICE, a Comedy, by Mr
HOLCROFT.
For political reafons, this Comedy met fome dif
approbation.
N. B. It was the firſt play publiſhed at the advanced
price of 2s.
February 22.
THE TRAVELLERS IN SWITZERLAND,
an Opera, by Mr. BATE.
Well received.
4
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793. 155
March 25, 1794.
FONTAINVILLE FOREST, a play in five
acts, taken from Mrs. RADCLIFFE's novel of
The Romance of a Foreft, by Mr. BOADEN.
Well received.
April 10.
NETLEY ABBEY, a muſical piece of two acts,
by Mr. PEARCE.
This was violently oppofed, but ftill keeps poffef
fion of the ſtage.
March 29.
BRITISH FORTITUDE,
AND
HIBER-
NIAN FRIENDSHIP; OR, AN ESCAPE
FROM FRANCE, a prelude by Mr. CROSS,
Well received.
May 2.
NAPLES BAY; OR, THE BRITISH SAILORS
AT ANCHOR, a mufical entertainment, by
Mr. CROSS.
Well received.
May 9.
LOVE AND HONOUR, an Operatic piece in
one act.
Favourably received.
5
156
HISTORY OF THE
May 13, 1794.
THE PACKET BOAT; OR, A PEEP BE-
HIND THE VEIL, by Mr. BIRCH, jun.
Well received.
May 19.
THE SIEGE OF MEAUX, a Tragedy in three
acts, by H. J. PYE, Efq. Poet Laureat.
Well received, but not played often.
May 22.
THE SPEECHLESS WIFE, a mufical drama,
aſcribed to a lady.
The idea was taken from Prior's Poem of The Ladle,
which before was dramatized in a piece called
Belphegor. Condemned.
May 24.
THE FALL OF MARTINICO; OR, BRI-
TANNIA TRIUMPHANT, a prelude.
Indifferently received.
May 28.
THE SICILIAN ROMANCE; OR, APPARI-
TION OF THE CLIFFS, a piece of two
acts, taken from a Romance of the fame name,
by Mr. H. SIDDONS.
Very well received.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1793.
157
June 3, 1794.
A LOYAL EFFUSION, confifting of dialogue,
mufic, &c. by Mr. DIBDIN.
This was in honour of his Majeſty's birth day, and
well received.
This feaſon, in the reprefentation of Hamlet, there
was a very material alteration made, reſpecting the
manner of introducing, and exhibiting the two por-
traits alluded to fo finely by Hamlet, in his remon-.
ſtrance fcene with his mother. The figure of the
poiſoned Prince, the former King of Denmark, and
precedent lord of Gertrude, was prefented in a half
length painting, as large as life, hung over the
chimney of the Queen's chamber or clofet, and the
wore a large-fized miniature of her exifting huf-
band, as abracelet on her arm. This certainly was
an improvement, and much more natural and affect-
ing than the old method of Hamlet's drawing two
fmall portraits out of his waiſtcoat pocket, which
gave the whole the appearance of a ftudied device
on the part of Hamlet, and by no means conveyed
the beautiful and intereſting effect of his being pro-
voked to the compariſon by an accidental fight of
the two portraits in the fame room.
Alterations of this kind, not only prove the ability
and judgment of a Manager, but redound much to
his credit, by being confiderable improvements to the
VOL. II.
P
158
HISTORY OF THE
1
repreſentations in his theatre. There are ſeveral
little inconfiftencies which induſtry and attention
might remove; a nice critic muſt be offended at
feeing only two or three chairs (the exact number
of perſons who are to be ſeated in a ſcene) in the
apartment perhaps of a nobleman; certainly the
ſcenery fhould always in fuch caſe repreſent the
figures of chairs as fimilar as poffible to thoſe that
are on the ſtage.
The feveral amendments however which each
ſeaſon now produces, give room to hope that the
ſtage will ſoon be free from every impropriety, and
become the ſchool of inftruction to youth, exhibit-
ing, as truly as poffible, the cuſtoms, dreffes, man-
ners, &c. of the ancients; that no ALEXANDER
THE GREAT will ever be ftrutting about with filk
Stockings; no GREEK or ROMAN Hero entering
with a powdered Head; for all theſe are improprieties.
Mrs. WEBB of this, and the little theatre in the
Haymarket, died Nov. 24, 1793. Induced by her
corpulence, fhe once attempted the character of Fal-
Staff, for her benefit (as already obferved) but though
fhe filled the houſe on the occafion, the failed in
filling the part of Sir John; for magnitude of body
alone, did not convey to the mind, the prominent
features of this humourous knight. However her
appearance was no trifling auxiliary to puns and
:
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
159
quibbles. Mrs. WEBB was a lady of great weight
to many authors, who deemed her a moft excellent
Mark for their modern wit, for though fhe always
appeared the fame, fhe could occafionally repreſent
either widow, wife, or old maid,-Mrs Chefhire in
the AGREEABLE SURPRIZE, Lady Dundar in
WAYS AND MEANS, and Mifs Di Clackit in the
WOODMAN; with her confequently died many a
clap-trap jeft. On the ftage, this lady's merit was
moderate, though "we may never fee her like again.
but in private life, fhe is faid to be as good as the
Was GREAT.
Haymarket.
July 29.
AULD ROBIN GREY, a mufical piece, in two
acts, by Mr. ARNOLD.
Tolerably well received.
August 9.
HOW TO BE HAPPY, a Comedy, by Mr.
BREWER.
Indifferently received the firſt night, better received
the fecond, but after the third, withdrawn, at the
160
HISTORY OF THE
author's requeſt though then favourably received,
Mr. B. imagining it impoffible to do away the im-
preffion the public entertained from fome of the
morning papers, fufficiently, to render the piece
advantageous to the theatre.
Auguft 18.
RULE BRITANNIA, a mufical entertainment, by
Mr. ROBERTS.
Favourably received. This was brought out for a
benefit, and repeated.
August 20.
BRITAIN'S GLORY; OR,
OR, A TRIP TO
PORTSMOUTH, a dramatic compilation in
one act, by Mr. BENSON.
Well received.
September 3.
THE APPARITION, a muſical piece in two acts,
by Mr. CROSS.
Well received.
GEORGE COLMAN, Efq. Patentee of this theatre,
died towards the conclufion of the feafon, aged
61. His complaint commenced about 9 years before,
In
in what the faculty term an hemiphlegia.
1789, the peralyfis feized his brain, and the melan-
choly confequence was the lofs of fenfes. On this oc-
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794: 161
cafion the younger COLMAN ftruggled between the
duties of Manager and Son, dividing his time in the
intereft of the theatre, and attention to a parent:
to promote the former he was obliged to prove the
infanity of his father, which enabled him to fet afide
fuch engagements as were an incumbrance to the
houſe.
Mr. COLMAN, as an author, must be for ever re-
membered, and his plays be eſteemed, though in
general fentimental, and oppofite to the prefent tafte,
a taſte which he at firft reprobated, as appears from
his never-forgiven remark on Dr. GOLDSMITH'S
truly comic play of She ſtoops to conquer; and yet a
tafte which he himſelf ſo countenanced afterwards,
that when O'KEEFE's truly farcical productions
were brought out, he ſeem'd to regret that ever he
was the author of the Deuce is in Him; but fuch is
the merit of that two-act Comedy, that though it may
lie on the ſhelf for a while, yet its revival, with the
Guardian, and all fimilar productions, will be an
Agreeable furprife, when the others are configned to
oblivion. His excellent Comedy of the Jealous Wife.
was brought out when two others, by MACKLIN and
MURPHY, were produced to rival it, and in ſpite of
every far-fetched criticifm, ftood the teft, and pro--
yed to be the BEST.
