"3d. No legal proceedings to be stopped."The meaning of this preliminary we did not enter into, as no legal proceedings were begun,nor had we any guess at your litigious intention of making Garton put us in the Crown-office; or of your inquisition, &c. &c."4th. Powell's article to be cancelled, and another made, allowing him more explicitly the largest salary in the house."That you should think it proper to give Mr. Powell thisdouceur, we were not at all surprised; but it did not occur to us why we should give any farther indulgence to a man, who, after having attached himself to you, had separated himself from you, disapproved of your conduct, and then without the least reason implicitly and blindly suffered himself to be duped by you again."5th. The books to be restored to Garton."The books were never intended to be kept from Mr. Garton, so as to prevent his making up his accounts. We mean, whenever he is disposed to take his discharge."6th. The wardrobe to be restored, and all damages to be made good by Harris and Rutherford."To that we should have no objection, provided we are not obliged to make good the damages Mr. Powell has done."7th. Colman still to be theactingmanager. If alteration in the controuling power, it must be lodged in the other three proprietors."Here the cloven foot indeed appears plainly: so the article must not be meddled with, or it must be altered in your favour!"8th. That all bills and all claims upon the Theatre should be discharged."Whoever will attentively consider the above preliminaries must observe, that there is not a single point on which an arbitration could turn, which is not most artfully and subtilly provided for by Mr. Colman; that is to say, on every point they must determine absolutely for Mr. Colman, or otherwise some one of the preliminary articles will prevent their considering it at all. And these, Mr. Colman, you called fair, candid, and honest proposals, and have thrown the grossest abuse on us for not consenting to what you call a fair reference."Mr. Harris and another gentleman calling in at the Theatre one afternoon, found therein Mr. Powell and yourself, with each a candle in your hands, lighting and shewing the Theatre to two of your counsel, your attorney, and another gentleman. Mr. Harris was at a loss to know whether they came as witnesses, or for what other purposes. The servants of the Theatre, however, were ordered to shew you, and your friends, all possible respect. Besides this fact, we defy you to prove at any one time that either yourself or Mr. Powell, or any one that came by your order, was refused entrance into the Theatre.""Mr. Colman's Retort."As to my management of the Theatre, whatever reflections T. Harris may endeavour to throw on it, however he may prevaricate by talking of the small profits that have resulted from it, the success of it is incontestible; and the extraordinary receipts of the last season are an irrefragable proof that Covent-garden Theatre has attracted the particular notice and favour of the publick under my direction. If the disbursements have been very large, great part of those sums must be considered as the first expence of setting up in business, having been employed in what may be called stock in trade, which is at this instant of great intrinsic value, and will prevent future expence; and, large as those disbursements have been, I was not the promoter of them, except in the single instance of engaging Mr. and Mrs. Yates, more than Mr. Harris; and that single instance was honoured with Mr. Rutherford's approbation, till his colleague exerted his undue influence over him, and taught him to object to it."Now I am on the article of expence, it may not be amiss to lay before the publick a short anecdote. When Mr. Powell, at a meeting of all the proprietors, proposed some additional illuminations, I objected to them, at least for the present, saying that they would have a happier effect at the commencement of a season. Mr.Harris said, the measure being advisable, the sooner it was carried into execution the better. Mr. Powell accordingly gave the necessary orders; but when the bills came in, Mr. Harris and his colleague forbade the payment of the sum charged for two lustres to their Majesties box, saying it was a measure that had not been submitted to them."The pitiful charge concerning orders sent into the Theatre, as far as it is imputed to me as an artifice to support my reputation, Mr. Harris knows to be false. Mr. Rutherford and himself have told me more than once, that I sent in fewer orders than any of the proprietors. The little piece at which his malice points was, with all its faults, extremely successful, and of great advantage to our Theatre last season. The people sent to the house on one night in particular did not go at my desire in support of my piece, but at the instance of all the proprietors in support of the house, which was threatened to be pulled down; and it was thought a very cheap expedient to sacrifice a hundred pounds, to prevent a tumult which might perhaps have occasioned a loss of one or two thousand. As to the piece, good or bad, being very well acted, it brought great houses, and was received with much applause, so that however Mr. Harris may prove the soundness of his taste and judgment, he certainly doesnot manifest his gratitude by a public disapprobation of it."I am now arrived at that period, where I should think any present appeal to the publick, if any were necessary, ought to have begun; but as T. Harris chose to go over the old ground again, I was obliged to follow him, and to trace him through all his doublings of cunning and sophistry. What follows is entirely new matter, which has arisen since the tenth of February, the date of my last publication."The first new act of hostility on the side of the negative managers was intended, like their late proceedings, as a negative general, being calculated to deprive us of the very sinews of war. On the 14th of February they sent, without our knowledge, the following letter to the bankers where our money was deposited.'To Messrs.Freame,Smith, and Co.'Gentlemen,'We desire you will not pay any money, or deliver any property in your hands belonging to the proprietors of Covent-garden Theatre to any person whatsoever, until farther notice from us. And we desire you in like manner, to retain any further sums of money belonging to the said proprietors that may be sent to you. We are, &c.T. Harris. J. Rutherford.London, 14th Feb. 1768.'"At the beginning of the season the bankers had received an order, signed by all the proprietors, to pay all drafts of Mr. Garton, our Treasurer. It is a question therefore whether any two of the proprietors had a legal right to revoke the joint order of the four, and to desire the bankers not to pay any money to any person whatsoever. However that may prove, a step of such importance could not have been too early communicated to Mr. Powell and me. It was a measure that struck at the very being of our Theatre."A few days after the following letter was sent to the Treasurer:'To Mr.Jonathan Garton.'Sir, We desire you will, with all possible dispatch, send to each performer, officer, and servant of Covent-garden Theatre, whose articles expire this season, or who are not under articles, a copy of the inclosed letter; and that you will take down the names of those to whom such copy is sent, and return us a list thereof signed by yourself.'We also desire you will have your accounts ready for our examination, and your balance for inspection, on Monday morning next at eleven o'clock, as we shall then be at the office for that purpose. We are, Sir, your most humble servants,T. Harris. J. Rutherford.Thursday, Feb. 25, 1768.''Letter inclosed.'I am directed by Messrs. Harris and Rutherford, to give you notice that "you cannot be considered as belonging to Covent-garden Theatre, after the expiration of this season," unless the engagement you may enter into for the next be confirmed in writing by one, or both of them.Yours, &c.J. Garton.'Feb. 28, 1768."The determined resolution of Messrs. Rutherford and Harris to rescind the article respecting the management, appears in the above notice, wherein they assume, contrary to the letter, spirit, and common sense of that article, the power of dismission, the dismission of almost the whole Theatre, as well as the power of signing the articles of agreement; to which also they have not any right. The ordering the Treasurer to transcribe and circulate these notices was undoubtedly intended as a new insult to me; and perhaps the Treasurer, who was now growing obnoxious to them, because he would not further their attempts to stop the business of the Theatre, was purposely distressed with this order, that they might take offence at his denial to comply with it. I had not the most distant intention of settling the future state of the company without communicating the plan of it to them. This, whatever they might have learned from their informers, my subsequent conduct testified. Isuffered, however, the poor young men to continue to expose themselves. The notices were actually served on the persons they required, and I passed over this new instance of their insolence and irregularity with the most silent contempt."I do hereby aver to thePublick, forto the Publick alone I now address myself, that whenever T. Harris and his colleague will prefer a Bill in Chancery against us, respectingour present Articles and past Transactions, neither I nor Mr. Powell will make any delay in putting in a full and sufficient answer. And I now, in this public manner, call upon them to file this long-threatened bill against us. And I do hereby pledge myhonour, not to T. Harris, butto the Publick, that no means or endeavours of mine, or Mr. Powell, shall be wanting to bring it to a short and speedy conclusion."It now only remains to assure that Publick, whose protection we have already so often experienced, that we are determined to open the Playhouse at the usual time; and then to submit it to their tribunal, whether they will suffer the insolence and tyranny of T. Harris to interrupt their amusements, as well as to oppress us and the rest of their servants in Covent-garden Theatre."The invitation to try the merits of the dispute between Messrs. Colman, Harris, &c. offered at the close of the paper published by the former,was accepted; and a decision took place in the Court of Chancery July 1770, when it was decreed that Mr. Colman should continue the acting manager, subject to the advice of the three other managers.One of the most splendid Masquerades which has taken place in England was that given by the King of Denmark at the Opera-house, in 1768. 3000 persons, or nearly that number, were present, and received an entertainment consisting of every delicacy in the utmost profusion.I have just ceased to applaud the old custom of opening the doors of the Theatrebefore five o'clock; and have at this moment to notice the strange caprice of the publick, in requiring the managersto open at five. This alteration occurred in October 1768.The stupid and barbarous diversion of Throwing at Cocks, practised by the vulgar on Shrove Tuesday, was very properly prevented by the Police in February 1769.The reader cannot form a better idea of the amusements prepared for the publick by Mrs. Cornely than from the following account, published a few days after the Masquerade occurred February 1770."Monday night the principal Nobility and Gentry of this kingdom, to the number of near eight hundred, were present at the masked ball at Mrs. Cornely's in Soho-square, given by thegentlemen of the Tuesday Night's Club, held at the Star and Garter Tavern in Pall-mall. Soho-square and the adjacent streets were lined with thousands of people, whose curiosity led them to get a sight of the persons going to the Masquerade; nor was any coach or chair suffered to pass unreviewed, the windows being obliged to be let down, and lights held up to display the figures to more advantage. At nine o'clock the doors of the house were opened, and from that time for about three or four hours the company continued to pour into the assembly. At twelve the lower rooms were opened: in these were prepared the side-boards, containing sweetmeats and a cold collation, in which elegance was more conspicuous than profusion. The feast of the night was calculated rather to gratify the eye than the stomach, and seemed to testify the conductor's sense of its being prepared almost on the eve of Ash Wednesday. The richness and brilliancy of the dresses were almost beyond imagination; nor did any assembly ever exhibit a collection of more elegant and beautiful female figures. Among them were Lady Waldegrave, Lady Pembroke, the Dutchess of Hamilton, Mrs. Crewe, Mrs. Hodges, Lady Almeria Carpenter, &c. Some of the most remarkable figures were,"A Highlander (Mr. R. Conway.)"A double Man, half Miller, half Chimney Sweeper (Sir R. Phillips.)"A political Bedlamite, run mad for Wilkes and Liberty, and No. 45."A figure of Adam in flesh-coloured silk, with an apron of fig-leaves."A Druid (Sir W. W. Wynne.)"A figure of Somebody."Ditto of Nobody."A running-footman, very richly dressed, with a cap set with diamonds, and the words 'Tuesday Night's Club' in the front (the Earl of Carlisle.)"His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in the old English habit, with a star on the cloak."Midas (Mr. James the Painter.)"Miss Monckton, daughter to Lord Gallway, appeared in the character of an Indian Sultana, in a robe of cloth of gold, and a rich veil. The seams of her habit were embroidered with precious stones, and she had a magnificent cluster of diamonds on her head; the jewels she wore were valued at 30,000l.The Duke of Devonshire was very fine, but in no particular character. Captain Nugent of the Guards, in the character of Mungo, greatly diverted the company."The Countess Dowager of Waldegrave wore a dress richly trimmed with beads and pearls, in the character of Jane Shore. Her Grace of Ancaster claimed the attention of all the company inthe dress of Mandane. The Countess of Pomfret, in the character of a Greek Sultana, and the two Miss Fredericks, who accompanied her as Greek Slaves, made a complete groupe. The Dutchess of Bolton, in the character of Diana, was captivating. Lord Edg—b, in the character of an Old Woman, was full as lovely as his lady, in that of a Nun."Lady Stanhope, as Melpomene, was a striking fine figure. Lady Augusta Stuart, as a Vestal, and Lady Caroline, as a Fille de Patmos, shewed that true elegance may be expressed without gold and diamonds. The Chimney Sweeper, Quack Doctor, and a Friar, acquitted themselves with much entertainment to the company."About two o'clock the company began to depart, in effecting which there was great difficulty."We hear that two Great Personages were complimented with two tickets for Monday night's masquerade, which they very politely returned."Most of the carriages that came to the masquerade were chalked by the populace with 'Wilkes and Liberty.'"It will no doubt be remembered by many, that a very good representation of an eruption of Mount Ætna, on a large scale, with Cyclops at work in the centre of the mountain, was exhibited a few years since in the garden at Ranelagh.That it may not be supposed that this scene was a new thought, I shall describe the entertainment of an evening at Mary-le-bon gardens when they were in full reputation. The usual concerts and songs were performed; but Signior Torré had been employed to prepare a representation of Mount Ætna as an addition to the common fire-works, consisting of vertical wheels, suns, stars, globes, &c. in honour of the King's birth-day, June 4, 1772, who was, with the Queen, represented in transparencies surrounded by stars. When the fire-works were concluded, a curtain which covered the base of the mountain rose, and discovered Vulcan leading the Cyclops to work at their forge; the fire blazed, and Venus entered with Cupid at her side, who begged them to make for her son those arrows which are said to be the causes of love in the human breast: they assented, and the mountain immediately appeared in eruption with lava rushing down the precipices.A few trees