The following remarkable theatrical announcement is a mixed appeal of
vanity and poverty to the taste and feelings of the inhabitants of a
town in Sussex.
(_Copy._)
At the old theatre in East Grinstead, on Saturday, May, 1758, will be
represented (by particular desire, and for the benefit of Mrs. P.) the
deep and affecting Tragedy of Theodosius, or the Force of Love, with
magnificent scenes, dresses, &c.
Varanes, by Mr. P., who will strive, as far as possible, to support the
character of this fiery Persian Prince, in which he was so much admired
and applauded at Hastings, Arundel, Petworth, Midworth, Lewes, &c.
Theodosius, by a young gentleman from the University of Oxford, who
never appeared on any stage.
Athenais, by Mrs. P. Though her present condition will not permit her to
wait on gentlemen and ladies out of the town with tickets, she hopes, as
on former occasions, for their liberality and support.
Nothing in Italy can exceed the altar, in the first scene of the play.
Nevertheless, should any of the Nobility or Gentry wish to see it
ornamented with flowers, the bearer will bring away as many as they
choose to favour him with.
As the coronation of Athenais, to be introduced in the fifth act,
contains a number of personages, more than sufficient to fill all the
dressing-rooms, &c., it is hoped no gentlemen and ladies will be
offended at being refused admission behind the scenes.
N. B. The great yard dog, that made so much noise on Thursday night,
during the last act of King Richard the Third, will be sent to a
neighbour’s over the way; and on account of the prodigious demand for
places, part of the stable will be laid into the boxes on one side, and
the granary be open for the same purpose on the other.
_Vivat Rex._[41]
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