P 3
162
HISTORY OF THE
"
Mr. COLMAN, though an author himſelf, did not
monopolize his ftage, for as a manager, he was li-
beral to authors; though, as a manager (which is
always an envied character, notwithstanding it is at-
tended with infinite trouble) he was fubject to the
little paragraph invectives of every difappointed
would-be writer; yet he was not a Colley Cibber that
delighted in cruſhing* Singing birds, for of all mana-
gers he is the moſt noted for having brought for-
ward young authors as well as performers. Modefty,
to which he always gave the preference, was fure to
win his favour, for, as he himſelf firſt began with a
one act piece (Polly Honeycombe,) as well as concluded
with one, (the Enraged Mufician) fo he approved of
thofe writers moft, who were leaft ambitious in their
outfet. Had O'KEEFE prefented his Young Quaker
before his Tony Lumpkin in Town, in all probability
his five act farce would have been rejected. Indeed
Mr. COLMAN feems to have been the firft who difco-
vered the utility of petit dramas; to the Haymarket
theatre eſpecially, they are of confiderable fervice, be-
ing generally performed as preludes to divert the Gal-
leries till the company in the boxes are affembled:
*A favourite expreffion of COLLEY CIBBER's, refpecting young
authors, which tends but little to the credit of that adroit ſtage-
taylor, whoſe productions, though of confiderable fervice to the
theatre, are at beft no more thar comic patch-works,
į
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
163
on this account too, eſpecially on a new play night,
the farce fometimes is the first part of the entertain-
ment, which occafioned an Hibernian once in the pit
to exclaim" Well, this is a ſtrange houſe, for the
After-piece comes before the play." Another Irifhifm
appeared not long ago in one of the Haymarket
play-bills, where it was inferted, "previous to the
"play will be added” &c. Indeed it is the opinion
of feveral that the pieces fhould be mentioned in the
play-bills according to the order of repreſentation, for
as ſtrangers ſeldom think of looking at the end of the
bill for the beginning of the entertainment, it is well
known that many have miftaken A quarter of an
hour before Dinner, or Half an hour after Supper,
for the first act of the Battle of Hexham, or the
Surrender of Culais.
About 1778, Mr. COLMAN having heard of the
diſtracted ſtate of the Iriſh ſtage, on account of the
involved circumftances of the late Mr. RYDER, the
then Manager of the Dublin theatre, propofed to
undertake the management of that theatre, provided
he obtained an exclufive right, fuch as was afterwards
granted to Mr. DALY the prefent Manager: but this
propofal was not only difregarded, but treated with
the utmoſt contempt in the Dublin Evening Poft, a
paper then in its infancy, which accufed our little
Hero both of arrogance and ufurpation. It is not to be
1
164
HISTORY OF THE
1
doubted but if Mr. COLMAN had been then made Ma-
nager of the Dublin theatre, he would have rendered
it equally reſpectful and fuccefsful as the Haymar-
ket, as he certainly meant to have employed his
ſummer company there, by which means the people
of Dublin would have had decent performers all the
winter, whereas their winter ſeaſons now are worſe
than unproductive, and the lovers of good, or even
tolerable good acting, obliged to wait till good,
or tolerable performers can be fpared them from
London.
Mr. COLMAN, while Manager, was always re-
markable for his punctuality in correfpondence, and
it is thought, a thing not cuſtomary with Managers,
that he read every piece through, that was fent him
for perufal, or as far as he could with patience; but
being obliged frequently to attend the calls of intereft,
he has, contrary to inclination, neglected fome pretty
bantlings, for others deformed and ricketty. He
was Manager of Covent-garden ſeven years, and of
the Haymarket 17 years. His fon, whom he him-
felfannounced a Chip of the old Block, has been often
affaffinated by the malignant pen of fcandal, to
which every public character, is more or lefs ex-
poſed; but the following extract from a Morning
Paper, (dated Sept. 5, 1789) fufficiently evinces
that he had ftill his friends,
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
165
1
"COLMAN originally intended his fon for the
bar, and entered him accordingly, after his com-
"pleating his education at Weftminster and Ox-
"ford, in the Temple. But perhaps, whatever is,
"was never MORE 'right' than in the adverſe turn
"of young COLMAN's mind to his father's plan,-
for he, like the young Templer in the Spectator,
ftudied the paffions' themselves, when he ſhould have
"been inquiring into the debates among men, which
64
arife from them. And it was not verý likely that
"much progreſs would be made in a profeffion,
"while an entire diſguſt to it was accompanied with
"fuch circumſtances as could only be relieved by
"his genius, from time to time, by drafts at a fhort.
"notice, not on COKE and LYTTLETON, but
"on the Mufes, whom he generally found the
"only bankers he could rely on. And fortunate it
"was for him, at this time, that any bankers
"would anſwer his drafts, as his expences were
"now increaſed by the addition of-a wife. For
"foon after his refolution to relinquish the law, he
"married Mifs CATHERINE MORRIS, whoſe mind,
"not lefs amiable than her perfon, had captivated
"our young poet, and a trip to Gretna Green was
"the immediate confequence, where they were mar-
"ried on the 3d of Oct. 1784. The fear of his
}
166
HISTORY OF THE
51
"father's difpleaſure at this event alfo impofed ≈
"filence on the tranfaction, until the 10th of Nov.
"1788, when they were again, but publicly, married
"at Chelſea church, and the affair was openly
"avowed. How young COLMAN has fatisfied, as
" an author, the public judgment has fufficiently
decided; and how that fuccefs has enabled him
"to ſerve and protect an afflicted father in his
utmoſt need, is no mean eulogium on his prin-
"ciples as well as his talents; and will be long rẻ-
"membered to his advantage, by all who hold
"filial goodneſs in eſtimation."
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
167
Drury-Lane.
October 28.
EMILIA GALLOTTI, a Tragedy, which had
been long in agitation.
It was tranflated by feveral from the German; one
perfon, (a miniature painter) infinuated that the
preſent tranflator (whofe name was concealed)
availed himſelf of a copy, which he had ſhewn
him: at any rate the tragedy, from a ludicrous
circumftance of a picture, was laughed at, and
conſequently periſhed.
November 1.
THE WEDDING DAY, a farce, by Mrs. INCH-
BALD.
This piece owed its fuccefs to Mr. KING and Mrs.
JORDAN.
November 29.
NOBODY, a piece in two acts, by Mrs. ROBIN-
SON which did not fuit the taſte.
?
168
HISTORY OF THE
December 20.
THE CHEROKEE, an Opera, by Mr. COBB.
This fuited the taſte.
February 11, 1795.
ALEXANDER THE GREAT; OR, THE
CONQUEST OF PERSIA, a grand pan-
tomime ballet, compofed by Mr. D. EGVILLE,
and well received.
February 28.
THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE, a Comedy, by
Mr. CUMBERLAND.
This met with diſtinguiſhed applauſe.
March 21.
t.
EDWY AND ALGIVA, a tragedy, by Mrs.
D'ARBLAY, authorefs of the celebrated novels
1
EVELINA, and CECILIA. This piece not being
approved of, was withdrawn.
March 17.
THE WELCH HEIRESS, a Comedy, by Mr.
JERNINGHAM.
Difapproved of, and withdrawn by the author.
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
169
May 6. 1795.
JACK OF NEWBURY, an Opera, by Mr.
Hook, jun.
A Mafque in honour of the royal nuptials of the
Prince and Princess of Wales, entitled THE
TRIUMPH OF HYMEN, was introduced at the
conclufion; which gained ſome applauſe.
May 12.
FIRST LOVE, a Comedy, (called by the critics
a novel play) by Mr. CUMBERLAND.
Well received.
May 1.
THE ADOPTED CHILD, a mufical piece, by
Mr. BIRCH.
It was brought out for a benefit; and the Managers
adopted the child, though indifferently received.
May 29.
ST. ANDREW'S FESTIVAL; OR,
THE
GAME AT GOLF, a dramatic ſketch of one
act, in which a new performer appeared.
This piece, which was brought out for a benefit,
met with a very ſpeedy condemnation.
This feaſon deprived the houſe of two principal
performers, Mr. PARSONS and Mr. BADDELEY,
VOL. II.
е
170
HISTORY OF THE
the former (who died in February) came out in
GARRICK's time, and made his firft appearance in
the character of Fileh in the Beggar's Opera, 1763.
He was a performer poffeffed of infinite humour;
and there are many plays, in which he performed,
that muſt now lie on the ſhelf for want of a fucceffor.
The Manager of the Haymarket attended his funeral.
Mr. BADDELEY, who died in November, the
preceding year, was nearly dreffed for Mofes in the
School for Scandal, when he was ſuddenly taken ill,
and expired the next day. This gentleman, from
having travelled, was very fuccefsful in foreign
characters. His benevolent attention to the infir-
mities and diftreffes of performers, has immortalized
his name, as the following memoranda from his
will, will teftify, bearing date April 23, 1792.
"Firft, he defires to be buried near to the body of
Mifs SHERRY, in the church-yard of St. Paul's
Covent-Garden.
"To his faithful friend and companion, Mrs.
CATHERINE STRICKLAND, generally called and
known by the name of BADDELEY, he bequeaths a
life's intereft, in his houfe in New Store-Street, and
in his freehold meffuage, garden, &c. at Upper
Moulfey, in the county of Surrey, with plate, fur-
niture, &c. After her deceaſe, the above eſtates,
ENGLISH THEATRE.