stand as mementoes of Mary-le-bon gardens near the North end of Harley-street.January 27, 1772, was rendered remarkable in the annals of Amusement by the opening of the Pantheon in Oxford-street, which had been erected at a vast expence from the designs of Wyatt, the celebrated architect. Near two thousand persons of the highest rank and fashion assembled on this occasion to admire the splendidstructure, which contained fourteen rooms, exclusive of the rotunda: the latter had double colonnades or recesses for the reception of company, ornamented with the reliefs peculiar to the Grecian style of building; and the dome contained others equally rich. In order to support the propriety of the name given to this superb place of fashionable resort, the architect introduced niches round the base of the dome with statues of the Heathen Deities; and tocompletethe circle, addedBritannia and their present Majesties. Such were the ideas of classic taste exhibited by the proprietors; the Gods worshiped in thereal Pantheon, were compelled to witness a modern Pantheondedicated to pleasuresand amusements of which even Jupiter himself was ignorant when in the Court of Olympus.One of the first steps of the conductors was an order to exclude all loose women: an order which deserves honourable mention, but one impossible to be executed. The Masquerades given at the Pantheon would have been thin of company indeed, had not improper persons formed part of the silly groupe. The nature of those masked entertainments is so confined, that when one is seen or described, novelty is at an end. I shall therefore pass them over, and merely mention, that part of the commemoration of Handel, noticed at large in the first volume of "Londinium Redivivum," was celebrated at the Pantheon;after which caprice or some other cause converted it into an Opera-house, and very soon after anaccidental fireconsumed it. The Pantheon has been rebuilt, but on a miserable plan indeed compared with the original: it now serves for Masquerades at different periods; and Garnerin and Lunardi have exhibited their balloons there.It is by no means creditable to the memory of Mr. Garrick, that he acted the Beggar's Opera for two seasons in opposition to the entreaties of Sir John Fielding and his brethren the Magistrates, and after they had informed him that the representation invariably produced fresh victims to offended Justice. The latter season alluded to, 1773, produced a long and serious contention between persons who never before saw or had received the least injury from each other, through the turbulent and daring effrontery of the late veteran Macklin. This actor, offended at the conduct of a player named Reddish, and that of Sparks, the son of another, presumed to make the publick parties in the affair, by thus addressing the audience at Covent-garden Theatre on the night of October 30."Ladies and Gentlemen—My appearing before you in my own character, instead of that which I am this night appointed to perform, is an unexpected measure; but in my distressed condition, from my feelings as a man and an actor, andinorder to produce decencyin this Theatre to-night, and from my duty to the publick, I humbly hope it will be found to be a necessary one. I am sensible, that, by a certain set of people, this address to you will be deemed a very saucy step; and that their wishes and endeavours will be, that it may be attended with a very serious and fatal animadversion; but I hope and trust, that it will excite a very different effect in the minds of the candid and the just, when they shall have heard my motive for this proceeding; which, with your indulgence and protection, I will humbly lay before you."This period was the touch-stone of opinion; the majority of the audience requested Macklin to proceed: one person exclaimed "No," but was silenced. The actor proceeded:"Through the course of my theatrical life, I have constantly thought it the duty of an actor, and his best policy, to regulate his conduct in such a manner as to merit the credit and esteem of those who know him; so as to be able by moral justness to defy, and to be proof against all insinuations, aspersions, or open attacks upon his private character. This has been my constant doctrine; this my constant policy; and as a proof of my practice being conformable to these principles, I here appeal, not to hearsay, credulity, or party, but to all who know me: and I call upon every individual of the publick in this greatmetropolis to produce, if they can, a single instance to the contrary."A person observed at this instant, "That is a bold challenge, Mr. Macklin;" to which he replied, "Sir, I will abide by it; and I repeat it; I say asingle instance.""From the first of my appearing upon the Stage, I have met with the indulgence, protection, and encouragement of a benevolent publick, until I attempted to act the part of Macbeth last Saturday: in that attempt I have not the least reason to complain of that awful and impartial tribunal, which, from my observation, and the experience of the oldest actors I have known, never yet condemned piece or actor that had merit: but the usage I have met with from news-writers is without example in the history of the Stage. I have here in my hand folios of paragraphs, epigrams, intelligences, and what are called criticisms, uponme: some even before I appeared in the character; such as do no great honour to the press, or to the genius, candour, or erudition, of the gentlemen who produced them. I will not give a name or a quality to these productions; the present publick and posterity, should they meet with them, will do it for me."A voice from the gallery demanded an explanation, why he felt indignant at what had passed on the Saturday alluded to. Macklin affected tobe at a loss what the gentleman meant: an altercation then ensued between Mr. Sparks, the person who spoke, and another, which endedin a challengeto walk out, or to take the unknown's address. Quiet again took place."These criticks or partisans, not satisfied with their newspaper attacks upon my powers as a man and an actor, assembled in the gallery last Saturday night; and in two or three parties dispersed about the gallery, did by groans, laughs, hissing, and loud invectives, attack me in a violent manner. These parties were headed by two gentlemen, whom for the sake of truth and justice, with your permission, I will name.—The one was Mr. Reddish, a player belonging to Drury-lane Theatre; the other, one Mr. Sparks, a son of the late Luke Sparks, of worthy memory, an actor belonging to Covent-garden Theatre. This charge, I own, is a heavy one against Mr. Reddish in particular; as he is himself an actor: it is likewise heavy on Mr. Sparks, who intends to be one. Mr. Garrick, in his own defence, I am told, enquired into this matter in a formal manner behind the scenes; and upon the evidence produced by Mr. Reddish and Mr. Sparks, I am informed that Mr. Garrick did acquit Mr. Reddish of the charge; but I here pledge myself to give a positive proof of the fact of Mr. Reddish's hissing, which shall be supported by all the circumstances of probability and truth. I am afraidI have taken up too much of your time; yet, with your permission, I have a few words more to offer on this disagreeable subject."The condition of an actoron the first night of his performing such a character as Macbeth is the most alarming, to a mind anxious to gain the public favour,of any condition that the pursuit of fame or fortune can cast man into. A dull plodding actor, whose utmost merit is mediocrity, is in no danger; he plods on from the indulgence of the publick, and their habit of seeing him, in safety; he never is in danger of offending by starts of genius, or by the unruly fire that thefury of his spiritsenkindles. Mediocrity is his merit; mediocrity is all that is expected from him; mediocrity is his protection. But the actor that can be impassioned in the extreme, and isinflamedby Shakspeare's genius, will, on his first appearance in Macbeth, becarried out of the reach of sober judgment, and of wary, nice discretion; those passions and thatflamewillrun away with him, will make himalmost breathless,crackor hoarsen in his voice, arrest his memory,confine his sight, his action, gait, and deportment; and all that candour and the nicest judgment can expect from him is, that he shewed he understood his character, that he gave noble marks of genius and judgment, and that, when he had played the part half a dozen times, he would then charm and convince his audienceof his powers, and of his having a competent capacity for it."But let this man be but checked by a single hiss, all his fire will instantly cool; his spirits abate their motions; grief and despair will seize him, and at once he becomes the pining broken-hearted slave of the tyrant that ruined a wretch that was labouring to please him, who did not dare to resent the cruelty, nor to assist himself. A soldier in the very front of war, at the teeth of his enemy,and at the mouth of a cannon, is not in so wretched,nor in so fatal, so hopeless a state. The noble ardour of the soldier gives him hope, alacrity, effort, double, treble vigour and courage; the very danger adds to both, and to such a degree, as to make him lose even the idea of danger;and sure death, even death, in that state is preferableto an actor, who by his post isobliged to endure the hiss of a Reddish, or a Sparks; or a critic who hisses him for daring to act a part of Mr. Garrick's, and who woulddamn himto want andinfamy, to shew he is an admirer of Mr. Garrick."Mr. Macklin then went on beseeching the audience to believe that the agitation he felt on Saturday evening prevented him from exerting his faculties; that he was then under the same terrors; and concluded by begging them to try his merits by uninterrupted attention for a few nights, and then applaud or reject him.Messrs. Reddish and Sparks, though they knew Macklin had gained public approbation by his strange address, did not hesitate severally to make oath that Mr. Reddish never hissed the complainant; and that, when Sparks once did, Reddish warmly insisted that he should forbear. In addition to these assertions, Sparks published a letter, containing a positive denial of his being present at the second performance of Macbeth on the Saturday mentioned.The reader to whom this scene is now first known cannot but perceive Macklin's aim in all his proceedings; and, if he entertains the same ideas of justice with myself, he will be pleased to find those aims completely disappointed. Whatever impropriety of conduct Reddish and Sparks might have been guilty of, Macklin had no right to disturb the public peace by making many hundreds of inconsiderate people judges of his or their private jealousies.On Saturday evening the 6th of November Macklinactedthe second part of his appeal to the audience, and affected to be literally overcome by the awful situation his opponents and himself stood in before Heaven and the frequenters of theatrical amusements. He called for a glass of water to prevent him from fainting; and the compassionate audience ordered him a chair, on which they desired he might sit and read his proofs in opposition to the oaths ofReddish and Sparks. When he finished the play proceeded.Transactions of this nature never fail to produce parties, which arrange themselves on either side of the question, as caprice, or justice, actuates the individuals who compose them. A trial of strength on thismost importantsubject took place at Covent-garden Theatre on Thursday evening November 18, when a considerable number of persons raised a violent uproar, for the express purpose of preventing the commencement of the play in which Macklin was announced to perform. After some time had elapsed, the offender appeared, but to no purpose, as neither himself, his accusers, or approvers, could distinguish a word uttered by either; but the narrators of the disgusting occurrence say, that Macklin retired and threw off his dress for the character of Shylock, and re-appeared; that Mr. Bensley was commissioned by the Managers to pronounce—nobody would hear what—and retired; that Macklin dressed again, and again entered, but the noise, in which "Off" predominated, encreased with tenfold violence, and he was even commanded to go on his knees. This he positively refused, and made his "exit in a rage." Mr. Woodward succeeded Mr. Bensley as a pacificator with equal success. The Managers at length, foreseeing perhaps fatal consequences, sent Mr. Owenson upon the Stage, whoheld a large board before him on which they had written with chalk, "At the command of the publick, Mr. Macklin is discharged." This concession procured loud applause from the opposers of the actor; but his friends in the gallery, doubly exasperated, demanded "Shylock, Macklin, and Love a-la-mode," instead of "She Stoops to Conquer," which was begun by the Manager's direction. The confusion soon became general, and many persons left the Theatre. Mr. Fisher, one of the proprietors, entered, and attempted to speak; but Colman, and Colman alone, would satisfy the audience. That gentleman was at length induced to make (as he observed)his first appearance, attended by Colonel Lechmere; a general plaudit succeeded; and when silence could be obtained he said that, from the hour he had undertaken the management of the Theatre, his first wish had ever been to know the pleasure of the publick, that he might instantly comply with it; and, as a proof of the truth of his assertion, he referred the audience to thelegible cardwhich had just been offered to their perusal. Mr. Colman farther observed, that the Managers really had no other play in readiness besides "She Stoops to Conquer;" and recommended those who were displeased with it to receive their money and retire. A new trial of skill commenced between the contents and non-contents; the musick played, and the first scene of the above play wascompleted; but the second produced such brutal rage in the gallery, that it became unsafe to remain on the stage, and the curtain was finally dropped. The audience immediately retired, and received their entrance-money as they went; but the Managers are said to have lost near 90l.by certain despicable wretches who clambered from the Pit into the Boxes, and thus obtained Box prices instead of Pit.That this most unpleasant affair terminated without bloodshed or bruises, or broken limbs, must excite both astonishment and pleasure; and I think it must be allowed equally astonishing, that Mr. Macklin ever dared again to face an audience.It is singular that Macklin was under the necessity of publishing the ensuing extract of a letter, directed to Dr. Kenrick,to clear himself of a charge of hissinga new play on the 26th of November."Sir,"So far from injuring you in the point you complain of, I solemnly declare that I sincerely wished you success in your 'Duellist,' as I do every person who undertakes the arduous and perilous task of writing for the Stage. And I further assure you, that I was not near the Theatre on the night that your Comedy was acted. Nay, that, to the best of my recollection, I never spoke to a person, directly or indirectly, who wasgoing, or who told me he intended to go, to 'The Duellist;' and that I was employed about business of the utmost consequence to myself the whole day on which your Comedy was acted; particularly from five that evening till after all the Theatres were shut for that night. And as to my friends, Sir,the worldmust know that I cannot answer whether any of them were at the 'Duellist' or not, since I was not there myself; nor ought I to be responsible for their conduct there. But, Sir, in justice to those whom I esteem my friends, and for your farther satisfaction, I do assure you that I have not heard of one friend of mine that was at your Comedy. My testimony, perhaps, in this cause may be deemed in your opinion weak and partial, as it tends to exonerate myself and my friends. In answer to that argument, Sir, it is the best that it is in my power to give from the nature of the case. In your request of a re-hearing, and in the consequence should you be re-heard, I sincerely wish you success. I am, &c.Charles