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Random Records by George Colman is in Georgian Books.
Notes to the foregoing list, by Mr. Winston.
The Theatre open 'd with the Comedy of the English Merchant, and Lilliput, on the 15th May; — closed till the 28th, and then perform'd 3 nights a week, till the 11th June.
9th June [1777]. Miss Farren (age 18) first appeard in London, in the Character of Miss Hardcastle, in the Comedy of "She Stoops to Conquer."
11th June. Mr. Henderson (from Bath) first appear'd in London, in the Character of Shylock.
Mr. Foote acted 11th July, 25th and 30th, only; — was to perform again, but was prevented by illness.
Mr. Digges made his first appearance in London, in the Character of Cato, — (August 14) — which he perform'd twice; — next, Cardinal Wolsey, twice; Sir John Brute, twice; and repeated Sir John Brute, for a Benefit on the 18th of Sept. after the close of the regular season.
Miss Farren (age 18) took her Benefit after the close of the season, — on the 16th September [1777].
During the Season, Miss Barsanti was married to Mr. Lesley; she was afterwards Mrs. Daly.
Miss Farren (age 18), then in her teens, made her debut as Miss Hardcastle, in Goldsmith's Comedy of "She Stoops to Conquer," — as appears by Mr. Winston's note. She conquer'd so much subsequently, in the superior walk of Comedy, that she might have stoop'd in resuming this character, although it is worthy the acceptance of an actress of great ability: — she came most opportunely to prevent a chasm, which would have been greatly lamented; and to personate modern females of fashion, when the retirement of the Abington, with the vielle cour, was approaching. -To dilate, upon the history of the lovely and accomplish' d Miss Farren, would be very superfluous; — no person ever has more successfully performed the elegant levities of Lady Townly, upon the Stage, or more happily practised the amiable virtues of Lady Grace, in the highest circles of Society1.
Note 1. Alas! I have now (May, 1829) to record that The Countess of Derby is no more! — She died since the above was written.
1778The only new Dramas worth notice, produced during this summer, at the Hay-Market Theatre, were, "The Manager in Distress," "Fire and Water," "The Chapter of Accidents," and "The Genius of Nonsense." These Pieces I shall mention again presently; but first let me observe that, this being the fourth season of my father's summer speculation, the theatre had, in the course of that time, been improved in its accommodation and internal appearance, arid its histrionick company much ameliorated. — Henderson, indeed, did not renew his engagement after the first season; and Parsons had seceded, this year, although he returned in 1782; but three towers of strength, — Palmer, Edwin, and Miss Farren (age 19), — with the elder Bannister, Digges, and several others of value in the formation of a respectable company, — who all started with the new scheme in 1777, — were still retain 'd; while many excellent performers, in their different lines, had gradually join'd them.