171
1794.
with certain monies to arife from the infurance of an
annuity, to go to the fociety eſtabliſhed for the re-
lief of indigent perfons belonging to Drury-lane
theatre.
"The houſe and premiſes at Moulfey, to be uſed
as an aſylum for decayed actors and actreffes; and
when the net produce of the property amounts to
350l. per annum, penfions are to be allowed.
"Efpecial care to be taken to have the words
"BADDELEY'S Afylum," in the front of the houſe
"His executors to publiſh, every year, his letter,
as appeared in the General Advertiſer, April 20,
1790, reſpecting the difagreement with his unhappy
wife, to prevent the world from looking on his
memory in the villainous point of view, as fet forth
in certain books, pamphlets, &c.
"One hundred pounds, three per cent. confolidated
bank annuities, which produce 31. per annum, is
left to purchaſe a twelfth cake, with wine and
punch, which the ladies and gentlemen of Drury-
lane theatre are requested to partake of, every
twelfth-night, in the great green-room.
"GARRICK's head, theatrical portraits, &c. to
be placed in the Afylum at Moulfey, for the uſe of
the penfioners.
372
HISTORY OF THE
"The penfioners to give certain ſmall fums to the
poor of Moulley, in order to conftitute them, as
inhabitants of the Aſylum, reſpectable in the eyes
of their neighbours.
"Penfioners to fpend 20s. on the 20th of April, in
every year, in honour of the birth of the Founder.
A regalia to be worn, &c.
Rings, &c. to the members of the School of
GARRICK-revoked by a codicil; but rings to
CHARLES and JOHN BANNISTER, WROUGHTON,
and DODD; likewife to the Directors of the Fund-
mourning ring for GARRICK to JOHN BANNISTER.
"Twenty pounds to his godfon, JOHN Fox
CAULFIELD, natural fon of General BURGOYNE,
by SUSANNAH CAULFIELD-revoked in his laſt ill-
neſs-ſaid godſon being, as he ſays, well provided
for by the good and worthy Earl of DERBY.
"Executors-CATHERINE STRICKLAND, T.
BRAND, Surgeon, with a legacy of 20l. and
RICHARD WROUGHTON, with a legacy of rol.
<<
Ring, and gold-headed cane to Mr. BRAND."
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
173
September 15.
Covent-Garden.
THE RIVAL QUEENS, an occafional prelude,
by Mr. HOLCROFT. Taken from Fielding's
Covent-Garden Tragedy. Condemned.
October 23,
THE RAGE, a Comedy, by Mr. REYNOLDS.
Very well received. The Manager, as reported,
purchaſed this piece previous to its reprefenta-
tion.
October 30.
ARRIVED AT PORTSMOUTH, a mufical
piece, in two acts, by Mr. PEArce.
This temporary triffe anfwered the occafion.
November 17.
HERCULES AND OMPHALE, a grand ballet
fpectacle contrived by BYRNE. Well received,
though derided by the critics. Its magnificence
however brought great houſes.
December 6.
THE TOWN BEFORE YOU, a Comedy, by
Mrs. COWLEY; which the town difapproved of.
Q2.
174
HISTORY OF THE
December 26.
MAGO AND DAGO; OR, HARLEQUIN
THE HERO, a pantomime, contrived by
LONSDALE; and which was well calculated
for the Holy-days.
January 31, 1795.
THE MYSTERIES OF THE CASTLE, a
dramatic tale, (being a mixture of tragedy,
comedy, opera, farce, and pantomime) by Mr.
ANDREWS.
Indifferently received.
February 14.
CROCHET LODGE, a farce, by Mr. HURL-
STONE. Very well received.
December 21. a
ENGLAND PRESERVED, an Hiftorical play,
by Mr. WATSON.
This, owing to the fentiments being in many in-
ftances applicable to the times, met with fome
applaufe; it was not played often.
LIFE'S VAGARIES, a Comedy, (called by the
critics, a five-act farce) by Mr. O'KEEFE.
Very well received.
5
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1794.
175
April 6. 1795.
WINDSOR CASTLE; OR, THE FAIR
MAID OF KENT, a Drama, or Maſque,
in two parts, by Mr. PEARCE.
This fplendid exhibition was got up as a compli-
ment to the Prince and Princefs of Wales,
on their marriage, and was very well received.
April 8.
THE TELEGRAPH; OR, NEW WAY OF
KNOWING THINGS, a prelude by Mr.
DENT, for Mr. QUICK's benefit, played but
once.
April 23.
THE IRISH MIMIC; OR, BLUNDERS AT
BRIGHTON, a mufical piece, by Mr.
O'KEEFE. Tolerably well received.
May 1.
THE BANK NOTE; OR, LESSONS FOR
LADIES, a Comedy (chiefly borrowed from
Artful Husband) by Mr.
TAVERNER'S
M'CREADY.
It was performed for nine benefits, and once for
the Houſe. Many were of opinion, that.
Mr. MACREADY trifled with his genius, in
176
HISTORY OF THE
endeavouring to alter a piece immoral, and
unintereſting; and with which the late Mr.
COLMAN could do nothing, though he uſed
it on a temporary occafion. Mr. JOHN-
SON, for whofe benefit it came out firſt (as
this gentleman difplays much attention to-
wards his countrymen) put in a curious adver-
tifement, previous to the repreſentation, fet-
ting forth his having found a Bank Note, which
he meant to exhibit to the public on fuch a
night.
THE SAILORS PRIZE; OR, MAY-DAY
WEDDING, an Interlude, confifting of
dancing and finging, which was performed
after the Bank Note.
May 2.
THE DESERTED DAUGHTER, a Comedy,
by Mr. HOLCROFT.
Well received. The piece was fuppofed to be writ-
ten by Mrs. INCHBALD; the author, for po-
litical reaſons, having deemed fecreſy expe-
dient.
ENGLISH THEATRE, 1794.
177
May 6. 1795.
THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN FAULKE-
NOR; OR, BRITISH HEROISM, a dra-
matic Sketch.
Well received.
May 7.
NAVAL VOLUNTEERS; OR, BRITAIN's
GLORY, a Prelude.
Well received.
May 12.
THE TYTHE PIG, a Ballet.
1
This being thought, by fome, intended to treat the
Clergy with diſreſpect, produced much difap-
probation. The next night, when given
only as an Interlude, it met with better fuc-
cefs.
May 16.
ENGLAND's GLORY; OR, THE BRITISH
TARS AT SPITHEAD, a Prelude.
Well received.
May 29.
!
THE POOR SAILOR; OR, LITTLE BOB
AND LITTLE BEN, a mufical piece, in
two acts, written by Mr. BARNARD.
178
HISTORY OF THE
Brought out for his own benefit; and repeated
for the Houfe.
June 3, 1795.
THE SECRET TRIBUNAL, a Tragedy, by
Mr. BOADEN, taken from a German Novel.
Only played three times, the feafon being far
advanced, and a few nights the feafon follow-
ing.
June 16.
THE FROLICS OF AN HOUR, a piece of
one act, performed for a benefit,
This feafon Mr. FARREN died; his death hap-
pened a little before his benefit, in which he was
to have played. This gentleman made his firſt ap-
pearance here in 1782, in Othello. He was deemed,
in feveral parts, a hard actor, but
though he never
attained the fummit of perfection, he always roſe
above mediocrity, and in fome characters was ex-
ceedingly refpectable.
Haymarket.
His Majeſty having been pleaſed to grant the
patent of this houſe, to GEORGE COLMAN, Efq.
(the younger) this gentleman who had for five
ENGLISH THEATRE,
179
1795.
feafons officiated as Manager for his father, now
commenced Manager for himself.
Mr. BARRETT of this theatre, died previous to
its opening this feafon. This gentleman from a
peculiarity of voice and manner, was an original in
many eccentric characters, and though unnoticed
by the winter Managers, was deemed of much fer-
vice to this theatre in the O'Keefian line; particularly
in Crazy, Orator Mum, &c.
Mr. COLMAN thinking the intereſt of his theatre
hurt by the frequent exhibitions of the Haymarket
pieces near London, commenced a profecution
against the Manager of the Richmond Theatre for
performing, without his concurrence, the Agreeable
Surprize, Battle of Hexham, &c. &c. but fuch
are the glorious ambiguities of the law, that
what may be deemed felf-property to day, may be
proved free-game to-morrow; thus the tag-rag of
O'KEEFE, once in high estimation with the
public, was by the long robe, now deemed of no
value, and it proved to the Manager, I believe, for
the firſt time, a Dif-agreeable Surprize. With
humble deference, I mult think, if the public are
pleaſed with nonfenfe, and the Manager finds it as
profitable as fenfe, that he is equally injured by an
encroachment upon the one, as well as on the other,
180
HISTORY OF THE
and if we may fubpæna TASTE as a witneſs, perhaps
we may prove him more fo; indeed it is appre-
hended this will be a dangerous precedent, which
may on a fimilar occafion affect many pieces.