Macklin."Dr. Kenrick was supported by a strong party, which declared that his play had been unjustly condemned; and that gentleman thought proper to intimate, through the public papers, to Mr. Colman, that 'The Duellist' would be called for on the evening when a Mr. Brown was announced to appear for the first time in the character of Othello; thus clearing himself from thepresumed imputation of wishing to injure a new performer. This hint did not, however, produce the play; and Kenrick and his friends were under the necessity of having recourse to other measures; which were, distributing printed papers to the publick, and showering cards down upon the Pit from the Gallery: the latter contained these words, "No Play till an assurance of The Duellist being given out for Monday." Whether the riot of the preceding week had satiated the multitude, or whatever else might be the cause, the affair ended merely in violent hissing and clapping, and Brown had a candid hearing.The reader will, without doubt, be satisfied with the preceding descriptions of theatrical commotions; and under that conviction I shall omit all that have subsequently occurred, at the same time assuring him that so many would not have been mentioned, had I not thought it necessary to illustrate all the operations of the community.Dr. Kenrick opened a course of Lectures in the Theatre for Burlettas at Mary-le-bon gardens in the following July, which he termed "a School of Shakspeare;" where he recited different parts of the works of our inimitable Dramatist, and particularly that of Sir John Falstaff, with much success, to crowded audiences.The newspapers of that month vented severe complaints against the Proprietors of the gardens alluded to for having demanded 5s.entrancemoney to aFête Champêtre, which consisted of nothing more than a few tawdry festoons and extra lamps; indeed, they appear to have been suggested by the conduct of the spectators, who demolished most of the brittle wares of the scene, and injured the stage. A second attempt produced this description: "The orchestra, boxes, theatre, and every part of the gardens were beautifully illuminated at a vast expence with lamps of various colours, disposed with great taste and elegance. The grass-plat before Mr. Torre's building was surrounded with two semicircular rows of trees and hedges prettily contrived, divided, and forming two walks; and between every tree hung a double row of lamps bending downwards; between every break orange and lemon-trees were placed, and the whole was hung with festoons of flowers and other pastoral emblems. On this place the rural entertainment was held, consisting of singing and dancing; several airs were well sung by Mr. Thompson, Mr. Bannister, Miss Wewitzer, and the rest of the performers. On the left hand of this rural scene was a stile, and a walk which led to a Temple sacred to Hymen, which was transparent, and had a pretty effect when viewed at a distance. The gardens were not clear of company at six o'clock next morning."Encouraged by their success, the Proprietors entered still farther into the spirit of hilarity, andprepared an entertainment thus described in a newspaper a few days after it had taken place:"On Tuesday evening (July 23, 1776) Mary-le-bon gardens exhibited a scene equally novel and agreeable; namely, a representation of the Boulevards of Paris. The boxes fronting the ball-room, which were converted into shops, had a very pleasing effect, and were occupied by persons with the following supposititious names, legible by means of transparent paintings.—Crotchet, a music-shop; a gingerbread shop (no name over it), the owner in a large bag-wig and deep rufflesà-la-mode de Paris: Medley (from Darley's), a print-shop; New-fangle, a milliner; a hardware shop and lottery-office in one (the price of tickets 11l.14s.);La Blonde, a milliner; Pine, a fruiterer; Trinket, a toy-shop; Fillagree, ditto; Mr. Gimcrack, the shop unoccupied, and nothing in it but two paper kites;Tête, a hair-dresser. The shopkeepers seemed rather dull and awkward at their business, till the humour of the company had raised their spirits by purchasing; and then, in proportion to their trade, their diligence advanced. Madam Pine, Messrs. Trinket, andle Marchand de la gingerbread, ran away with the custom from all their competitors. Mr.Têteindeed would have had a good share of trade, but that the ladies were previously provided with every article he had to sell, and superior of the kind; for if his head-dresses were as bigas a peck, many of theirs could not be crammed into a bushel."The ball-room was illuminated in an elegant manner with coloured lamps; and at one end of it women attended, selling orgeat, lemonade, and other cooling liquors. This was intended as a representation of the English Coffee-house at Paris."There was a great variety of different amusements; and amongst the rest a booth representing that of Signior Nicola at Paris, in which eight men, at the command of the supposed Signior, who was behind the scenes, exhibited a dance called the Egyptian Pyramids, standing on the backs, arms, and shoulders of each other, to an astonishing height. The number of the persons present is thought to be about 600."We will now bid adieu to Mary-le-bon gardens.Very considerable alterations were made in Drury-lane Theatre previous to the opening for the season of 1775. The frequenters of it before the above period describe the interior as very little superior to an old barn; but the raising of the ceiling twelve feet, the removal of the side-boxes, and substituting others supported by slight pillars, the opening of new passages to the boxes and to the Theatre from Bridges-street, seem to have entitled it to that approbation which it received till the re-building in 1794 of the spacious edifice demolished by fire February 24, 1809.The fashionable world had often read and heard of the VenetianRegattera, or race of Oarsmen, and were inclined to attempt a grand effort of imitation on the Thames; for which purpose many preparations were made, and the following plan was submitted to the publick in May 1775."Ladies and gentlemen to arrange their own parties, and to provide their own barges or boats; excepting those persons who shall apply to the managers of theRegattafor a seat in the public barges, which the several City companies have been so kind to lend on this occasion.—It is recommended that the rowers of the private barges be uniformly dressed, and in such a manner as may accord with some one of the three marine colours, chosen by the Marshals of theRegatta,viz.the White, the Blue, or the Red: the blue division to take the four Western arches of Westminster-bridge; the red division to take the four arches next the Surrey shore; and St. George's division the two arches on each side the centre. The whole procession to move up the river from Westminster-bridge at seven o'clock in the evening, the Marshal's division rowing a-head about three minutes before the second division, and the same interval of time between the second and third divisions. The company to begin to embark at the several stairs adjacent to Westminster-bridge, as well on the Lambeth as theWestminster side, between five and six o'clock. The Marshal's barge of twelve oars, carrying St. George's ensign (white field, with a red cross), will be to the Westward of the centre arch; the rest of the barges and boats to spread at such distances on the rendezvous, as to fill all the arches of Westminster-bridge at one time; but it is to be understood, that none of the pleasure-boats, nor others, do, upon any account, go into the centre arch, which must be left free for the race-boats; twelve of which, with each two rowers, will start from Westminster-bridge at six o'clock, and row against tide to London-bridge; from whence they will return back to Westminster-bridge: the three boats that first clear the centre arch of Westminster-bridge, to the Westward, win the prizes.—First men, ten guineas each, with coats and badges.—Second men, seven guineas each, with coats and badges of an inferior value.—Third men, five guineas each, with coats and badges.—Besides which, every successful waterman will have an ensign given him to wear one year on the Thames, with the wordRegatta, in gold characters, thereon inscribed, and the figures 1, 2, or 3, according to the order in which he may arrive at the close of the race. The twelve boats, when the race shall be over, are to wait on the Marshal's barge, and to obey whatever orders may be given from thence, both going up the river, and returninghome, when the entertainment is ended.—Circular ranges of tables, with proper intervals, will be placed round the Rotunda of Ranelagh, on which supper will be prepared in the afternoon, and the doors thrown open at eleven o'clock: the several recesses on the ground-floor to serve as side-boards for the waiters, and for a variety of refreshments, &c. &c.—A band of musick, consisting of one hundred and twenty vocal and instrumental performers, will play in the centre of the Rotunda during supper-time: other music to be disposed of in the garden, as the Committee shall direct.—Three military bands, composed of fifes, drums, cymbals, &c. will be habited in a manner consonant with the naval flags of Great Britain, and be properly stationed, as will likewise three other select bands of the most eminent masters on wind instruments:—all under such directions as may best entertain the company while on the water, and at the time of disembarking.—The garden of Ranelagh will be lighted up, and a temporary bower erected and decorated round the canal for dancing.—The platform of Chelsea-hospital to be open, for the greater conveniency of disembarking."If the 20th of June be the day approved of by the Committee, a red flag will be displayed at ten in the morning over the centre arch of Westminster-bridge, continue flying all day, and the bells of St. Margaret's church will ring from teno'clock till one: without such notification, be it understood, that theRegattais, on account of unfavourable weather, postponed till Wednesday the 21st of June, when the like signal will be repeated:—if the weather still continue bad, theRegattato be put off till Thursday the 22d of June, when it will be given at all events."An account of this amusement was inserted in the newspapers, from one of which I beg leave to repeat it."Yesterday before noon several of the companies and great numbers of pleasure barges were moored in the river, with flags, &c. Half a guinea was asked for a seat in a common barge, to see theRegatta."Early in the afternoon, the whole river, from London-bridge to the Ship-tavern, Milbank, was covered with vessels of pleasure, and there seemed to be a general combination to make a gay evening. Above 1200 flags were flying before four-o'clock; and such was the public impatience, that scores of barges were filled at that time.—Scaffolds were erected on the banks and in vessels, and even on the top of Westminster-hall was an erection of that kind.—Vessels were moored in the river, for the sale of liquors and other refreshments."The Thames, by six o'clock, was overspread with vessels and boats ornamented with divers colours; much about which time they began toform themselves into divisions. The Director's barge, which was uncommonly superb, and on the stern of which was displayed a blue ensign, with the wordRegattain large gold characters, was rowed in great state to its station, a little before seven, on the West point of the centre arch. The boats and vessels of the red flag immediately brought up in the line of the four arches, on the Lambeth-side; the blue division in the direction of the four nearest Westminster; and the white, of the two arches on each side the centre: the grand centre arch being solely appropriated to the race-boats."The whole river formed a splendid scene, which was proportionably more so nearer to Westminster-bridge. A City barge, used to take in ballast, was, on this occasion, filled with the finest ballast in the world—above 100 elegant ladies. At half past seven the Lord Mayor's barge moved, and falling down the stream, made a circle towards the bridge, on which twenty-one cannon were fired as a salute."At half past seven the several candidates for the Regatta honours started at Westminster-bridge; twelve boats, two men in each, in three divisions, habited in white, red, and blue, rowed down to Watermen's-hall, and went round a vessel placed there for the purpose, and then made up again for the goal, which was gained by one of the red squadron, who had for theirreward each a new boat, with furniture complete, coats and badges, and an ensign with the wordRegattain gold letters inscribed thereon; the second boat eight guineas each, and the third five guineas each; and to every other candidate who rowed the full distance, half a guinea, with permission to be in Ranelagh-gardens (in their uniforms) during the entertainment."As soon as the winners were declared, and their prizes awarded, the whole procession began to move from Westminster-bridge for Ranelagh; the Director's barge at the head of the whole squadron, with grand bands of musick playing in each."The ladies in general were dressed in white, and the gentlemen in undress frocks of all colours; and it is thought the procession was seen by at least 200,000 people."The company landed at the stairs about nine, when they joined the assembly which came by land in theTemple of Neptune, a temporary octagon kind of building erected about twenty yards below the Rotunda, lined with striped linen of the different-coloured flags of the Navy, with light pillars near the centre, ornamented with streamers of the same kind loosely flowing, and lustres hanging between each. It happened however that this building was not quite finished when the company assembled, which prevented the cotillion-dancing till after supper."At half after ten the Rotunda was opened for supper, which discovered three circular tables, of different elevations, elegantly set out, though not profusely covered. The Rotunda was finely illuminated with party-coloured lamps, and those displayed with great taste; the centre was solely appropriated for one of the fullest and finest bands of musick, vocal and instrumental, ever collected in these kingdoms; the number being 240, in which were included the first masters, led by Giardini; and the whole directed by Mr. Simpson, in a manner that did him great credit. It was opened with a new grand piece composed for the occasion; after which various catches and glees were sung by Messrs. Vernon, Reinhold, &c."Supper being over, a part of the company retired to the Temple, where they danced minuets, cotillions, &c. while others entertained themselves in the great room."The company consisted of about 2000, amongst which were the first personages of distinction;viz.the Dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland, Duke of Northumberland, Lords North, Harrington, Stanley, Tyrconnel, Lincoln, their respective ladies, &c. also Lords Lyttelton, Colrane, Carlisle, March, Melbourne, Cholmondeley, Petersham, &c.; the French, Spanish, Prussian, Russian, and Neapolitan Ambassadors, &c."Mrs. Cornely had the sole management of the decorations and supper, for which she wasallowed 700 guineas; the supper was but indifferent, and the wine very scarce."It is said that part of the company returning this morning early from Ranelagh by water met with some accidents, and that four persons were drowned."I shall now confine myself entirely to the Theatres, with which this article necessarily concludes. The different amusements of the present day will come under review in another place.Mr. Foote had long entertained the inhabitants of London with a variety of scenic representations, and met with the most rapturous applause; his dramatic pieces are pregnant with satire, and he stung the votaries of vice and folly by the most pointed applications. His dispute with the Dutchess of Kingston has been too often repeated to bear another recital; but his letter to the Lord Chamberlain on the suppression of the "Trip to Calais," in which the above lady was supposed to be alluded to, is too short to