SEASON OF
1778-1779
£pHis season was known, in theatrical circles of the day, as
that of the “coalition.” An unusually large number of per¬
formers from Drury Lane appeared from time to time at
Pk Covent Garden, to the total of 19; and from Covent Garden
at Drury Lane, to the total of 18. This arrangement had been jointly, and
deliberately, formulated by the managers of the two theatres ; their reason
for doing so remains unclear, but whatever it was it came in for considerable
criticism. Interchange of performers had long been, and long continued
to be, a familiar practice. It was, however, never resorted to except when
an actor at, say, Drury Lane was for one reason or another incapacitated,
and, failing anybody at that theatre who knew that actor’s part, a performer
fr°m Covent Garden was asked to substitute for him. Or again, oftentimes
at an actor’s benefit, a leading performer from the other house would lend
bis services by way of a friendly gesture. But throughout this season the
orrowing was arbitrary and, all in all, needless. Occasionally it meant
that a performer had to appear at both theatres on the same night. On
5 December, for example, Leoni acted Carlos in The Duenna at Covent
Garden, and at its conclusion was obliged to hasten to Drury Lane to sing
3 ^Uet ln Comus. And there are other instances of similar occurrences.1
At Drury Lane the proprietors had been reduced from four in number
0 three. On 26 May 1778 the Public Advertiser reported that “Lacy has
Parted with his entire Moiety to Sheridan, who is the sole Purchaser. The
ce’ We are well informed, is 30,000 Guineas, and an Annuity of £1,000
r Lacy s Life. The Purchase to commence from Midsummer-day [24 June].”
mart11 Z*16 summary the names of the performers appearing at the opposite theatre are
ed with stars.
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