English Stage
, vol. viii. p. 207) says,
"Many gentlemen have been weak enough to fancy themselves actors, but no one ever persevered in obtruding himself for so long a time on the notice of the public in spite of laughter, hissing, etc."
On December 9, 1811, he appeared at the Haymarket as "Lothario" in Rowe's
Fair Penitent
. Mathews, at Covent Garden, imitated his performance, in Bate Dudley's
At Home
, as "Mr. Romeo Rantall," appearing in the
"pink silk vest and cloak, white satin breeches and stockings, Spanish hat, with a rich high plume of ostrich feathers,"
in which Coates had played "Lothario".