createtedium, and too witty not to give pleasure after twenty perusals."My Lord, I did intend troubling your lordship with an earlier address; but the day after I received your prohibitory mandate, I had the honour of a visit from Lord Mountstuart, to whose interposition, I find, I am indebted for your first commands, relative to the 'Trip to Calais,'by Mr. Chetwynd, and your final rejection of it by Colonel Keen."Lord Mountstuart has, I presume, told your Lordship, that he read with me those scenes to which your Lordship objected; that he found them collected from general nature, and applicable to none but those who, through consciousness, were compelled to a self-application. To such minds, my Lord, the Whole Duty of Man, next to the Sacred Writings, is the severest satire that ever was wrote; and to the same mark if Comedy directs not her aim, her arrows are shot in the air; for by what touches no man, no man will be mended. Lord Mountstuart desired that I would suffer him to take the play with him, and let him leave it with the Dutchess of Kingston: he had my consent, my Lord, and at the same time an assurance, that I was willing to make any alteration that her Grace would suggest. Her Grace saw the play, and, in consequence, I saw her Grace; with the result of that interview, I shall not, at this time, trouble your Lordship. It may perhaps be necessary to observe, that her Grace could not discern, which your Lordship, I dare say, will readily believe, a single trait in the character of Lady Kitty Crocodile, that resembled herself."After this representation, your Lordship will, I doubt not, permit me to enjoy the fruits of my labour; nor will you think it reasonablebecause a capricious individual has taken it into her head that I have pinned her ruffles awry, that I should be punished by a poignard stuck deep in my heart: your Lordship has too much candour and justice to be the instrument of so violent and ill-directed a blow."Your Lordship's determination is not only of the greatest importance to me now, but must inevitably decide my fate for the future, as, after this defeat, it will be impossible for me to muster up courage enough to face Folly again: between the Muse and the Magistrate there is a natural confederacy; what the last cannot punish, the first often corrects; but when she finds herself not only deserted by her antient ally, but sees him armed in the defence of her foe, she has nothing left but a speedy retreat: adieu, then, my Lord, to the Stage.Valeat res ludicra; to which, I hope, I may with justice addPlaudite; as, during my continuance in the service of the publick, I never profited by flattering their passions, or falling in with their humours; as, upon all occasions, I have exerted my little powers (as, indeed, I thought it my duty), in exposing follies, how much soever the favourites of the day; and pernicious prejudices, however protected and popular. This, my Lord, has been done, if those may be believed who have the best right to know, sometimes with success; let me add too, that in doing this I never lost mycredit with the publick, because they knew that I proceeded upon principle, that I disdained being either the echo or the instrument of any man, however exalted his station, and that I never received reward or protection from any other hands than their own."I have the honour to be, &c."Samuel Foote."Mr. Garrick, whose unrivalled powers as an actor have ever been the theme of applause and admiration, retired from the Stage in June 1776, when in full possession of his extraordinary faculties, after disposing of his share and patent of Drury-lane Theatre to Messrs. Ford, Ewart, Sheridan, and Linley, for 35,000l.The property of the Theatre in the Haymarket was transferred from Mr. Foote to Mr. Colman in the following year, and has remained in that gentleman's and his son's possession till very lately. It will be sufficient to observe of this place of amusement, that it is too confined for aSummerTheatre, and to accommodate the crowds which attend it, attracted by the best old plays, many excellent new ones, and good performers selected from the Winter and Provincial Theatres.The reader who recollects my previous notices of the enlargement of Drury-lane Theatre will perceive, from those and the subsequent, how rapidly population and the admiration of theatrical amusements have increased. Mr. Harris,proprietor of Covent-garden Playhouse, found it necessary in 1782 to raise the roof eight feet, and make other alterations, to benefit himself, and accommodate the publick. It was then that the Theatre was adorned with those genuine ornaments in the Grecian style, which have lately given place to I know not what strange substitutes of painted deal boards.Mr. Kemble, the present Roscius of the British Stage, made his first appearance in 1784; but his accomplished and unrivalled sister had astonished and delighted the publick in the previous year. ThetwoThalias, Farren and Jordan, were contemporaries with the celebrated tragedians; but the former is now a Countess, and the latter I hadalmostsaid a Princess, though still the object of rapturous approbation on the Stage.The year 1785 produced the agitation of a singular problem, which has never yet been solved. While an actor of abilities performs upon the two Stages of Drury-lane and Covent-garden under the patents of the proprietors of those Theatres (as I have before observed), the courtesy of the world, or their own pretensions, dignifies them with the appellations of Gentlemen and even Esquires; but let the same men only step on the stage of a theatre opened without a patent or licence, and he instantly becomes a rogue and vagabond. At the time alluded to, the late Mr. Palmer, an excellent comedian, supported by alarge subscription, determined to erect a new Theatre near Wellclose-square for the performance of plays, as at the established houses, without having first obtained a patent or licence; and, however astonishing it may appear, he actually completed the house, and obtained several of the higher rank of performers from the two Theatres. The event might have been anticipated: when every thing was in readiness to receive the publick, Palmer became arogue and vagabond; and as such the persons engaged deserted hiscompany. He struggled, remonstrated, and at length went to prison. Since that period the Theatre at Wellclose-square remains amementoof rashness and folly, used only at intervals through the indulgence of the Magistracy, by Astley and others, for the representation of dances, burlettas, serious ballets, and pantomimes.A most extraordinary occurrence in the affairs of the Stage marked the year 1789; which was Mr. Macklin'sattemptto perform the character of Shylock at the age ofninety.The Theatre of Drury-lane was generally supposed at that time to have arrived at a period of decay, which rendered the safety of a crowded audience at least problematical. The proprietors therefore determined to rebuild it on an enlarged and magnificent plan; and for this purpose they hired the new Opera-house in the Haymarket for theatrical performances in 1791, while their ownTheatre was in progress; and an advance in the prices of admission of 6d.in the pit and 1s.in the boxes took place, as it was said, to reimburse the extraordinary expences of the measure.The following account of the operations attending the re-building appeared in one of the public papers of the time."One of the corner-stones of the new Drury-lane Theatre was laid on Tuesday September 4, 1792, and, as usual, some coins of the present day were deposited under it. The principal foundation stone will be laid in a few days, and it is said that a grand procession will appear at the ceremony of it."The articles which follow concerning this Theatre, we can vouch for being correct: and the curious, as well as those who are theatrically inclined, will be glad to read them."The delay in the building of this new Theatre, which was originally intended to have been finished by the opening of the ensuing season, has been occasioned partly from Mr. Sheridan's mind having been long employed in performing the last mournful duties of a husband; and from a dispute in the purchase of the dormant patent belonging to Covent-garden Theatre, on which security the money for the new building was to be advanced. Mr. Harris had agreed with Mr. Sheridan for the price of this patent at 15,000l."The old Theatre was pulled down, and the money offered to be paid for the patent, when it occurred that there were other persons necessary to be consulted, who had a property in it. Mr. White, who had married a Miss Powell, had a quarter share of the patent; and when the assignment of it was offered him to be signed, he objected, and said he would not sell his share under 5000l."Here then was a difficulty which had never been thought of. The old Drury was pulled down, and the money for the new House was not to be advanced without the patent. What was to be done? There was much cavilling on both sides; and the dispute had the appearance of being drawn into Chancery, to compel Mr. White to sell. All this time Mr. Sheridan was paying 5l.per cent.interest for the first payment that had been advanced for the new building, which was laying idle; his present Theatre in the Haymarket was filling every night with new Proprietors' tickets; and he was paying a heavy ground-rent to the Duke of Bedford. This was a ruinous business,—and at length Mr. Sheridan concluded a bargain a few days since at the price of 20,000l.for the dormant patent. It is believed that had he employed his usualfinessein the management of this affair, as well as in the dear bargain he made for the Haymarket Theatre, he might have saved himself full 20,000l.; for he has been likewiseoutwitted in the agreement he entered into with Mr. Taylor, which we shall speak of to-morrow."The new Drury, however, now proceeds; and Mr. Holland has declared he will have the Theatre covered in by the month of January next. The plan is extremely magnificent, and will afford the most ample accommodation. It is almost a square. A very grand piazzi will be built round three sides of it, over which will be setts of chambers. The Theatre will be insulated, as there are to be streets all round it. An opening is to be cut from Bridges-street into Drury-lane, through Vinegar-yard; and as the Theatre will extend to Drury-lane, there will be on one side Brydges-street, on the other Russell-street, the third Drury-lane, and on the fourth, the street through Vinegar-yard. Thus will there be avenues on all sides; and then can the Theatre be emptied of its company in the space of a quarter of an hour, a convenience which is much required."The money raised for this building is 150,000l.payable in three instalments.—60,000l.of this is to pay off the mortgagees on the old Theatre——80,000l.is allotted for the new building, and 10,000l.for contingent expences. The mode of raising this money is by an annuity of 100 years at 5per cent.and a free admission for everysubscription of 500l.which already bears a premium of 5l.per cent."The Theatre is completed; but the East and West ends remain in a state of ruin, which must be injurious to the walls and foundations. The sides are faced with stone, and ornamented with pediments; and an unfinished colonnade protects the audience from rain, while waiting for admission; or their carriages are drawn before the doors on retiring from the amusements of the evening. A description of the interior is in a great measure unnecessary, and would be difficult to comprehend: the shape is that of the lyre, as indeed are all our present Theatres, and the decorations appear very splendid, though they are nothing more than plain boards well painted in relief; in short, the silvered pillars, and the beams, and the outward walls, are the onlysubstantialparts of the building; and yet the effect is wonderfully magnificent, and far superior to Covent-garden Theatre, which underwent great enlargements, but in my opinion no improvements, at least in effect, about the time Drury-lane was completed.The ensuing particulars were given in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1794: "New Drury-lane Theatre contains in the pit 800 persons; whole range of boxes 1828; two shilling gallery 675; one shilling gallery 308; total 3611: amounting to 826l.6s.There are eight private boxes on eachside of the pit; 29 all round the first tier, and elevenback frontboxes; 29 all round the second tier, of which eleven are six seats deep; 10 on each side the gallery three tier; boxes in the cove nine each side. Diameter of the pit is 55 feet; opening of the curtain 43 feet wide; height of the curtain 38 feet; height of the house from the pit floor to the cieling 56 feet 6 inches."The proprietors deserve every praise for the precautions they have taken to extinguish fire, by providing reservoirs of water in different parts of the building, and an iron curtain to drop between the audience and the stage. Whether those in the hurry of so dreadful a moment, would be of any real use, is a question which I sincerely hope will never be decided; I cannot, however, help observing that many large doors seem so obviously necessary in Theatres, that I dare not attempt to account for the diminutive size of the two through which the audience actually creep in the pit of Covent-garden Theatre. An alarm of fire in that house must end fatally, whether it spread, or was immediately extinguished[310:A].The amusements of the present day are very confined: the two Theatres and the Opera for the winter, and the Haymarket for the summer, arethe onlyestablishedplaces of entertainment; if the latter can be called such, which dares not open till May 15, andmust closeby September 14. Astley is a veteran in scenic feats at his Amphitheatre andPavilion; Sadler's wells is a more permanent establishment: and the Circus and Wellclose Theatre are meremodernsin comparison; but these are literally Summer houses, as the proprietors are compelled to confine their performances to the period between Easter and October. There are other inferior places of resort opened at intervals, exclusive of the various Concerts; but few of which deserve notice.
"3d. No legal proceedings to be stopped.
"3d. No legal proceedings to be stopped.
"The meaning of this preliminary we did not enter into, as no legal proceedings were begun,nor had we any guess at your litigious intention of making Garton put us in the Crown-office; or of your inquisition, &c. &c.
"4th. Powell's article to be cancelled, and another made, allowing him more explicitly the largest salary in the house.
"4th. Powell's article to be cancelled, and another made, allowing him more explicitly the largest salary in the house.
"That you should think it proper to give Mr. Powell thisdouceur, we were not at all surprised; but it did not occur to us why we should give any farther indulgence to a man, who, after having attached himself to you, had separated himself from you, disapproved of your conduct, and then without the least reason implicitly and blindly suffered himself to be duped by you again.
"5th. The books to be restored to Garton.
"5th. The books to be restored to Garton.
"The books were never intended to be kept from Mr. Garton, so as to prevent his making up his accounts. We mean, whenever he is disposed to take his discharge.
"6th. The wardrobe to be restored, and all damages to be made good by Harris and Rutherford.
"6th. The wardrobe to be restored, and all damages to be made good by Harris and Rutherford.
"To that we should have no objection, provided we are not obliged to make good the damages Mr. Powell has done.
"7th. Colman still to be theactingmanager. If alteration in the controuling power, it must be lodged in the other three proprietors.
"7th. Colman still to be theactingmanager. If alteration in the controuling power, it must be lodged in the other three proprietors.
"Here the cloven foot indeed appears plainly: so the article must not be meddled with, or it must be altered in your favour!
"8th. That all bills and all claims upon the Theatre should be discharged.
"8th. That all bills and all claims upon the Theatre should be discharged.
