Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Extracts From Mr. Oulton's " History Of The Theatres Of London,
" In the course of the last summer , AA'hen I performed at the little theatre in the Haymarket , Mr . Colman Avrote a prologue , Avhich I spoke on my benefit night , and , among others , Avere the folloAving lines : * For me , tvhose utmost aim is your delight , * Accept the humble offering of this night ; ' To please , Avherever plac'd , be still my care , ' At Drury , Haymarket , or Wellclose Square . '
" As Mr .. Colman kneAV the plan I had then in vieAv , it AA'as fair to conclude that he did not meditate an opposition . " Mr . Harris , the Manager of Covent Garden theatre , gave his consent in writing , that Mr . Quick should be engaged here . " After all this , " to my great astonishment , Avhen a large expence had been incurred , and this house Avas completely ready for opening , the three Managers thought good to publish in the neivspapers extracts , from different Acts of Parliatheir resolution to the Act in force this
ment , accompanied tvith joint put against theatre . " They tvent a step further ; they served me Avith this notice . ( Here Mr . Palmer read a copy of a notice sent to him , signed by Thomas Linley , Thomas Harris , and George Colman , acquainting him , that instructions tvere given to lodge informations against him for every appearance he should make in any play , or scene of a play , at any unlicensed theatre , contrary to the statute . ) ' that those three the only
" I have the satisfaction to find gentlemen are enemies to this undertaking ; and it will be for themselves to consider tvhether they are not , at the same time , opposing the voice of the public . " For myself , ' I have embarked my all in this theatre , persuaded that , under the sanction I obtained , it AA'as perfectly legal : in the event of it every thing dear lo mv family is involved . " I Avas determined to strain every nerve to merit your favour ; but Avhen I the of other Avho have been also threatened tvith
consider case performers prose cutions , I OAvn , Avhatever risque I run myself , I feel too ' much to risque for them 1 " I had promised a benefit play for the use of the London Hospital ; and all the performers agreed tvith me , that one night , at least , should be employed for so useful a purpose . " We have not oerformed for hire , gain , or retvard ; and tve hope that the three Managers , tvith the Magistrate in their interest , will neither deem benevolence a misdemeanor , nor send us , for an act of charity , to hard labour in the house of
correction . " I beg pardon for trespassing thus long upon your patience ; circumstanced as things are , and a combination being formed to oppress and ruin me , it is not , at present , in mv power to give out another play . " Under the Act of Parliament , Avhich impoAvers the Magistrates to alloAv certain performances , I obtained a licence ; and to whatever purpose of innocent amusement this theatre may be converted , your future patronage Avill abundantly compensate for every difficulty I have had to encounter . ht unmolested before but the
" Tumblers and Dancing Dogs migappear you ; other performers and myself standing fonvard to exhibit a moral play , is deemed a crime . " The purpose , hoivever , for which Ave have this , night exerted ourselves , may serve to shew , that a theatre near Wellclose Square may be as useful as in Covent Garden , Drury Lane , or the Haymarket . " All that remains at present is lo return you my most grateful thanks for the Avith which have honoured this niht : I forbear to enlarge
indulgence you me g upon ° that subject ; my heart is too full—I have not Avords to express my feelings . I shall be ever devoted to your service . " Until it is announced that this house shall be again opened with a species oi entertainment not subjecting me to danger , I humbly take my leave . " This address produced a letter from Mr . Quick , in Avhich he declared that the only Avriting that had passed between Mr . Harris and him on the subject Avas-a letter dated April the 2 d ; of which the 1 ' oUowmg'is an extract :
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Extracts From Mr. Oulton's " History Of The Theatres Of London,
" In the course of the last summer , AA'hen I performed at the little theatre in the Haymarket , Mr . Colman Avrote a prologue , Avhich I spoke on my benefit night , and , among others , Avere the folloAving lines : * For me , tvhose utmost aim is your delight , * Accept the humble offering of this night ; ' To please , Avherever plac'd , be still my care , ' At Drury , Haymarket , or Wellclose Square . '
" As Mr .. Colman kneAV the plan I had then in vieAv , it AA'as fair to conclude that he did not meditate an opposition . " Mr . Harris , the Manager of Covent Garden theatre , gave his consent in writing , that Mr . Quick should be engaged here . " After all this , " to my great astonishment , Avhen a large expence had been incurred , and this house Avas completely ready for opening , the three Managers thought good to publish in the neivspapers extracts , from different Acts of Parliatheir resolution to the Act in force this
ment , accompanied tvith joint put against theatre . " They tvent a step further ; they served me Avith this notice . ( Here Mr . Palmer read a copy of a notice sent to him , signed by Thomas Linley , Thomas Harris , and George Colman , acquainting him , that instructions tvere given to lodge informations against him for every appearance he should make in any play , or scene of a play , at any unlicensed theatre , contrary to the statute . ) ' that those three the only
" I have the satisfaction to find gentlemen are enemies to this undertaking ; and it will be for themselves to consider tvhether they are not , at the same time , opposing the voice of the public . " For myself , ' I have embarked my all in this theatre , persuaded that , under the sanction I obtained , it AA'as perfectly legal : in the event of it every thing dear lo mv family is involved . " I Avas determined to strain every nerve to merit your favour ; but Avhen I the of other Avho have been also threatened tvith
consider case performers prose cutions , I OAvn , Avhatever risque I run myself , I feel too ' much to risque for them 1 " I had promised a benefit play for the use of the London Hospital ; and all the performers agreed tvith me , that one night , at least , should be employed for so useful a purpose . " We have not oerformed for hire , gain , or retvard ; and tve hope that the three Managers , tvith the Magistrate in their interest , will neither deem benevolence a misdemeanor , nor send us , for an act of charity , to hard labour in the house of
correction . " I beg pardon for trespassing thus long upon your patience ; circumstanced as things are , and a combination being formed to oppress and ruin me , it is not , at present , in mv power to give out another play . " Under the Act of Parliament , Avhich impoAvers the Magistrates to alloAv certain performances , I obtained a licence ; and to whatever purpose of innocent amusement this theatre may be converted , your future patronage Avill abundantly compensate for every difficulty I have had to encounter . ht unmolested before but the
" Tumblers and Dancing Dogs migappear you ; other performers and myself standing fonvard to exhibit a moral play , is deemed a crime . " The purpose , hoivever , for which Ave have this , night exerted ourselves , may serve to shew , that a theatre near Wellclose Square may be as useful as in Covent Garden , Drury Lane , or the Haymarket . " All that remains at present is lo return you my most grateful thanks for the Avith which have honoured this niht : I forbear to enlarge
indulgence you me g upon ° that subject ; my heart is too full—I have not Avords to express my feelings . I shall be ever devoted to your service . " Until it is announced that this house shall be again opened with a species oi entertainment not subjecting me to danger , I humbly take my leave . " This address produced a letter from Mr . Quick , in Avhich he declared that the only Avriting that had passed between Mr . Harris and him on the subject Avas-a letter dated April the 2 d ; of which the 1 ' oUowmg'is an extract :