The lecture on heads, once prized, could be now
of no value, when the Lingo uſed in the trial Daniel
verfus Dishclout, &c. may be quoted as fpecimens
of nonfenfe. One good effect however arose from
the decifion, for Mr. COLMAN and Mr. WATHEN,
the Manager of Richmond, were afterwards recon-
ciled, and the latter became a member of the Hay-.
Market theatre.
June 9.
NEW HAY AT THE OLD MARKET, an
occafional Drama, by the Manager.
The Critics found fault with this being called a
Drama, it having no plot, &c. but being
meerly a fatire on the Winter Houfes, and a
vehicle for Imitations, which had a confiderable
run. The character of Sylvefter Daggerwood,
(performed by Mr. BANISTER, jun.) was ſup-
poſed, by the theatrical gentlemen, to be pointed;
but if fo, this was loft upon the audience. It
met with great applaufe, except in one fcene,
which was afterwards curtailed. The first
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1795.
181
night, when the Prompter obferves that the
Manager cannot vie with the Winter Thea-
tres in pageantry; but, as he cannot give them
fomething to fee, he will give them ſomething
to hear: an arch wag, in the Pit, turned round
to his neighbour, and in an extemporary vein
of humour, faid,
"Then why the Motto?* Wherefore fuch negle, as
"Not to put Audis in the place of Speltas ?
The Houſe clofed with this piece, though written
for the OPENING, to which it entirely alluded.
June 20.
ZORINSKI, a Play, in three acts, with fongs, by
Mr. MORTON.
Exceedingly well received.
The author was accuſed of having borrowed it
from BROOKES'S Guftavus Vafa. Several pa-
ragraphs, and a pamphlet, on fine wove paper,
Spectas, et tu Speltabere, the prefent motto of this Theatre,
very fimilar to that which Mr. FooTE had, viz. Quid rides? de
re fabula narratur: and if, like this, there had been, inſtead of a
Comma, a note of Interrogation, it certainly would have been a co.
fiderable improvement, e. g. Speltas? et tu fpectabere..
VOL. II.
R
182
HISTORY OF THE
appeared againſt this play.
Certainly when
ſuch labour is beſtowed, we may naturally con-
clude there is more than criticiſm intended.
July 7.
WHO PAYS THE RECKONING, a mufical
piece, in two acts, by Mr. ARNOLD.
The immoral tendency of this piece haftened its
condemnation, but as pieces worſe treated
have been repeated at this theatre, it is fup-
pofed the author withdrew it.
August 29.
LOVE AND MONEY;
OR, THE FAIR
CALEDONIAN, a mufical piece, in one
act, by Mr. BENSON.
Very well received.
September 2,
THE THREE AND THE DEUCE, a mufi-
cal piece, in three acts, by Mr. HOARE, which
dragged on during the remainder of the ſeaſon,
though diſapproved of every night, and thought
to have been condemned the firft.
The idea of this piece, refpecting the great refem-
blance of three brothers, is taken from the
French; and Mr. KING, the Comedian,
ENGLISH THEATRE. 1795.
183
wrote a Farce on it, which was occafionally
performed in the country; but this gentle-
man's diffidence would not permit him to lay it
before a London audience. Mr. KING, in his
piece, introduced only two brothers, which cer-
tainly was better; for in this Opera the jokes be-
came ftale by frequent repetition, and the laft et
was difgufting, particularly as the denouement was
imperfect, owing to the impoffibility of bring-
ing the three brothers on the ftage together.
Mr. HOARE faid, that he borrowed the idea from
a Spaniſh piece; and underſtanding from Mr.
KING, at the rehearſal, that he had exer-
cifed his pen on the fame fubject, requeſted
the loan of the play. Mr. KING lent him the
French piece, but declined fhowing his own
manufcript. No doubt Mr. HOARE availed
himſelf of the French Play, and in all proba-
bility, this was the cauſe of the piece being
poftponed for two days, though it was faid the
performers were not perfect.-It was fome
time before this Play was named-the firſt title
thought on, was, ONE ANOTHER. The three
brothers were performed by Mr. BANNISTER,
184
HISTORY OF THE THEATRE.
jun. whofe name was three times announced in
the Play-bill, and according to the Prologue
"made many ſtare,
"For at each STEP a BANNISTER was there."
And at each BANNISTER a note of exclamation
gradually multiplied-e. g.!!!!!! Not-
g.-1
withſtanding the exertions of Mr. BANNISTER,
jun. to fupport The Three, the Critics were
refolved to have a fhare in the performance,
for they played THE DEUCE. This piece was
afterwards attempted at Drury Lane, and there
condemned.
END OF VOL. II.
ADDENDA
To VOL. I.
Drury Lane.
March 19, 1774-
[Page 25.]
THE HEROINE OF THE CAVE, a Tragedy.
This was an unfinished piece, left in Mr. RED-
DISH's hands by the author, who, on his
deceaſe, applied to fome friend to reviſe and
improve it, when it was performed for the
benefit of Mr. REDDISH and the Author's
Widow, but met with no confiderable applaufe.
An ode was introduced in it, fet to mufic by
Mr. BARTHELEMON.
Covent Garden.
[Page 28.]
April 13, 1774-
HENRY AND EMMA, a mufical interlude by
Mr. BATE.
This was taken from PRIOR's poem of the fame
name, which idea Mr. SHERIDAN feemed
R 3
186
ADDENDA. VOL I.
alſo to have borrowed in the firſt ſcene of the
fifth act of his Comedy of The Rivals. The
prefent trifle was performed for a benefit.
Drury-Lane.
[Page 32.]
The Tragedy of ELECTRA was performed
originally at Covent Garden, Feb. 13, 1769, under
the title of ORESTES, for Mrs. YATES's benefit.
March 1776.
Drury-Lane.
[Page 40.]
VALENTINE'S DAY, a mufical piece, in two acts.
This was acted but one night for Mr. REDDISH'S
Benefit.
March 1776.
Covent-Garden.
[Page 46.]
DON QUIXOTE, a mufical piece in two acts.
Performed but once for a benefit.
1776.
Haymarket.
[Page 49.]
This feafon Mr. FOOTE introduced an additional
fcene in his play of THE COZENERS, which not
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
187
only heightened the humour, but gave it a much
better claim to the title. This fcene was obviouſly
levelled at a lady who had made more than one
public appearance, and done confiderable execution
as well with her eyes as her pen. The ſtory had
been repeatedly told, though never with fo much
humour before. She applied to a Mercer, ordered
a confiderable quantity of filk, took him in her own
coach to a mad doctor, there left him to fettle with
Efculapius, who would immediately fatisfy him.
Mrs. R. departed and left the mercer with the for
of Galen, who, inſtead of giving a draft, as Mr.
Prig expected upon the doctor's banker, he produced
a large phial, and upon Prig's refuſing to accept it,
he had a ſtrait waiſtcoat clapt on him, and was upon
the point of being conveyed to the private mad-
houfe at Chelſea, when Prig exclaimed, "Oh,
"damme, fend a citizen of London to a mad-
"houfe, when he brings in his bill; Jack Wilkes's
"affair was but a flea-bite to this-I fhall get
fwinging damages." This conceit had its effect,
and the audience gave it a due and general plaudit.
July 19, 1777.
Haymarket.
[Pag 65.]
SHEEP SHEARING, a paftoral piece, in three
acts.
5
188
ADDEN DA, VOL. I.
This was an alteration from the Winter's Tale and
which proved a very agreeable Summer Story:
it was fucceeded by
THE FAIRY TALE, a piece in two acts, bor-
rowed from the Midsummer Night's Dream.
This was allowed to have confiderable merit, as well
with regard to the dialogue as the mufic, the
latter of which obtained great applauſe.
May 1, 1778.
I,
Drury-Lane.
[Page 68.]
THE CRISIS; or LOVE AND FEAR, a
mufical after-piece, by Mr. HOLCroft.
This was performed for a benefit, and its chief
merit confifted in a character drawn for Mr.
DODD, much like Acres in The Rivals. The
piece was fo long as to become tedious.