"Whoever will attentively consider the above preliminaries must observe, that there is not a single point on which an arbitration could turn, which is not most artfully and subtilly provided for by Mr. Colman; that is to say, on every point they must determine absolutely for Mr. Colman, or otherwise some one of the preliminary articles will prevent their considering it at all. And these, Mr. Colman, you called fair, candid, and honest proposals, and have thrown the grossest abuse on us for not consenting to what you call a fair reference.
"Mr. Harris and another gentleman calling in at the Theatre one afternoon, found therein Mr. Powell and yourself, with each a candle in your hands, lighting and shewing the Theatre to two of your counsel, your attorney, and another gentleman. Mr. Harris was at a loss to know whether they came as witnesses, or for what other purposes. The servants of the Theatre, however, were ordered to shew you, and your friends, all possible respect. Besides this fact, we defy you to prove at any one time that either yourself or Mr. Powell, or any one that came by your order, was refused entrance into the Theatre."
"Mr. Colman's Retort.
"As to my management of the Theatre, whatever reflections T. Harris may endeavour to throw on it, however he may prevaricate by talking of the small profits that have resulted from it, the success of it is incontestible; and the extraordinary receipts of the last season are an irrefragable proof that Covent-garden Theatre has attracted the particular notice and favour of the publick under my direction. If the disbursements have been very large, great part of those sums must be considered as the first expence of setting up in business, having been employed in what may be called stock in trade, which is at this instant of great intrinsic value, and will prevent future expence; and, large as those disbursements have been, I was not the promoter of them, except in the single instance of engaging Mr. and Mrs. Yates, more than Mr. Harris; and that single instance was honoured with Mr. Rutherford's approbation, till his colleague exerted his undue influence over him, and taught him to object to it.
"Now I am on the article of expence, it may not be amiss to lay before the publick a short anecdote. When Mr. Powell, at a meeting of all the proprietors, proposed some additional illuminations, I objected to them, at least for the present, saying that they would have a happier effect at the commencement of a season. Mr.Harris said, the measure being advisable, the sooner it was carried into execution the better. Mr. Powell accordingly gave the necessary orders; but when the bills came in, Mr. Harris and his colleague forbade the payment of the sum charged for two lustres to their Majesties box, saying it was a measure that had not been submitted to them.
"The pitiful charge concerning orders sent into the Theatre, as far as it is imputed to me as an artifice to support my reputation, Mr. Harris knows to be false. Mr. Rutherford and himself have told me more than once, that I sent in fewer orders than any of the proprietors. The little piece at which his malice points was, with all its faults, extremely successful, and of great advantage to our Theatre last season. The people sent to the house on one night in particular did not go at my desire in support of my piece, but at the instance of all the proprietors in support of the house, which was threatened to be pulled down; and it was thought a very cheap expedient to sacrifice a hundred pounds, to prevent a tumult which might perhaps have occasioned a loss of one or two thousand. As to the piece, good or bad, being very well acted, it brought great houses, and was received with much applause, so that however Mr. Harris may prove the soundness of his taste and judgment, he certainly doesnot manifest his gratitude by a public disapprobation of it.
"I am now arrived at that period, where I should think any present appeal to the publick, if any were necessary, ought to have begun; but as T. Harris chose to go over the old ground again, I was obliged to follow him, and to trace him through all his doublings of cunning and sophistry. What follows is entirely new matter, which has arisen since the tenth of February, the date of my last publication.
"The first new act of hostility on the side of the negative managers was intended, like their late proceedings, as a negative general, being calculated to deprive us of the very sinews of war. On the 14th of February they sent, without our knowledge, the following letter to the bankers where our money was deposited.
'To Messrs.Freame,Smith, and Co.'Gentlemen,'We desire you will not pay any money, or deliver any property in your hands belonging to the proprietors of Covent-garden Theatre to any person whatsoever, until farther notice from us. And we desire you in like manner, to retain any further sums of money belonging to the said proprietors that may be sent to you. We are, &c.T. Harris. J. Rutherford.London, 14th Feb. 1768.'
'To Messrs.Freame,Smith, and Co.
'Gentlemen,
'We desire you will not pay any money, or deliver any property in your hands belonging to the proprietors of Covent-garden Theatre to any person whatsoever, until farther notice from us. And we desire you in like manner, to retain any further sums of money belonging to the said proprietors that may be sent to you. We are, &c.
T. Harris. J. Rutherford.
London, 14th Feb. 1768.'
"At the beginning of the season the bankers had received an order, signed by all the proprietors, to pay all drafts of Mr. Garton, our Treasurer. It is a question therefore whether any two of the proprietors had a legal right to revoke the joint order of the four, and to desire the bankers not to pay any money to any person whatsoever. However that may prove, a step of such importance could not have been too early communicated to Mr. Powell and me. It was a measure that struck at the very being of our Theatre.
"A few days after the following letter was sent to the Treasurer:
'To Mr.Jonathan Garton.'Sir, We desire you will, with all possible dispatch, send to each performer, officer, and servant of Covent-garden Theatre, whose articles expire this season, or who are not under articles, a copy of the inclosed letter; and that you will take down the names of those to whom such copy is sent, and return us a list thereof signed by yourself.'We also desire you will have your accounts ready for our examination, and your balance for inspection, on Monday morning next at eleven o'clock, as we shall then be at the office for that purpose. We are, Sir, your most humble servants,T. Harris. J. Rutherford.Thursday, Feb. 25, 1768.''Letter inclosed.'I am directed by Messrs. Harris and Rutherford, to give you notice that "you cannot be considered as belonging to Covent-garden Theatre, after the expiration of this season," unless the engagement you may enter into for the next be confirmed in writing by one, or both of them.Yours, &c.J. Garton.'Feb. 28, 1768.
'To Mr.Jonathan Garton.
'Sir, We desire you will, with all possible dispatch, send to each performer, officer, and servant of Covent-garden Theatre, whose articles expire this season, or who are not under articles, a copy of the inclosed letter; and that you will take down the names of those to whom such copy is sent, and return us a list thereof signed by yourself.
'We also desire you will have your accounts ready for our examination, and your balance for inspection, on Monday morning next at eleven o'clock, as we shall then be at the office for that purpose. We are, Sir, your most humble servants,
T. Harris. J. Rutherford.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 1768.'
'Letter inclosed.
'I am directed by Messrs. Harris and Rutherford, to give you notice that "you cannot be considered as belonging to Covent-garden Theatre, after the expiration of this season," unless the engagement you may enter into for the next be confirmed in writing by one, or both of them.
Yours, &c.
J. Garton.'
Feb. 28, 1768.
"The determined resolution of Messrs. Rutherford and Harris to rescind the article respecting the management, appears in the above notice, wherein they assume, contrary to the letter, spirit, and common sense of that article, the power of dismission, the dismission of almost the whole Theatre, as well as the power of signing the articles of agreement; to which also they have not any right. The ordering the Treasurer to transcribe and circulate these notices was undoubtedly intended as a new insult to me; and perhaps the Treasurer, who was now growing obnoxious to them, because he would not further their attempts to stop the business of the Theatre, was purposely distressed with this order, that they might take offence at his denial to comply with it. I had not the most distant intention of settling the future state of the company without communicating the plan of it to them. This, whatever they might have learned from their informers, my subsequent conduct testified. Isuffered, however, the poor young men to continue to expose themselves. The notices were actually served on the persons they required, and I passed over this new instance of their insolence and irregularity with the most silent contempt.
"I do hereby aver to thePublick, forto the Publick alone I now address myself, that whenever T. Harris and his colleague will prefer a Bill in Chancery against us, respectingour present Articles and past Transactions, neither I nor Mr. Powell will make any delay in putting in a full and sufficient answer. And I now, in this public manner, call upon them to file this long-threatened bill against us. And I do hereby pledge myhonour, not to T. Harris, butto the Publick, that no means or endeavours of mine, or Mr. Powell, shall be wanting to bring it to a short and speedy conclusion.
"It now only remains to assure that Publick, whose protection we have already so often experienced, that we are determined to open the Playhouse at the usual time; and then to submit it to their tribunal, whether they will suffer the insolence and tyranny of T. Harris to interrupt their amusements, as well as to oppress us and the rest of their servants in Covent-garden Theatre."
The invitation to try the merits of the dispute between Messrs. Colman, Harris, &c. offered at the close of the paper published by the former,was accepted; and a decision took place in the Court of Chancery July 1770, when it was decreed that Mr. Colman should continue the acting manager, subject to the advice of the three other managers.
One of the most splendid Masquerades which has taken place in England was that given by the King of Denmark at the Opera-house, in 1768. 3000 persons, or nearly that number, were present, and received an entertainment consisting of every delicacy in the utmost profusion.
I have just ceased to applaud the old custom of opening the doors of the Theatrebefore five o'clock; and have at this moment to notice the strange caprice of the publick, in requiring the managersto open at five. This alteration occurred in October 1768.
The stupid and barbarous diversion of Throwing at Cocks, practised by the vulgar on Shrove Tuesday, was very properly prevented by the Police in February 1769.
The reader cannot form a better idea of the amusements prepared for the publick by Mrs. Cornely than from the following account, published a few days after the Masquerade occurred February 1770.
"Monday night the principal Nobility and Gentry of this kingdom, to the number of near eight hundred, were present at the masked ball at Mrs. Cornely's in Soho-square, given by thegentlemen of the Tuesday Night's Club, held at the Star and Garter Tavern in Pall-mall. Soho-square and the adjacent streets were lined with thousands of people, whose curiosity led them to get a sight of the persons going to the Masquerade; nor was any coach or chair suffered to pass unreviewed, the windows being obliged to be let down, and lights held up to display the figures to more advantage. At nine o'clock the doors of the house were opened, and from that time for about three or four hours the company continued to pour into the assembly. At twelve the lower rooms were opened: in these were prepared the side-boards, containing sweetmeats and a cold collation, in which elegance was more conspicuous than profusion. The feast of the night was calculated rather to gratify the eye than the stomach, and seemed to testify the conductor's sense of its being prepared almost on the eve of Ash Wednesday. The richness and brilliancy of the dresses were almost beyond imagination; nor did any assembly ever exhibit a collection of more elegant and beautiful female figures. Among them were Lady Waldegrave, Lady Pembroke, the Dutchess of Hamilton, Mrs. Crewe, Mrs. Hodges, Lady Almeria Carpenter, &c. Some of the most remarkable figures were,
"A Highlander (Mr. R. Conway.)
"A double Man, half Miller, half Chimney Sweeper (Sir R. Phillips.)
"A political Bedlamite, run mad for Wilkes and Liberty, and No. 45.
"A figure of Adam in flesh-coloured silk, with an apron of fig-leaves.
"A Druid (Sir W. W. Wynne.)
"A figure of Somebody.
"Ditto of Nobody.
"A running-footman, very richly dressed, with a cap set with diamonds, and the words 'Tuesday Night's Club' in the front (the Earl of Carlisle.)
"His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester in the old English habit, with a star on the cloak.
"Midas (Mr. James the Painter.)
"Miss Monckton, daughter to Lord Gallway, appeared in the character of an Indian Sultana, in a robe of cloth of gold, and a rich veil. The seams of her habit were embroidered with precious stones, and she had a magnificent cluster of diamonds on her head; the jewels she wore were valued at 30,000l.The Duke of Devonshire was very fine, but in no particular character. Captain Nugent of the Guards, in the character of Mungo, greatly diverted the company.
"The Countess Dowager of Waldegrave wore a dress richly trimmed with beads and pearls, in the character of Jane Shore. Her Grace of Ancaster claimed the attention of all the company inthe dress of Mandane. The Countess of Pomfret, in the character of a Greek Sultana, and the two Miss Fredericks, who accompanied her as Greek Slaves, made a complete groupe. The Dutchess of Bolton, in the character of Diana, was captivating. Lord Edg—b, in the character of an Old Woman, was full as lovely as his lady, in that of a Nun.
"Lady Stanhope, as Melpomene, was a striking fine figure. Lady Augusta Stuart, as a Vestal, and Lady Caroline, as a Fille de Patmos, shewed that true elegance may be expressed without gold and diamonds. The Chimney Sweeper, Quack Doctor, and a Friar, acquitted themselves with much entertainment to the company.
"About two o'clock the company began to depart, in effecting which there was great difficulty.
"We hear that two Great Personages were complimented with two tickets for Monday night's masquerade, which they very politely returned.
"Most of the carriages that came to the masquerade were chalked by the populace with 'Wilkes and Liberty.'"
It will no doubt be remembered by many, that a very good representation of an eruption of Mount Ætna, on a large scale, with Cyclops at work in the centre of the mountain, was exhibited a few years since in the garden at Ranelagh.That it may not be supposed that this scene was a new thought, I shall describe the entertainment of an evening at Mary-le-bon gardens when they were in full reputation. The usual concerts and songs were performed; but Signior Torré had been employed to prepare a representation of Mount Ætna as an addition to the common fire-works, consisting of vertical wheels, suns, stars, globes, &c. in honour of the King's birth-day, June 4, 1772, who was, with the Queen, represented in transparencies surrounded by stars. When the fire-works were concluded, a curtain which covered the base of the mountain rose, and discovered Vulcan leading the Cyclops to work at their forge; the fire blazed, and Venus entered with Cupid at her side, who begged them to make for her son those arrows which are said to be the causes of love in the human breast: they assented, and the mountain immediately appeared in eruption with lava rushing down the precipices.
