1796.) ag 
67). 
RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE DRAMA. 
{ 
Daury-Lane. 
puis Theatre, after experiencing a 
variety of alterations and improve- 
ments, opened under the management of 
Mr. KEMBLE. 
October 20, 1795. The Dependent, a 
Comedy, written by Mr. CUMBERLAND, 
was performed here for the firft time, 
but if was not received with that ap- 
plaufe which generally accompanies the 
dramatic produétions of this literary 
veteran. One of the principal charac- 
ters was the ** Ezekiel Daw” of his own 
“Henry.” Withdrawn. 
Nov. 23. This evening witneffed the 
revival of LeE’s “ Rival Queens,” with 
the addition of a prefatory battle in 
dumb thow. Kemble tupported his ufual 
character in the part of Alexander. Ap- 
plauded. 
January 18, 1796. ‘The tragedy of 
Douglas was followed by a new Panto- 
mime called ‘‘ Harlequin Captive, or the 
Magic Fire’ The {cenery, in the ex- 
cellence of which confifts one of the 
chief beauties of this fpecies of entertain- 
ment, was well executed, and contrived 
in fuch a manner as to appear appofite 
to a ftory replete with incident. 
25. A mew comedy, called “ The 
Man of Ten Thoufand,” written by 
Mr. Hoicrort, was reprefented for 
the firft time before a crowded and bril- 
liant audience. ! 
' The plot, which is well calculated to 
expofe the hollownefs and infincerity of 
faihionable friendfhips, excites intereft. 
Mifs Farren, drefled a /a Grec, at- 
tracted the attention of the audience ra- 
ther by the elegance of her perfon and 
drapery, than the confequence of her cha- 
racter. Party prejudice, which ought 
never to appear within the walls of a 
playhoufe, made a feeble and unfucceff- 
ful attempt to defraud the Author of his 
merit and emoluments. 
Feb. 20. A new mufical farce, by 
Coss, bearing the whimfical name of 
the ‘¢ Shepherdefs of Cheapfide.’ Mr. 
BANNISTER'S * Diaper’ was well fuf- 
tained. The introduction of a ‘* French- 
man’ gave offence; and, therefore, in 
all probability, will be omitted in future. 
— CoveNnT-GaArRDEN. . 
THIS feafon, like the former, com- 
menced under the immediate direction 
ef Mr. Lewis, Deputy Manager. 
Nov. 7, 1795. A new comedy called 
** Speculation,”’ written by Mr. Rey- 
NOLDs, was aéted for the firft time, this 
evening. ; 
The plot is an expofition of fraud, for- 
tune-hunting, and projeéts; and one of the 
principal fcenes lies in the King’s Bench, 
a *‘ college’? to which thefe purfuits na- 
turaliy lead_—Applauded. The epilogue, 
written by ANDREWws, and fpoken by 
LEwis, is humorous. 
Jan.25. “ The Way to get Married,”: 
written by Mr. Mortron, was per- 
formed this night for the firft time. : 
The heroine, Jutra FAULKNER, 
whofe father is imprifoned in confe- 
quence of the arts of a pettifogger, 
exhibits an eminent degree of filial 
tendernefs and exquifite fenibility, 
which fortunately prove the ‘* Way to 
get Married.”’ This is written in a light 
and humorous, but on the whole, an 
interefting ftyle of comedy. The epi- 
logue contained much fevere, and per- 
haps too pointed ridicule, on a titled 
‘buxom’ Juliet, who, if we are not 
miftaken, has been for fome time a 
grand-mother. . 
Feb. 2. A new mufical farce, called 
“The Lock and Key,” by Mr. Hoare. 
Much whim and oddity. 
OPERA. 
THIS Theatre fo recently revived out 
of the afhes of the Old one, commenced 
a hitherto profperous feafon, under the 
management of Mr. Le TExieER. 
Saturday, Jan. 16. While MADAME 
BaNTI was advancing towards the audi- 
ence, a poor fentinel, ftuck up for hours, 
in imitation of the foreign theatres, as 1f 
he were a mere automaton, and overcome 
‘by the weight of his arms, and the heat 
and dizzinefs. occafioned by the lights, 
fell down at her feet. This degrading 
cuftom ought to be abolifhed; for, the 
private injury apart, an Englifh audi- 
ence fhould never be ufed tq the fight of 
a military police prefiding over their 
public entertainments. 
Feb. 2. A call was made from feveral 
parts of the houfe for new pieces and 
performers. The manager was not to 
be found, but the audience was pacified 
by a promife from Mr. Kexiy. 
16. I traci Amici, a new comic Opera, 
compofed by Crmaroso, was well re- 
ceived. SIGNORA FABRIZZI, a comic 
finger, made her firft appearance. Her 
voice is rather ftrong than {weet. 
20. The moft fplendid opera for feve- 
ral years. MapDAME Rose and M. Dr- 
Ka DELOT 