During the greater part of this feafon, a want of
harmony ftill prevailed among the Managers; the
circumſtances leading to this difunion were as fol-
Jow: When Mr. GARRICK began to treat with
Mr. SHERIDAN for the parting with his moiety of
the patent, &c. a difficulty was started by Mr.
WALLIS (Mr. GARRICK'S Solicitor) that by the
ADDENDA.
189
VOL. I.
old article fubfifting between the late Mr. LACEY
and Mr. GARRICK-either party that should be
defirous of felling his fhare, or any part of it, muſt
firſt give due notice to the other-with the offer
of the purchaſe; and not in any caſe to part with it,
but during the vacation of the Theatre. Upon this
the treaty between Mr. GARRICK and Mr. SHERI-
DAN was fufpended, nor was it renewed till the
offer had been made to Mr. LACEY, and he had de-
clined it, and declared he had no objection to Mr.
GARRICK'S felling. The buſineſs then went on,
and matters being agreed, the parties figned and
fcalcd, relying on the faith of this article, that as
they ſtood in Mr. GARRICK'S fituation, the fame
preference was due to them from Mr. LACEY,
which he, as fucceffor to his father, had received
from Mr. GARRICK. This appearing fo equitable
to all the partners (Mr. LACEY, Mr. SHERIDAN,
Dr. FORD, and Mr. LINLEY), they agreed to make
the point as clear as poffible; at a confequent meet-
ing at Mr. WALLIS's, they fignifièd unanimouſly
their confent to act under that obligation; and Mr.
WALLIS was empowered accordingly to ſpecify it
in the articles of partnerſhip preparing for their uſe.
Mr. LACEY, however, having attempted to introduce
two new partners, Meff. THOMPSON and LANG-
190
VOL. 1.
ADDEND A.
FORD, to whom it was faid he had difpofed of half
his own fhare, the partners who purchaſed of Mr.
GARRICK objected on the above ground to the bar-
gain, as made without notice, in the midst of the
feaſon, and without the offer of the purchaſe, which
they were ready to take on fuch terms, or fuperior,
if required; and, continuing ftiff in their opinion,
remained firm in their refolution to exclude the faid
partners, in confequence of which the greatest con-
fufion prevailed in the above Theatre, and the bu-
finefs of it dragged on very heavily.
The difference above-mentioned, however, was,
a fhort time after, happily compoſed, though not
'till after a fufpenfion of two nights public enter-
tainment at that houfe. Mr. LACEY informed the
public, in the papers, that having been called to ac-
count for his conduct in differing with his partners,
by giving a preference to another, in his intended
difpofal of part of his fhare in Drury-Lane Theatre,
he thought it incumbent on him to declare the
principles on which he acted. He did not conceive
himſelf to be in the leaft bound by the article which
had fubfifted between his father and Mr. GARRICK,
and which had influenced Mr. GARRICK in dif-
pofing of his fhare; nor did he conceive the pro-
pofed engagement between him and his prefent
ADDENDA.
191
VOL. I.
partners to be affented to, farther than for con-
fideration; as he would be as far from breaking a
contract of honour as of law.
Confiding on this, he wiſhed to ferve a particular.
friend with the preference of what he thought
might prove an advantageous fituation to him, but,
as the fatisfaction he could reap from any act of
friendſhip would not compenfate for the regret he
fhould feel to have injured his partners, the prof-
perity of the Theatre, or the entertainment of the
Public, he would willingly forego his intention, and
was at the fame time happy to ſay, the Gentleman,
whom he wished to ſerve, actuated by the fame
principles, had withdrawn every claim their treaty
had given them.
Mr. LACEY alfo declared that he was not in the
leaft influenced in this bufinefs by any conduct of his
partners in general, or from any difference with Mr.
SHERIDAN, for whom he had the greateſt eſteem,
and whofe conduct towards him had ever been polite,
honourable and diſintereſted.
Drury Lane.
[Page 78.1
BENJAMIN VICTOR, Efq. one of the Treaſurers
of this theatre, and Poet Laureat of the kingdom of
192
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
Ireland, died at his apartments, Charles Street,
Covent-Garden, Dec. 3, 1778. This gentleman
had been Manager in Dublin, and intended, had he
lived, to have continued his hiftory of the Theatres
of London. He was fo very much attached to the
drama, that the moſt trifling circumftance relative
to the theatres, was regularly inferted in his me-
morandum book.
December 1778.
Covent-Garden.
[Page 80.]
THE SPENDTHRIFT; Or, a CHRISTMAS
GAMBOL, a Farce, by Dr. KENRICK.
This was taken from the under plot of the Cuflow
of the Manor and performed but twice.
Eovent-Garden.
[Page 151.]
(To conclude the account.)
The following is a catalogue of the feveral cha-
racters performed by Mr. HENDERSON, arranged as
near as poffible to the order of their performance
and ſuppoſed to be tolerably accurate. Thoſe parts
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
193
marked with an afterifk he performed in London,
the others in Dublin, Bath, &c.
*
1 Hamlet,
***
2 Ode on the Fubilee
*
HAMLET.
*
*
*
*
3 Richard III. in....RICHARD III.
4 Benedict,
5 Macbeth,
6 Capt, Bobadil,-
7 Bayes,-
8 Don Felix,
9 Earl of Effex,-
10 Hotſpur,..
11 Fribble,.
* 12 Lear,..
*
13 Haftings,
14 Alonzo,
15 Alzuma,
* 16 Pierre,-
*
17 Don John,.
- -
* 18 Comus,
-
MUCH ADO ABOUT
NOTHING.
MACBETH.
EVERY MAN IN HIS
HUMOUR.
THE REHEArsal.
THE WONDER.
THE EARL OF ESSEX.
.FIRST PART OF HENRY
IV.
MISS IN HER TEENS.
KING LEAR.
JANE SHORE.
ALONZO.
.ALZUMA.
VENICE PRESERVED,
...THE CHANCES.
..COMÚS.
-OTHELLÓ.
19 Othello,.
20 Archer,.
THE STRATAGEM.
VOL. II.
S
194
ADDEND A. VOL. 1.
*
21 Ranger,..........THE SUSPICIOUS HUS-
22 Sir John Brute,
23 Belville,..
24 Henry II.....
25 Beverley,
26 Zanga,
27 Ford,
* 28 Pofthumous,
*
29 Shylock,
* 30 Lorenzo,
31 Sciolto,
32 Morcar,
*
*
33 Falstaff,
34 Velasquez,..
35 Ofmond,
BAND.
.THE PROVOKED WIFE.
..THE SCHOOL FOR
WIVES.
HENRY II.
.THE MAN OF BUSI-
NESS.
.THE REVEnge.
THE MERRY WIVES OF
WINDSOR.
..CYMBELINE.
THE MERCHANT OF
VENICE.
THE SPANISH FRIAR.
THE FAIR PEnitent.
MATILDA.
.FIRST PART OF HENRY
IV.
.BRAGANZA.
.KING ARTHUR.
36 Sir Giles Overreach ..NEW WAY TO PAY OLD
DEBTS.
37 Iupiter,-
AMPHYTRYON.
* 38 King John,-
...KING JOHN.
39 Iachimo,
40 Glenalvon,
CYMBELINE.
.DOUGLAS.
ADDEND A. VOL. 1.
195
#
*
*
41 Selim
42 Chamont,
43 Baſtard,
44 Oroonoko.
45 Falstaff,
46 Lufignan,
47 Clytus,
48 Hargrave,
EDWARD AND "Elea-
NORA.
THE ORPHAN.
KING JOHN.
OROONOKO.
SECOND PART HENRY
IV.
ZARA.
THE RIVAL QUEENS.
THE RUNAWAY.
49 Honeywood, .......THE GOOD-NATURED
*
50 Campley,.
51 Valentine,
52 Henry V....
MAN.
THE FUNERAL.
53 Ofmyn,..
54 Oakley,
·
D
55 Don John,
.LOVE FOR LOVE.
HENRY V.
THE MOURNING
BRIDE.
THE JEALOUS WIFE.
THE MAN'S THE MAS-
TER.
56 Alwin,
THE COUNTESS OF SA-
LISBURY.
57 Lord Guildford Dudley,LADY JANE Grey.
58 Alcanor,
* 59 Jaques,
60 Atall,
61 Henry VI
MAHOMET.
..As You LIKE IT.
THE DOUBLE GAL-
LANT.
RICHARD III.
196
ADDEND A. VOL. 1.
* 62 Iago,
* 63 Falſtaff,
64 Regulus,
OTHELLO.
MERRY WIVES OF
WINDSOR.