A few trees stand as mementoes of Mary-le-bon gardens near the North end of Harley-street.
January 27, 1772, was rendered remarkable in the annals of Amusement by the opening of the Pantheon in Oxford-street, which had been erected at a vast expence from the designs of Wyatt, the celebrated architect. Near two thousand persons of the highest rank and fashion assembled on this occasion to admire the splendidstructure, which contained fourteen rooms, exclusive of the rotunda: the latter had double colonnades or recesses for the reception of company, ornamented with the reliefs peculiar to the Grecian style of building; and the dome contained others equally rich. In order to support the propriety of the name given to this superb place of fashionable resort, the architect introduced niches round the base of the dome with statues of the Heathen Deities; and tocompletethe circle, addedBritannia and their present Majesties. Such were the ideas of classic taste exhibited by the proprietors; the Gods worshiped in thereal Pantheon, were compelled to witness a modern Pantheondedicated to pleasuresand amusements of which even Jupiter himself was ignorant when in the Court of Olympus.
One of the first steps of the conductors was an order to exclude all loose women: an order which deserves honourable mention, but one impossible to be executed. The Masquerades given at the Pantheon would have been thin of company indeed, had not improper persons formed part of the silly groupe. The nature of those masked entertainments is so confined, that when one is seen or described, novelty is at an end. I shall therefore pass them over, and merely mention, that part of the commemoration of Handel, noticed at large in the first volume of "Londinium Redivivum," was celebrated at the Pantheon;after which caprice or some other cause converted it into an Opera-house, and very soon after anaccidental fireconsumed it. The Pantheon has been rebuilt, but on a miserable plan indeed compared with the original: it now serves for Masquerades at different periods; and Garnerin and Lunardi have exhibited their balloons there.
It is by no means creditable to the memory of Mr. Garrick, that he acted the Beggar's Opera for two seasons in opposition to the entreaties of Sir John Fielding and his brethren the Magistrates, and after they had informed him that the representation invariably produced fresh victims to offended Justice. The latter season alluded to, 1773, produced a long and serious contention between persons who never before saw or had received the least injury from each other, through the turbulent and daring effrontery of the late veteran Macklin. This actor, offended at the conduct of a player named Reddish, and that of Sparks, the son of another, presumed to make the publick parties in the affair, by thus addressing the audience at Covent-garden Theatre on the night of October 30.
"Ladies and Gentlemen—My appearing before you in my own character, instead of that which I am this night appointed to perform, is an unexpected measure; but in my distressed condition, from my feelings as a man and an actor, andinorder to produce decencyin this Theatre to-night, and from my duty to the publick, I humbly hope it will be found to be a necessary one. I am sensible, that, by a certain set of people, this address to you will be deemed a very saucy step; and that their wishes and endeavours will be, that it may be attended with a very serious and fatal animadversion; but I hope and trust, that it will excite a very different effect in the minds of the candid and the just, when they shall have heard my motive for this proceeding; which, with your indulgence and protection, I will humbly lay before you."
This period was the touch-stone of opinion; the majority of the audience requested Macklin to proceed: one person exclaimed "No," but was silenced. The actor proceeded:
"Through the course of my theatrical life, I have constantly thought it the duty of an actor, and his best policy, to regulate his conduct in such a manner as to merit the credit and esteem of those who know him; so as to be able by moral justness to defy, and to be proof against all insinuations, aspersions, or open attacks upon his private character. This has been my constant doctrine; this my constant policy; and as a proof of my practice being conformable to these principles, I here appeal, not to hearsay, credulity, or party, but to all who know me: and I call upon every individual of the publick in this greatmetropolis to produce, if they can, a single instance to the contrary."
A person observed at this instant, "That is a bold challenge, Mr. Macklin;" to which he replied, "Sir, I will abide by it; and I repeat it; I say asingle instance."
"From the first of my appearing upon the Stage, I have met with the indulgence, protection, and encouragement of a benevolent publick, until I attempted to act the part of Macbeth last Saturday: in that attempt I have not the least reason to complain of that awful and impartial tribunal, which, from my observation, and the experience of the oldest actors I have known, never yet condemned piece or actor that had merit: but the usage I have met with from news-writers is without example in the history of the Stage. I have here in my hand folios of paragraphs, epigrams, intelligences, and what are called criticisms, uponme: some even before I appeared in the character; such as do no great honour to the press, or to the genius, candour, or erudition, of the gentlemen who produced them. I will not give a name or a quality to these productions; the present publick and posterity, should they meet with them, will do it for me."
A voice from the gallery demanded an explanation, why he felt indignant at what had passed on the Saturday alluded to. Macklin affected tobe at a loss what the gentleman meant: an altercation then ensued between Mr. Sparks, the person who spoke, and another, which endedin a challengeto walk out, or to take the unknown's address. Quiet again took place.
"These criticks or partisans, not satisfied with their newspaper attacks upon my powers as a man and an actor, assembled in the gallery last Saturday night; and in two or three parties dispersed about the gallery, did by groans, laughs, hissing, and loud invectives, attack me in a violent manner. These parties were headed by two gentlemen, whom for the sake of truth and justice, with your permission, I will name.—The one was Mr. Reddish, a player belonging to Drury-lane Theatre; the other, one Mr. Sparks, a son of the late Luke Sparks, of worthy memory, an actor belonging to Covent-garden Theatre. This charge, I own, is a heavy one against Mr. Reddish in particular; as he is himself an actor: it is likewise heavy on Mr. Sparks, who intends to be one. Mr. Garrick, in his own defence, I am told, enquired into this matter in a formal manner behind the scenes; and upon the evidence produced by Mr. Reddish and Mr. Sparks, I am informed that Mr. Garrick did acquit Mr. Reddish of the charge; but I here pledge myself to give a positive proof of the fact of Mr. Reddish's hissing, which shall be supported by all the circumstances of probability and truth. I am afraidI have taken up too much of your time; yet, with your permission, I have a few words more to offer on this disagreeable subject.
"The condition of an actoron the first night of his performing such a character as Macbeth is the most alarming, to a mind anxious to gain the public favour,of any condition that the pursuit of fame or fortune can cast man into. A dull plodding actor, whose utmost merit is mediocrity, is in no danger; he plods on from the indulgence of the publick, and their habit of seeing him, in safety; he never is in danger of offending by starts of genius, or by the unruly fire that thefury of his spiritsenkindles. Mediocrity is his merit; mediocrity is all that is expected from him; mediocrity is his protection. But the actor that can be impassioned in the extreme, and isinflamedby Shakspeare's genius, will, on his first appearance in Macbeth, becarried out of the reach of sober judgment, and of wary, nice discretion; those passions and thatflamewillrun away with him, will make himalmost breathless,crackor hoarsen in his voice, arrest his memory,confine his sight, his action, gait, and deportment; and all that candour and the nicest judgment can expect from him is, that he shewed he understood his character, that he gave noble marks of genius and judgment, and that, when he had played the part half a dozen times, he would then charm and convince his audienceof his powers, and of his having a competent capacity for it.
"But let this man be but checked by a single hiss, all his fire will instantly cool; his spirits abate their motions; grief and despair will seize him, and at once he becomes the pining broken-hearted slave of the tyrant that ruined a wretch that was labouring to please him, who did not dare to resent the cruelty, nor to assist himself. A soldier in the very front of war, at the teeth of his enemy,and at the mouth of a cannon, is not in so wretched,nor in so fatal, so hopeless a state. The noble ardour of the soldier gives him hope, alacrity, effort, double, treble vigour and courage; the very danger adds to both, and to such a degree, as to make him lose even the idea of danger;and sure death, even death, in that state is preferableto an actor, who by his post isobliged to endure the hiss of a Reddish, or a Sparks; or a critic who hisses him for daring to act a part of Mr. Garrick's, and who woulddamn himto want andinfamy, to shew he is an admirer of Mr. Garrick."
Mr. Macklin then went on beseeching the audience to believe that the agitation he felt on Saturday evening prevented him from exerting his faculties; that he was then under the same terrors; and concluded by begging them to try his merits by uninterrupted attention for a few nights, and then applaud or reject him.
Messrs. Reddish and Sparks, though they knew Macklin had gained public approbation by his strange address, did not hesitate severally to make oath that Mr. Reddish never hissed the complainant; and that, when Sparks once did, Reddish warmly insisted that he should forbear. In addition to these assertions, Sparks published a letter, containing a positive denial of his being present at the second performance of Macbeth on the Saturday mentioned.
The reader to whom this scene is now first known cannot but perceive Macklin's aim in all his proceedings; and, if he entertains the same ideas of justice with myself, he will be pleased to find those aims completely disappointed. Whatever impropriety of conduct Reddish and Sparks might have been guilty of, Macklin had no right to disturb the public peace by making many hundreds of inconsiderate people judges of his or their private jealousies.
On Saturday evening the 6th of November Macklinactedthe second part of his appeal to the audience, and affected to be literally overcome by the awful situation his opponents and himself stood in before Heaven and the frequenters of theatrical amusements. He called for a glass of water to prevent him from fainting; and the compassionate audience ordered him a chair, on which they desired he might sit and read his proofs in opposition to the oaths ofReddish and Sparks. When he finished the play proceeded.
Transactions of this nature never fail to produce parties, which arrange themselves on either side of the question, as caprice, or justice, actuates the individuals who compose them. A trial of strength on thismost importantsubject took place at Covent-garden Theatre on Thursday evening November 18, when a considerable number of persons raised a violent uproar, for the express purpose of preventing the commencement of the play in which Macklin was announced to perform. After some time had elapsed, the offender appeared, but to no purpose, as neither himself, his accusers, or approvers, could distinguish a word uttered by either; but the narrators of the disgusting occurrence say, that Macklin retired and threw off his dress for the character of Shylock, and re-appeared; that Mr. Bensley was commissioned by the Managers to pronounce—nobody would hear what—and retired; that Macklin dressed again, and again entered, but the noise, in which "Off" predominated, encreased with tenfold violence, and he was even commanded to go on his knees. This he positively refused, and made his "exit in a rage." Mr. Woodward succeeded Mr. Bensley as a pacificator with equal success. The Managers at length, foreseeing perhaps fatal consequences, sent Mr. Owenson upon the Stage, whoheld a large board before him on which they had written with chalk, "At the command of the publick, Mr. Macklin is discharged." This concession procured loud applause from the opposers of the actor; but his friends in the gallery, doubly exasperated, demanded "Shylock, Macklin, and Love a-la-mode," instead of "She Stoops to Conquer," which was begun by the Manager's direction. The confusion soon became general, and many persons left the Theatre. Mr. Fisher, one of the proprietors, entered, and attempted to speak; but Colman, and Colman alone, would satisfy the audience. That gentleman was at length induced to make (as he observed)his first appearance, attended by Colonel Lechmere; a general plaudit succeeded; and when silence could be obtained he said that, from the hour he had undertaken the management of the Theatre, his first wish had ever been to know the pleasure of the publick, that he might instantly comply with it; and, as a proof of the truth of his assertion, he referred the audience to thelegible cardwhich had just been offered to their perusal. Mr. Colman farther observed, that the Managers really had no other play in readiness besides "She Stoops to Conquer;" and recommended those who were displeased with it to receive their money and retire. A new trial of skill commenced between the contents and non-contents; the musick played, and the first scene of the above play wascompleted; but the second produced such brutal rage in the gallery, that it became unsafe to remain on the stage, and the curtain was finally dropped. The audience immediately retired, and received their entrance-money as they went; but the Managers are said to have lost near 90l.by certain despicable wretches who clambered from the Pit into the Boxes, and thus obtained Box prices instead of Pit.
That this most unpleasant affair terminated without bloodshed or bruises, or broken limbs, must excite both astonishment and pleasure; and I think it must be allowed equally astonishing, that Mr. Macklin ever dared again to face an audience.
It is singular that Macklin was under the necessity of publishing the ensuing extract of a letter, directed to Dr. Kenrick,to clear himself of a charge of hissinga new play on the 26th of November.
"Sir,"So far from injuring you in the point you complain of, I solemnly declare that I sincerely wished you success in your 'Duellist,' as I do every person who undertakes the arduous and perilous task of writing for the Stage. And I further assure you, that I was not near the Theatre on the night that your Comedy was acted. Nay, that, to the best of my recollection, I never spoke to a person, directly or indirectly, who wasgoing, or who told me he intended to go, to 'The Duellist;' and that I was employed about business of the utmost consequence to myself the whole day on which your Comedy was acted; particularly from five that evening till after all the Theatres were shut for that night. And as to my friends, Sir,the worldmust know that I cannot answer whether any of them were at the 'Duellist' or not, since I was not there myself; nor ought I to be responsible for their conduct there. But, Sir, in justice to those whom I esteem my friends, and for your farther satisfaction, I do assure you that I have not heard of one friend of mine that was at your Comedy. My testimony, perhaps, in this cause may be deemed in your opinion weak and partial, as it tends to exonerate myself and my friends. In answer to that argument, Sir, it is the best that it is in my power to give from the nature of the case. In your request of a re-hearing, and in the consequence should you be re-heard, I sincerely wish you success. I am, &c.Charles Macklin."
"Sir,
"So far from injuring you in the point you complain of, I solemnly declare that I sincerely wished you success in your 'Duellist,' as I do every person who undertakes the arduous and perilous task of writing for the Stage. And I further assure you, that I was not near the Theatre on the night that your Comedy was acted. Nay, that, to the best of my recollection, I never spoke to a person, directly or indirectly, who wasgoing, or who told me he intended to go, to 'The Duellist;' and that I was employed about business of the utmost consequence to myself the whole day on which your Comedy was acted; particularly from five that evening till after all the Theatres were shut for that night. And as to my friends, Sir,the worldmust know that I cannot answer whether any of them were at the 'Duellist' or not, since I was not there myself; nor ought I to be responsible for their conduct there. But, Sir, in justice to those whom I esteem my friends, and for your farther satisfaction, I do assure you that I have not heard of one friend of mine that was at your Comedy. My testimony, perhaps, in this cause may be deemed in your opinion weak and partial, as it tends to exonerate myself and my friends. In answer to that argument, Sir, it is the best that it is in my power to give from the nature of the case. In your request of a re-hearing, and in the consequence should you be re-heard, I sincerely wish you success. I am, &c.
Charles Macklin."
Dr. Kenrick was supported by a strong party, which declared that his play had been unjustly condemned; and that gentleman thought proper to intimate, through the public papers, to Mr. Colman, that 'The Duellist' would be called for on the evening when a Mr. Brown was announced to appear for the first time in the character of Othello; thus clearing himself from thepresumed imputation of wishing to injure a new performer. This hint did not, however, produce the play; and Kenrick and his friends were under the necessity of having recourse to other measures; which were, distributing printed papers to the publick, and showering cards down upon the Pit from the Gallery: the latter contained these words, "No Play till an assurance of The Duellist being given out for Monday." Whether the riot of the preceding week had satiated the multitude, or whatever else might be the cause, the affair ended merely in violent hissing and clapping, and Brown had a candid hearing.
The reader will, without doubt, be satisfied with the preceding descriptions of theatrical commotions; and under that conviction I shall omit all that have subsequently occurred, at the same time assuring him that so many would not have been mentioned, had I not thought it necessary to illustrate all the operations of the community.
Dr. Kenrick opened a course of Lectures in the Theatre for Burlettas at Mary-le-bon gardens in the following July, which he termed "a School of Shakspeare;" where he recited different parts of the works of our inimitable Dramatist, and particularly that of Sir John Falstaff, with much success, to crowded audiences.
The newspapers of that month vented severe complaints against the Proprietors of the gardens alluded to for having demanded 5s.entrancemoney to aFête Champêtre, which consisted of nothing more than a few tawdry festoons and extra lamps; indeed, they appear to have been suggested by the conduct of the spectators, who demolished most of the brittle wares of the scene, and injured the stage. A second attempt produced this description: "The orchestra, boxes, theatre, and every part of the gardens were beautifully illuminated at a vast expence with lamps of various colours, disposed with great taste and elegance. The grass-plat before Mr. Torre's building was surrounded with two semicircular rows of trees and hedges prettily contrived, divided, and forming two walks; and between every tree hung a double row of lamps bending downwards; between every break orange and lemon-trees were placed, and the whole was hung with festoons of flowers and other pastoral emblems. On this place the rural entertainment was held, consisting of singing and dancing; several airs were well sung by Mr. Thompson, Mr. Bannister, Miss Wewitzer, and the rest of the performers. On the left hand of this rural scene was a stile, and a walk which led to a Temple sacred to Hymen, which was transparent, and had a pretty effect when viewed at a distance. The gardens were not clear of company at six o'clock next morning."
Encouraged by their success, the Proprietors entered still farther into the spirit of hilarity, andprepared an entertainment thus described in a newspaper a few days after it had taken place:
"On Tuesday evening (July 23, 1776) Mary-le-bon gardens exhibited a scene equally novel and agreeable; namely, a representation of the Boulevards of Paris. The boxes fronting the ball-room, which were converted into shops, had a very pleasing effect, and were occupied by persons with the following supposititious names, legible by means of transparent paintings.—Crotchet, a music-shop; a gingerbread shop (no name over it), the owner in a large bag-wig and deep rufflesà-la-mode de Paris: Medley (from Darley's), a print-shop; New-fangle, a milliner; a hardware shop and lottery-office in one (the price of tickets 11l.14s.);La Blonde, a milliner; Pine, a fruiterer; Trinket, a toy-shop; Fillagree, ditto; Mr. Gimcrack, the shop unoccupied, and nothing in it but two paper kites;Tête, a hair-dresser. The shopkeepers seemed rather dull and awkward at their business, till the humour of the company had raised their spirits by purchasing; and then, in proportion to their trade, their diligence advanced. Madam Pine, Messrs. Trinket, andle Marchand de la gingerbread, ran away with the custom from all their competitors. Mr.Têteindeed would have had a good share of trade, but that the ladies were previously provided with every article he had to sell, and superior of the kind; for if his head-dresses were as bigas a peck, many of theirs could not be crammed into a bushel.
"The ball-room was illuminated in an elegant manner with coloured lamps; and at one end of it women attended, selling orgeat, lemonade, and other cooling liquors. This was intended as a representation of the English Coffee-house at Paris.
"There was a great variety of different amusements; and amongst the rest a booth representing that of Signior Nicola at Paris, in which eight men, at the command of the supposed Signior, who was behind the scenes, exhibited a dance called the Egyptian Pyramids, standing on the backs, arms, and shoulders of each other, to an astonishing height. The number of the persons present is thought to be about 600."
We will now bid adieu to Mary-le-bon gardens.
Very considerable alterations were made in Drury-lane Theatre previous to the opening for the season of 1775. The frequenters of it before the above period describe the interior as very little superior to an old barn; but the raising of the ceiling twelve feet, the removal of the side-boxes, and substituting others supported by slight pillars, the opening of new passages to the boxes and to the Theatre from Bridges-street, seem to have entitled it to that approbation which it received till the re-building in 1794 of the spacious edifice demolished by fire February 24, 1809.
The fashionable world had often read and heard of the VenetianRegattera, or race of Oarsmen, and were inclined to attempt a grand effort of imitation on the Thames; for which purpose many preparations were made, and the following plan was submitted to the publick in May 1775.
"Ladies and gentlemen to arrange their own parties, and to provide their own barges or boats; excepting those persons who shall apply to the managers of theRegattafor a seat in the public barges, which the several City companies have been so kind to lend on this occasion.—It is recommended that the rowers of the private barges be uniformly dressed, and in such a manner as may accord with some one of the three marine colours, chosen by the Marshals of theRegatta,viz.the White, the Blue, or the Red: the blue division to take the four Western arches of Westminster-bridge; the red division to take the four arches next the Surrey shore; and St. George's division the two arches on each side the centre. The whole procession to move up the river from Westminster-bridge at seven o'clock in the evening, the Marshal's division rowing a-head about three minutes before the second division, and the same interval of time between the second and third divisions. The company to begin to embark at the several stairs adjacent to Westminster-bridge, as well on the Lambeth as theWestminster side, between five and six o'clock. The Marshal's barge of twelve oars, carrying St. George's ensign (white field, with a red cross), will be to the Westward of the centre arch; the rest of the barges and boats to spread at such distances on the rendezvous, as to fill all the arches of Westminster-bridge at one time; but it is to be understood, that none of the pleasure-boats, nor others, do, upon any account, go into the centre arch, which must be left free for the race-boats; twelve of which, with each two rowers, will start from Westminster-bridge at six o'clock, and row against tide to London-bridge; from whence they will return back to Westminster-bridge: the three boats that first clear the centre arch of Westminster-bridge, to the Westward, win the prizes.—First men, ten guineas each, with coats and badges.—Second men, seven guineas each, with coats and badges of an inferior value.—Third men, five guineas each, with coats and badges.—Besides which, every successful waterman will have an ensign given him to wear one year on the Thames, with the wordRegatta, in gold characters, thereon inscribed, and the figures 1, 2, or 3, according to the order in which he may arrive at the close of the race. The twelve boats, when the race shall be over, are to wait on the Marshal's barge, and to obey whatever orders may be given from thence, both going up the river, and returninghome, when the entertainment is ended.—Circular ranges of tables, with proper intervals, will be placed round the Rotunda of Ranelagh, on which supper will be prepared in the afternoon, and the doors thrown open at eleven o'clock: the several recesses on the ground-floor to serve as side-boards for the waiters, and for a variety of refreshments, &c. &c.—A band of musick, consisting of one hundred and twenty vocal and instrumental performers, will play in the centre of the Rotunda during supper-time: other music to be disposed of in the garden, as the Committee shall direct.—Three military bands, composed of fifes, drums, cymbals, &c. will be habited in a manner consonant with the naval flags of Great Britain, and be properly stationed, as will likewise three other select bands of the most eminent masters on wind instruments:—all under such directions as may best entertain the company while on the water, and at the time of disembarking.—The garden of Ranelagh will be lighted up, and a temporary bower erected and decorated round the canal for dancing.—The platform of Chelsea-hospital to be open, for the greater conveniency of disembarking.
"If the 20th of June be the day approved of by the Committee, a red flag will be displayed at ten in the morning over the centre arch of Westminster-bridge, continue flying all day, and the bells of St. Margaret's church will ring from teno'clock till one: without such notification, be it understood, that theRegattais, on account of unfavourable weather, postponed till Wednesday the 21st of June, when the like signal will be repeated:—if the weather still continue bad, theRegattato be put off till Thursday the 22d of June, when it will be given at all events."
An account of this amusement was inserted in the newspapers, from one of which I beg leave to repeat it.
"Yesterday before noon several of the companies and great numbers of pleasure barges were moored in the river, with flags, &c. Half a guinea was asked for a seat in a common barge, to see theRegatta.
"Early in the afternoon, the whole river, from London-bridge to the Ship-tavern, Milbank, was covered with vessels of pleasure, and there seemed to be a general combination to make a gay evening. Above 1200 flags were flying before four-o'clock; and such was the public impatience, that scores of barges were filled at that time.—Scaffolds were erected on the banks and in vessels, and even on the top of Westminster-hall was an erection of that kind.—Vessels were moored in the river, for the sale of liquors and other refreshments.
"The Thames, by six o'clock, was overspread with vessels and boats ornamented with divers colours; much about which time they began toform themselves into divisions. The Director's barge, which was uncommonly superb, and on the stern of which was displayed a blue ensign, with the wordRegattain large gold characters, was rowed in great state to its station, a little before seven, on the West point of the centre arch. The boats and vessels of the red flag immediately brought up in the line of the four arches, on the Lambeth-side; the blue division in the direction of the four nearest Westminster; and the white, of the two arches on each side the centre: the grand centre arch being solely appropriated to the race-boats.
"The whole river formed a splendid scene, which was proportionably more so nearer to Westminster-bridge. A City barge, used to take in ballast, was, on this occasion, filled with the finest ballast in the world—above 100 elegant ladies. At half past seven the Lord Mayor's barge moved, and falling down the stream, made a circle towards the bridge, on which twenty-one cannon were fired as a salute.
"At half past seven the several candidates for the Regatta honours started at Westminster-bridge; twelve boats, two men in each, in three divisions, habited in white, red, and blue, rowed down to Watermen's-hall, and went round a vessel placed there for the purpose, and then made up again for the goal, which was gained by one of the red squadron, who had for theirreward each a new boat, with furniture complete, coats and badges, and an ensign with the wordRegattain gold letters inscribed thereon; the second boat eight guineas each, and the third five guineas each; and to every other candidate who rowed the full distance, half a guinea, with permission to be in Ranelagh-gardens (in their uniforms) during the entertainment.
"As soon as the winners were declared, and their prizes awarded, the whole procession began to move from Westminster-bridge for Ranelagh; the Director's barge at the head of the whole squadron, with grand bands of musick playing in each.
"The ladies in general were dressed in white, and the gentlemen in undress frocks of all colours; and it is thought the procession was seen by at least 200,000 people.
"The company landed at the stairs about nine, when they joined the assembly which came by land in theTemple of Neptune, a temporary octagon kind of building erected about twenty yards below the Rotunda, lined with striped linen of the different-coloured flags of the Navy, with light pillars near the centre, ornamented with streamers of the same kind loosely flowing, and lustres hanging between each. It happened however that this building was not quite finished when the company assembled, which prevented the cotillion-dancing till after supper.
"At half after ten the Rotunda was opened for supper, which discovered three circular tables, of different elevations, elegantly set out, though not profusely covered. The Rotunda was finely illuminated with party-coloured lamps, and those displayed with great taste; the centre was solely appropriated for one of the fullest and finest bands of musick, vocal and instrumental, ever collected in these kingdoms; the number being 240, in which were included the first masters, led by Giardini; and the whole directed by Mr. Simpson, in a manner that did him great credit. It was opened with a new grand piece composed for the occasion; after which various catches and glees were sung by Messrs. Vernon, Reinhold, &c.