THE INFLEXIBLE CAP~
TIVE.
65 Sir Thomas Overbury, SIR TH. OVERBURY.
66 Lord Chalkston,
* 67 Leon,
68 Col. Tamper,-
*
69 Mirabel,.
70 Loveless,
71 Manly,.
72 Beverley,
73 Belmont..
{
74 Evander,
75 Brutus,..
* 76 Brutus,
1
·
* 77 Edgar Atheling,
*
*
78 Horatius,
79 Æsop,--
* 80 Chorus, --
* 81 Birino,
82 Dominic,
·
LETHE.
..RULE A WIFE, AND
HAVE A WIFE.
THE DEUCE IS IN HIM.
THE INCONSTANT.
.LOVE'S LAST SHIFT.
THE PLAIN DEALER.
THE GAMESTER.
THE FOUNdling.
..THE GRECIAN DAUGH-
TER.
JULIUS CESAR.
THE ROMAN SACRI-
FICE.
THE BATTLE OF HAST-
INGS.
THE ROMAN FATHER.
SOP.
HENRY V.
.THE LAW OF LOM-
BARDY.
THE SPANISH FRYAR.
1
ADDEND A.
197
VOL. I.
* 83 Sforza,....
* 84 Tamerlane, - .
* 85 Wolfey,-
*
86 Charles,
87 Cato,
88 Octavio,.
89 Aubrey,..
90 Sir John Flowerdale,
91 Pharnaces, - - - - -
* 92 Duke,...……..
93 Oſborne,
* 94 Auſtin,
*
95 Fitzherbert,
* 96 Mafkwell,.
97 Sullivan,
*
98 Egeon,
99 Riot,
100 Pyrrhus,
101 Mercutio,
102 Profpero,
THE DUKE OF MILAN.
TAMERLANE.
HENRY VIII.
THE SCHOOL FOR
SCANDAL.
..CATO.
SHE WOULD AND SHE
WOULD NOT.
THE FASHIONABLE
LOVER.
SCHOOL FOR FATHERS.
-SIEGE OF SINOPE.
.MEASURE FOR MEA-
SURE.
.DUPLICITY.
THE COUNT OF Nar-
BONNE.
WHICH IS THE MAN.
THE DOUBLE Dealer.
THE WALLOONS.
THE COMEDY OF
ERRORS.
THE WIFE'S RELIEF.
THE DISTREST MO-
THER.
ROMEO AND JULIET.
THE TEMPEST.
S3
198
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
7
*103 Leontes, ..
#104 Sir Ant. Bramville,..THE DISCOVERY.
*105 Philodamus,
THE WINTER'S TALE.
PHILODAMUS.
*106 Lord Davenant, ....THE MISTERIOUS HUS-
*107 Malvolio,.
#108 Norval,
BAND.
TWELFTH NIGHT.
.DOUGLAS.
*109 Sir Charles Eafy,....THE CARELESS HUS-
*110 Old Wilmot,.
*111 Biron,
*112 Caled,.
*113 Thefeus,
*114 Arab₂-
*115 Ordeal,-
BAND.
...THE SHIPWRECK.
ISABELLA.
THE SIEGE OF DAMAS-
CUS
PHEDRA AND HIPPO-
LITUS.
THE ARAB.
FASHIONABLE LEVI-
TIES..
Covent-Garden
[Page 164.]
1787.
Mrs. YATES, a member of this Theatre, after
undergoing much pain and langour, died at her
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
199
houfe in Pimlico, May 2d, aged 59: her diforder
was dropfical, which had for fometime encroached
on her conftitution.
This lady, whofe maiden name was GRAHAM,
and fuppofed to be born at Birmingham, made her
firſt appearance in Dublin, in Anna Bullen in Henry
VIII. under the aufpices of Mr. SHERIDAN, who,
deeming her abilities very indifferent was glad to
diffolve the engagement by a prefent. This was
about the year 1752. The lady herfelf thought Mr.
SHERIDAN'S opinion very juſt and deſpaired of ever
attaining any degree of eminence in the theatrical
line; for at this time, though in the bloom of youth
her voice was very weak, and her figure incumbered
with corpulence..
She now gave up her theatrical purfuits; but as the
early part of her life was marked with unhappineſs,
it is fuppofed that neceffity urged her to another at-
tempt, and accordingly fhe became a candidate
at Drury-lane, in 1754.
Mr. GARRICK intro-
duced her to the town in the character of Julia, in
a new play, firſt acted then (Feb. 25) called Vir-
ginia, and as he ſpoke a prologue (written by him-
felf) wherein he mentioned the fears of the new
actreſs, with fome addrefs, it is imagined he, enter-
J
200
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
tained hopes, if not of her future eminence, at leaft
of her utility; the lines in the prologue, refpecting
the fair candidate, and with which Mr. GARRICK
concluded, are as follow:
"If novelties can pleaſe, to night we've two;
"Though Engliſh both, yet ſpare them as they're new.
"To one at least your ufual favour fhew,
"A female afks it.-Can a man fay no?
"Should you indulge our novice yet unſeen,
"And crown her with your hands, a tragic queen;
" Should you with fmiles a confidence impart,
"To calm thofe fears which ſpeak a feeling heart;
"Affift each ſtruggle of ingenuous fhame,
"Which curbs a genius in its road to fame;
"With one with more her whole ambition ends,
"She hopes fome merit to deſerve fuch friends.”
This tragedy, which was deemed the moſt indif-
ferent Mr. GARRICK ever brought out, was acted
nine nights, but this temporary fuccefs muft be.
imputed to his own performance in it, Mr. Mos-
SOP's, and Mrs. CIBBER's, for our heroine afforded,
as yet, no promife of excellence, and was diſmiſſed
the enfuing feafon; but on her marriage with Mr.
YATES, fhe was received again by Mr. GARRICK
the year following.
That this lady was a very unpromising actreſs at
first, there is no reafon to doubt, nor indeed to
ADDEND A. VOL. I I›
201
wonder at, when we confider the remarkable
change which took place in her difpofition. On her
first introduction to the public, fhe feemed formed
of the mildeft materials, fo much fo, as to appear
quite infufceptible of refentment upon any pro-
vocation; but a total change foon took place, and
The was afterwards as remarkable for the high im-
petuoſity of her ſpirit: notwithſtanding, fhe was
always-A FRIEND!
To her husband, an experienced actor, fhe was
no doubt indebted for her theatrical improvements;
but he was fometime before the difplayed her
brilliancy; the indifpofition of Mrs. CIBBER, gave
her at laft an opportunity of acquiring fome reputa-
tion, and ſhe eſtabliſhed her fame by her performance
of Mandane, intended for Mrs. CIBBER, in Mr.
MURPHY's tragedy of the Orphan of China, which
Mr. GARRICK brought out, greatly againſt his in-
clination. She now became a favourite with the
public, and mended the chief of her defects, which
were marked by the fatirift CHURCHILL, with feve-
rity but not without truth. On the death of Mrs.
CIBBER (1766), ſhe became the unrivalled actreſs
of the day, and was paid the following compliments
by KELLY in his Thefpis.
202
VOL. 1.
ADDENDA.
"YATES, with fuch wond'rous requifites to charm,
"Such powers of face, and majesty of form,
"Such genuine grandeur with fuch fweetnefs joined,
"So clear a voice and accurate a found,
** In fame's firſt feat muſt certainly be placed,
"While Britain boats of judgment and of tafte.
Say in what walk of greatneſs or of grace,
"This matchlefs woman juftly fhall we place,
"In which ſhe ftill poffeffes not an art
“To melt, to fire, to agonize the heart ?
"If in Cordelia to our minds we raife
"The more than magic foftnefs the difplays,
"Will not a gufh of inftant pity ſpring,
“To mourn the father, and lament the king ?
"Or, when the haplefs Belvidera's tale
"Of brutal Renault turns her huſband pale,
"Does not the force with which the then exclaims,
"Light every eye-ball into inftant flames ?
"Rage with a fire too big to be expreſt,
"And ſpread one Etna thro' the burſting breaſt ?
"But tho' unequall'd in thofe tragic parts
"Which fall with weights, and hang about our hearts;
" 'Tis not on thofe fhe wholly refts her name,
"Or builds a title to dramatic fame.-
Mark, in the gayer, polish'd fcenes of life,
"The fprightly mistress, or the high-bred wife,
" What wond'rous grace and dignity unite
"To fill us ftill with exquifite delight:
"Mark, how that nameless elegance and cafe
"Can teach e'en
's ribaldry to pleafe;
"With actual life his cold Belinda warm,
And tell that whining Lovemore how to charm.-
5
ADDENDA.
203
VOL. I.
"Peace to thy fhade, and may the laurel bloom
"With deathlefs green, O CIBBER, on thy tomb!
"Peace, wond'rous OLDFIELD, ever wait thy fhrine,
"Thou once-chofen prieftefs of the facred nine!
"For while this YATES the utmoſt reach can fhew
"Of comic grace, or foul diſtracting woe,
"We find no reaſon for the forrowing tear,
"Which elfe would fall inceffant on your bier.
"Curfe on that bard's malignity of breast,
"How bold fo e'er, or exquifitely dreft,
"Who once through YATES's requifites could trace,
"Yet find no dawn of meaning in her face.-
"Oft CHURCHILL, often when Bellario's fears,
"His faith, his wrongs, have plunged us into tears-
"Has the fweet anguish in this YATES's fighs
"Forc'd that ftern bofom inftantly to rife.
"Oft, as a fine ductility of breaſt,
"Some new-born paffion on her viſage preft,.
"Taught the foft-ball more meltingly to roll,
"And drew out every feature into foul;
"Then have I feen the cenfor who cou'd find
"No glance whatever vivified with mind;
"Loft in a ftorm of unaffected woe,
"Till pitying nature bid the torrent flow;
"Reliev'd the tortur'd bofom thro' the eye,
And gave his fentence publickly the lye.—
"Yet high foever as the poet rates
"The well known worth and excellence of YATES,
"He cannot give perfection to her ſhare,
"Nor fay fhe's wholly faultlefs as a player.
"Sometimes her fenſe, too vehemently ſtrong,
"By needlefs force will deviate into wrong ;
"And fometimes too, to throw the fault afide,*
"She blends too little tenderneſs with pride;
204
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
D
"What need Caliſta, entering on the ſtage,
"Exclaim, “Be dumb for ever," in a rage ?
"Her faithful woman gives her woes relief,
"And Juftice calls for temper, tho' for grief.—
"Again, when Modely ftands reveal'd to view,
"And comes all fuppliant to a laſt adieu,
"What need that cold indifference of air,
"That ſtiff unbending haughtineſs of ſtare;
" 'Tis true, the wretch deferves our utmoſt ſcorn-
"Yet her refertment is but newly born;
"And we ſhould read diſtinctly in her eyes,
"That ſtill ſhe loves, howe'er fhe may defpife.-
"Where women once a paffion have profefs'd,
"They may refent, but never can deteſt ;
"Nor where the baſeſt fav'rite they diſcard,
"Conceal all marks of pity and regard.-
On Mr. PowELL's becoming Manager of Covent-
Garden, Mr. and Mrs. YATES were engaged by
that gentleman, the former at 10l. a week, and a
benefit, and the latter at 500l. for the ſeaſon and a
*benefit.
In 1768 a difference arofe between Mrs. BEL-
LAMY and our heroing, as appears by the following
letters.
Mrs. YATES to Mrs. BELLAMY.
"MADAM,
"UPON ſeeing my name advertiſed for the part
"of Hermione in the Diftreft Mother, for your be-
nefit, a part which did not belong to me, but done
Co
ADDEND A.
205
VOL. I.
merely to prevent confufion laft feafon, I imme-
"diately acquainted Mr. YOUNGER, that as I had
"refuſed playing it for the Managers, I could not
"with propriety do it for any performer; therefore
"defired he would acquaint you, that you might
"not be diſappointed; but as you ftill continue ad-
"vertifing the fame play, hope you will not take it
"amifs (left any miſtake fhould have happened
"between you and Mr. YOUNGER) that if you rely
"on me for the part, you will be diſappointed, as it
"will be impoffible for me to play two ſuch fatiguing
parts as Hermione and Medea two nights fuc-
ceffively-beg you'll not attribute it to any want.
“of inclination to oblige, but really the want of
"ability.
CC
I am, Madam,
Your humble fervant,
M. A. YATES.
Mrs. BELLAMY's ANSWER.
"MADAM,
"I am very forry I did not know your refolution
"before my tickets were printed, and many of them
0.6
difperfed. Could I have fuppofed any performer
"had a right to refuſe a part they had done in the
VOL. II.
T
>
า
206
ADDEND a. VOL. I.
.Co
company, I certainly fhould not have fixed upon
the play, as I would on no account have an obli-
"gation to a performer.
Indeed the chief motive of my refolving upon
"that piece was, that Andromache was a very eaſy
part, and my late fevere indifpofition prevents my
41
being able to perform any other.-It gives me
"concern that any uneafinefs of this kind fhould
"happen, as theatrical diſputes are what I always
wifhed to avoid.
"I am, Madam,
"Your humble fervant,
G. BELLAMY.”
James-ftreet, Golden-fquare,
Wedneſday, 9 o'clock.
"P. S. If I am obliged to change the play, I
"must give the reaſons for it—and I fear the pub-
"lic will not think Mrs. YATES's playing Medea
" for Mr. YATES the next night, a fufficient reaſon
*for not playing for the benefit before."
Mrs. YATES'S REPLY.
"MADAM,
Į AM as forry as you can be, that you
fhould
be deprived of the play you intended, but the co-
ADDENDA.
207
VOL. I.
gent reafons I have already given you, fhould,
(I may fay ought) to any reaſonable lady, plead
"my excufe; therefore, I think the fooner you ad-
"vertiſe your reafons for altering your play, the
"better, that the public, (to whom I have the
greateft obligations) may not be deluded: The
Managers have long fince known my determi-
"nation never to play Hermione again.
1
“I am, Madam,
"Your humble fervant,
"M. A. YATES."
This correfpondence not having produced a fettle-
ment of the matter in difpute between the two
actreffes, and Mrs. BELLAMY continuing her ad-
vertiſement, Mrs. YATES published the letters;
adding, in her own juftification TO THE PUBLIC,
for ftill declining to play the character fhe had ob-
jected to, as follows:
"Mrs. YATES defires Mrs. BELLAMY would
"inform her, why, in her advertiſement of yeſter-
day, the concealed the reafons Mrs. YATES had
'given her for declining the part of Hermione,
"which if he had done, Mrs. YATES flatters her-
"felf fhe muſt have ſtood excufed to the public;
46
Mrs. YATES has therefore (o exculpate herfelf
"from any imputation) published thofe letters
which paffed between them on the occafion. The
208
ADDEND A. VOL. I.
public may now judge whether it was in Mrs.
"YATES'S power to play Hermione, Medea, and
"Mandane in Cyrus, three fucceffive nights.
"Mrs. YATES likewife defires Mrs. BELLAMY
"will publifh the many notices the received from
"Mr. YOUNGER the Prompter, wherein he in-
«formed her, that Mrs. YATES had given up the
"part of Hermione long fince, and that he had
given her the laſt year's bill by miſtake, and beg-
ged her to decline advertiſing it.”
4.6
To which Mrs. BELLAMY replied.
«Mrs. BELLAMY thinks the poftfcript of her
"letter might have informed Mrs. YATES, why the
reafons he gave for declining the part of Her-
"mione were not inferted in the advertiſement.
"If Mrs. YATES is overburthened with bufinefs,
"The fhould apply to Mr. YATES, and the Mana-
".
ger, to unload her of Medea and Mandane, not to
" Mrs. BELLAMY, to eafe her of Hermione; and
"for the following equitable as well as cogent reafon,
that, Tueſday precedes Wedneſday and Thurſday.
"Mr. YOUNGER never did inform Mrs. BEL-
"LAMY, that he had given her last year's bill by
miſtake; nor did he write to her at all concern-
ing Mrs. YATES having declined the part of
"Hermione, till the had publifhed her bills and
tickets, and difperfed many of them; and Mrs.
ADDENDA.
209
VOL. I
"BELLAMY will venture to affirm, that Mr.
"YOUNGER never knew Mrs. YATES had refufed
"to play Hermione for the Managers, till after the
play was advertiſed; and if Mrs. YATES had
46
(C
really acted Hermione laſt year, to prevent con-
"fufion only, the Managers, furely, would never
"have ventured to have advertifed The Diftreffed
"Mother for Friday the 8th of October laſt.
"As Mrs. BELLAMY means to trouble the pub
lic no more with the impertinent difputes between-
"herſelf and Mrs. YATES, fhe will finiſh with
"afking that lady one queftion, viz. Would it not
•
have added to Mrs. YATES's wonted benevolence,
"if ſhe had defcended to have played Hermione
once more-particularly as Mrs. BELLAMY had:
* diftributed many of her tickets, and had declared.
in her letter, that her late fevere indifpofition had
"rendered her incapable of performing any other
character, but the very eafy* one of Andromache?"