"Supper being over, a part of the company retired to the Temple, where they danced minuets, cotillions, &c. while others entertained themselves in the great room.
"The company consisted of about 2000, amongst which were the first personages of distinction;viz.the Dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland, Duke of Northumberland, Lords North, Harrington, Stanley, Tyrconnel, Lincoln, their respective ladies, &c. also Lords Lyttelton, Colrane, Carlisle, March, Melbourne, Cholmondeley, Petersham, &c.; the French, Spanish, Prussian, Russian, and Neapolitan Ambassadors, &c.
"Mrs. Cornely had the sole management of the decorations and supper, for which she wasallowed 700 guineas; the supper was but indifferent, and the wine very scarce.
"It is said that part of the company returning this morning early from Ranelagh by water met with some accidents, and that four persons were drowned."
I shall now confine myself entirely to the Theatres, with which this article necessarily concludes. The different amusements of the present day will come under review in another place.
Mr. Foote had long entertained the inhabitants of London with a variety of scenic representations, and met with the most rapturous applause; his dramatic pieces are pregnant with satire, and he stung the votaries of vice and folly by the most pointed applications. His dispute with the Dutchess of Kingston has been too often repeated to bear another recital; but his letter to the Lord Chamberlain on the suppression of the "Trip to Calais," in which the above lady was supposed to be alluded to, is too short to createtedium, and too witty not to give pleasure after twenty perusals.
"My Lord, I did intend troubling your lordship with an earlier address; but the day after I received your prohibitory mandate, I had the honour of a visit from Lord Mountstuart, to whose interposition, I find, I am indebted for your first commands, relative to the 'Trip to Calais,'by Mr. Chetwynd, and your final rejection of it by Colonel Keen.
"Lord Mountstuart has, I presume, told your Lordship, that he read with me those scenes to which your Lordship objected; that he found them collected from general nature, and applicable to none but those who, through consciousness, were compelled to a self-application. To such minds, my Lord, the Whole Duty of Man, next to the Sacred Writings, is the severest satire that ever was wrote; and to the same mark if Comedy directs not her aim, her arrows are shot in the air; for by what touches no man, no man will be mended. Lord Mountstuart desired that I would suffer him to take the play with him, and let him leave it with the Dutchess of Kingston: he had my consent, my Lord, and at the same time an assurance, that I was willing to make any alteration that her Grace would suggest. Her Grace saw the play, and, in consequence, I saw her Grace; with the result of that interview, I shall not, at this time, trouble your Lordship. It may perhaps be necessary to observe, that her Grace could not discern, which your Lordship, I dare say, will readily believe, a single trait in the character of Lady Kitty Crocodile, that resembled herself.
"After this representation, your Lordship will, I doubt not, permit me to enjoy the fruits of my labour; nor will you think it reasonablebecause a capricious individual has taken it into her head that I have pinned her ruffles awry, that I should be punished by a poignard stuck deep in my heart: your Lordship has too much candour and justice to be the instrument of so violent and ill-directed a blow.
"Your Lordship's determination is not only of the greatest importance to me now, but must inevitably decide my fate for the future, as, after this defeat, it will be impossible for me to muster up courage enough to face Folly again: between the Muse and the Magistrate there is a natural confederacy; what the last cannot punish, the first often corrects; but when she finds herself not only deserted by her antient ally, but sees him armed in the defence of her foe, she has nothing left but a speedy retreat: adieu, then, my Lord, to the Stage.Valeat res ludicra; to which, I hope, I may with justice addPlaudite; as, during my continuance in the service of the publick, I never profited by flattering their passions, or falling in with their humours; as, upon all occasions, I have exerted my little powers (as, indeed, I thought it my duty), in exposing follies, how much soever the favourites of the day; and pernicious prejudices, however protected and popular. This, my Lord, has been done, if those may be believed who have the best right to know, sometimes with success; let me add too, that in doing this I never lost mycredit with the publick, because they knew that I proceeded upon principle, that I disdained being either the echo or the instrument of any man, however exalted his station, and that I never received reward or protection from any other hands than their own.
"I have the honour to be, &c.
"Samuel Foote."
Mr. Garrick, whose unrivalled powers as an actor have ever been the theme of applause and admiration, retired from the Stage in June 1776, when in full possession of his extraordinary faculties, after disposing of his share and patent of Drury-lane Theatre to Messrs. Ford, Ewart, Sheridan, and Linley, for 35,000l.
The property of the Theatre in the Haymarket was transferred from Mr. Foote to Mr. Colman in the following year, and has remained in that gentleman's and his son's possession till very lately. It will be sufficient to observe of this place of amusement, that it is too confined for aSummerTheatre, and to accommodate the crowds which attend it, attracted by the best old plays, many excellent new ones, and good performers selected from the Winter and Provincial Theatres.
The reader who recollects my previous notices of the enlargement of Drury-lane Theatre will perceive, from those and the subsequent, how rapidly population and the admiration of theatrical amusements have increased. Mr. Harris,proprietor of Covent-garden Playhouse, found it necessary in 1782 to raise the roof eight feet, and make other alterations, to benefit himself, and accommodate the publick. It was then that the Theatre was adorned with those genuine ornaments in the Grecian style, which have lately given place to I know not what strange substitutes of painted deal boards.
Mr. Kemble, the present Roscius of the British Stage, made his first appearance in 1784; but his accomplished and unrivalled sister had astonished and delighted the publick in the previous year. ThetwoThalias, Farren and Jordan, were contemporaries with the celebrated tragedians; but the former is now a Countess, and the latter I hadalmostsaid a Princess, though still the object of rapturous approbation on the Stage.
The year 1785 produced the agitation of a singular problem, which has never yet been solved. While an actor of abilities performs upon the two Stages of Drury-lane and Covent-garden under the patents of the proprietors of those Theatres (as I have before observed), the courtesy of the world, or their own pretensions, dignifies them with the appellations of Gentlemen and even Esquires; but let the same men only step on the stage of a theatre opened without a patent or licence, and he instantly becomes a rogue and vagabond. At the time alluded to, the late Mr. Palmer, an excellent comedian, supported by alarge subscription, determined to erect a new Theatre near Wellclose-square for the performance of plays, as at the established houses, without having first obtained a patent or licence; and, however astonishing it may appear, he actually completed the house, and obtained several of the higher rank of performers from the two Theatres. The event might have been anticipated: when every thing was in readiness to receive the publick, Palmer became arogue and vagabond; and as such the persons engaged deserted hiscompany. He struggled, remonstrated, and at length went to prison. Since that period the Theatre at Wellclose-square remains amementoof rashness and folly, used only at intervals through the indulgence of the Magistracy, by Astley and others, for the representation of dances, burlettas, serious ballets, and pantomimes.
A most extraordinary occurrence in the affairs of the Stage marked the year 1789; which was Mr. Macklin'sattemptto perform the character of Shylock at the age ofninety.
The Theatre of Drury-lane was generally supposed at that time to have arrived at a period of decay, which rendered the safety of a crowded audience at least problematical. The proprietors therefore determined to rebuild it on an enlarged and magnificent plan; and for this purpose they hired the new Opera-house in the Haymarket for theatrical performances in 1791, while their ownTheatre was in progress; and an advance in the prices of admission of 6d.in the pit and 1s.in the boxes took place, as it was said, to reimburse the extraordinary expences of the measure.
The following account of the operations attending the re-building appeared in one of the public papers of the time.
"One of the corner-stones of the new Drury-lane Theatre was laid on Tuesday September 4, 1792, and, as usual, some coins of the present day were deposited under it. The principal foundation stone will be laid in a few days, and it is said that a grand procession will appear at the ceremony of it.
"The articles which follow concerning this Theatre, we can vouch for being correct: and the curious, as well as those who are theatrically inclined, will be glad to read them.
"The delay in the building of this new Theatre, which was originally intended to have been finished by the opening of the ensuing season, has been occasioned partly from Mr. Sheridan's mind having been long employed in performing the last mournful duties of a husband; and from a dispute in the purchase of the dormant patent belonging to Covent-garden Theatre, on which security the money for the new building was to be advanced. Mr. Harris had agreed with Mr. Sheridan for the price of this patent at 15,000l.
"The old Theatre was pulled down, and the money offered to be paid for the patent, when it occurred that there were other persons necessary to be consulted, who had a property in it. Mr. White, who had married a Miss Powell, had a quarter share of the patent; and when the assignment of it was offered him to be signed, he objected, and said he would not sell his share under 5000l.
"Here then was a difficulty which had never been thought of. The old Drury was pulled down, and the money for the new House was not to be advanced without the patent. What was to be done? There was much cavilling on both sides; and the dispute had the appearance of being drawn into Chancery, to compel Mr. White to sell. All this time Mr. Sheridan was paying 5l.per cent.interest for the first payment that had been advanced for the new building, which was laying idle; his present Theatre in the Haymarket was filling every night with new Proprietors' tickets; and he was paying a heavy ground-rent to the Duke of Bedford. This was a ruinous business,—and at length Mr. Sheridan concluded a bargain a few days since at the price of 20,000l.for the dormant patent. It is believed that had he employed his usualfinessein the management of this affair, as well as in the dear bargain he made for the Haymarket Theatre, he might have saved himself full 20,000l.; for he has been likewiseoutwitted in the agreement he entered into with Mr. Taylor, which we shall speak of to-morrow.
"The new Drury, however, now proceeds; and Mr. Holland has declared he will have the Theatre covered in by the month of January next. The plan is extremely magnificent, and will afford the most ample accommodation. It is almost a square. A very grand piazzi will be built round three sides of it, over which will be setts of chambers. The Theatre will be insulated, as there are to be streets all round it. An opening is to be cut from Bridges-street into Drury-lane, through Vinegar-yard; and as the Theatre will extend to Drury-lane, there will be on one side Brydges-street, on the other Russell-street, the third Drury-lane, and on the fourth, the street through Vinegar-yard. Thus will there be avenues on all sides; and then can the Theatre be emptied of its company in the space of a quarter of an hour, a convenience which is much required.
"The money raised for this building is 150,000l.payable in three instalments.—60,000l.of this is to pay off the mortgagees on the old Theatre——80,000l.is allotted for the new building, and 10,000l.for contingent expences. The mode of raising this money is by an annuity of 100 years at 5per cent.and a free admission for everysubscription of 500l.which already bears a premium of 5l.per cent."
The Theatre is completed; but the East and West ends remain in a state of ruin, which must be injurious to the walls and foundations. The sides are faced with stone, and ornamented with pediments; and an unfinished colonnade protects the audience from rain, while waiting for admission; or their carriages are drawn before the doors on retiring from the amusements of the evening. A description of the interior is in a great measure unnecessary, and would be difficult to comprehend: the shape is that of the lyre, as indeed are all our present Theatres, and the decorations appear very splendid, though they are nothing more than plain boards well painted in relief; in short, the silvered pillars, and the beams, and the outward walls, are the onlysubstantialparts of the building; and yet the effect is wonderfully magnificent, and far superior to Covent-garden Theatre, which underwent great enlargements, but in my opinion no improvements, at least in effect, about the time Drury-lane was completed.
The ensuing particulars were given in the Gentleman's Magazine for 1794: "New Drury-lane Theatre contains in the pit 800 persons; whole range of boxes 1828; two shilling gallery 675; one shilling gallery 308; total 3611: amounting to 826l.6s.There are eight private boxes on eachside of the pit; 29 all round the first tier, and elevenback frontboxes; 29 all round the second tier, of which eleven are six seats deep; 10 on each side the gallery three tier; boxes in the cove nine each side. Diameter of the pit is 55 feet; opening of the curtain 43 feet wide; height of the curtain 38 feet; height of the house from the pit floor to the cieling 56 feet 6 inches."
The proprietors deserve every praise for the precautions they have taken to extinguish fire, by providing reservoirs of water in different parts of the building, and an iron curtain to drop between the audience and the stage. Whether those in the hurry of so dreadful a moment, would be of any real use, is a question which I sincerely hope will never be decided; I cannot, however, help observing that many large doors seem so obviously necessary in Theatres, that I dare not attempt to account for the diminutive size of the two through which the audience actually creep in the pit of Covent-garden Theatre. An alarm of fire in that house must end fatally, whether it spread, or was immediately extinguished[310:A].
The amusements of the present day are very confined: the two Theatres and the Opera for the winter, and the Haymarket for the summer, arethe onlyestablishedplaces of entertainment; if the latter can be called such, which dares not open till May 15, andmust closeby September 14. Astley is a veteran in scenic feats at his Amphitheatre andPavilion; Sadler's wells is a more permanent establishment: and the Circus and Wellclose Theatre are meremodernsin comparison; but these are literally Summer houses, as the proprietors are compelled to confine their performances to the period between Easter and October. There are other inferior places of resort opened at intervals, exclusive of the various Concerts; but few of which deserve notice.