The wonted benevolence of Mrs. YATES was, how-
ever, proved more than once, when Mrs. BELLAMY'S
circumftances required her theatrical affiftance. This
lady's last performance was for MIS. BELLAMY'S
benefit at Drury-Lane (1785), which we have al-
Yet one would think, to give a juft picture of an injured
Queen-her affliction as a Widow, and her diftrefs as a Mother,
was NO VERY LASY tak.
T 3
210
VOL. I.
ADDENDA.
ready noticed; but her laft engagement was at Co-
vent-Garden.
Some few months before the death of Mr. HEN-
DERSON, this lady, as it is faid, intended to have
united with him in continuing the readings at Free-
mafon's-hall; a taſk for which fhe was extremely
well qualified, as her chief excellence lay in recita-
tion. It was likewife Mrs. YATES'S wish to return
to the Theatre, had not the ftroke of Death made
her EXIT final!
Her funeral proceffion moved at twelve o'clock, on
the Monday following her death, from Pimlico to the
chancel of Richmond church, where, as he had
requested, her remains were interred: thofe of
her father having mouldered in the fame place.
-At five o'clock the proceffion reached Richmond.;
but the church, and the avenues, being fo extremely
crowded, it was with the utmost difficulty access
could be obtained. Among the principal attendants
on that occafion, were
Dr. ROBERTS, Mafter of St. Paul's School..
Dr. ROBINSON.
Mr. MURPHY..
Mr. PALMER, of Drury-Lane Theatre.
Mr. GRINDALL, Surgeon..
Mr. KEATE.
Mr. HULL.
AD DEN DA.
211
VOL. I.
Great as this actreſs was, it is remembered, that
the once performed in the Plain Dealer, with HOL-
LAND, KING, WESTON, and Miſs POPE, to an au-
dience, confifting, at the beginning of the play, of
four perfons only in the whole lower tier of boxes,
and of eighteen in the pit: the gallery had about an
hundred; the upper boxes about feventy perfons.
The prefent receipts of the London Theatres,
compared with thofe ufual fome years paft, convince
us, that the paſſion for theatrical exhibitions is by
far greater than before; otherwife, to build larger
Theatres would have been impolitic. Two hundred
pounds are now confidered as a bad receipt: the
fum of nearly fix hundred pounds has been fre-
quently taken.
Mrs. RICH was accuftomed to fay, concerning
the receipt of Covent-Garden Theatre, that, if the
Treaſurer's account confifted of three figures in the
column of pounds, fhe was fatisfied; however, it
happened to this Theatre, a few year's ago, that the
play was performed to an audience paying only fixty
pounds.
In the month of February a very remarkable cir-
cumſtance happened at this Theatre, on a Saturday
night, or rather Sunday morning. Mr. BRANDON,
whoſe refidence at the Theatre was deemed necef-
fary, was alarmed at hearing the cries of a perfon
212
VOL. I.
ADDEND A.
from the interior part of the houfe. Having pro-
cured a light immediately, he went to the place
where the noife proceeded from, and found a gen-
tleman in the pit, much bruifed, and his finger
broken. On inquiring how he came there, the
only account he could give was, that he remembered
coming to the play in the evening, and hanging by
his fingers on fome place, but had no recollection:
where or when. His hat and cane were found in
the upper boxes. It was fuppofed that he fell
aſleep during the performance, and was locked into
the houſe, and, walking in his fleep, fell out of the
boxes into the pit. It being probable, from the fi-
tuation of his hat and cane, that he fell from the
upper boxes, it was highly fortunate that he did not
receive much more injury.
A more melancholy event happened fome ſhort
time after. A perfon, eager to get the first row in
the gallery, not being able to fupprefs his rapidity,
fell over into the pit, and was taken up lifelefs. All
the Theatres immediately after adopted iron rods,,
raifed in fuch a manner, round the galleries, as to-
prevent a fimilar accident..
ADDENDA
To VOL. II.
Drury-Lane.
[Page 54.]
AMONG feveral regulations introduced by Mr.
KEMBLE, on his becoming acting Manager, the
moſt remarkable, though it may feem trifling to
the readers, was a very judicious mode of inſerting
performers' names in the play-bills. Ambition and
jealouſy are paffions too prevalent in the mimic
world; and it is well known that many theatrical
difputes have originated from the vain defire of
being either first or laft in the advertiſement. In-
deed, it is too common for heroes and heroines of
provincial Theatres, not only to occupy the moſt
confpicuous places in the bills, but likewife to be
diftinguished by gigantic letters and characteriſtics,
as SHYLOCK (the Jew); ANDROMACHE (the dif
treft Mother), &c. &c. Mr. KEMBLE, however.
214
VOL. IF.
ADDENDA.
to obviate any little jealoufies which might refult
from precedency in the bills, has the characters
ranked according to that degree of dignity they hold
in the Drama: thus, the KING, though perhaps he
has but a few words to fay, precedes all his fub-
jects; the father of a family often takes the lead;
the next in rank follows, and fo on by which
means the hero often claffes in the middle, and a
very inferior actor, perhaps, is the first of all. This
rule is likewife adhered to in ranking the names of
the performers in a new play, though the characters.
of the drama are not announced.
Drury Lane,
[Page 116.]
THE ROMANCE OF CYMON was got up
at this Theatre, with additional Airs and Mufic.
In the last act was introduced a magnificent procef-
fion of the knights, in the dreffes of the warriors.
and different orders of chivalry in former times,
particularly the Anglo-Saxons, Danes, and thofe of
England, France, and Norway. To theſe were
added a grand car, with the figures of St. George:
and the Dragon; another with a Cupid heating a
ADDENDA.
215
VOL. 11.
filver arrow; the whole accompanied with the Duke
of York's full band.
At the conclufion of the proceffion, a tournament
took place of both horfe and foot, between feveral
combatants in armour, who fought with lances,
fwords, and battle-axes: three of Hughes' horfes
were introduced, and managed with much dexterity;
the Prince of Wales' Highlander made one of the
proceffion, and entered the lifts as a champion,
fighting with an enormous club; againſt him a
ſmall female warrior was oppofed, by whom he was
fubdued. It was by far the grandeft fpectacle ever
feen upon the ſtage. Many of the characters were
taken from Sir PHILIP SYDNEY'S Arcadia, in
which the ſcene of the piece was laid; and the
dreffes of the knights, armour, &c. from the draw-
ings and deſcriptions of the beſt antiquarians.
The fourth repreſentation was honoured by their
Majefties, with the Duke and Dutchefs of YORK,
whoſe firſt viſit it was after their marriage; and fuch
the curiofity on this occafion, that undefcribable
confufion and mifchief enfued; when unfortunately
a gentleman belonging to one of the public offices
(Mr. SMITH) loft his life. The crowd had affem-
bled at an early hour; in confequence of which,
5
216
VOL. II.
ADDENDA.
the ſtreet doors were foon opened to the lobbies.
When the lobby leading to the pit was full, by fome-
means or other the door was fhut; numbers conti-
nuing to affemble, who wished to get to the pit,
fuppofed that the door had not been opened, as it
was only five o'clock; and, on the ufual period
for opening the door, finding it ftill fhut, they grew
exceedingly tumultuous, calling out, "Open the
door! open the door! or down with the houſe!'
The advanced guard arrived about this time, foon
followed by the king's guard, who attempted to
make way, and drive the people from the doors, but
in vain; they were difperfed from their pofts; fome
forced into the highway, and fome under carriages;
and, in the general confufion, ſeveral loft their bay-
onets and fide arms. On or about fix o'clock, the
pit-door was opened a fecond time; nor, till this
period, would the multitude be convinced that the
door had been opened before, much lefs that the
houfe was full.
The unfortunate Mr. SMITH was injured in the
first
attempt to get in, at the confined entrance he
fell down; when they gave way a little, the mob
clofed and trampled upon him. A lady, at the fame
time, had nearly fhared the fame fate; fhe was got
away, but very materially injured, and ſeveral other
perfons were much hurt.
ADDENDA, VOL. II.
117
Through mifrepreſentation of facts reſpecting the
guards, an inflammatory paragraph appeared in one
of the London newſpapers, the proprietor and printer
of which was profecuted to conviction; but, upon
fubmiffion, and paying coſts to the amount of three
hundred pounds, fentence was not pronounced.
FINIS.
1
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UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
3 9015 01082 7064
Pending Preservation
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