Both audience, and press, were very outspoken in their criticisms, and, indeed, in those days, dramatic criticism was real, and had not been reduced to a fine art, as now. Take the following instance:—
"Theatre, Covent Garden. Hoadley's agreeable Comedy of The Suspicious Husband, was, last night, in general, presented here with spirit, and attended by a considerable audience. The Character of most prominent merit, as to performance, was Strickland, which Farren supported with strong emotion, and probable impression. Mrs. Abington would have represented Clarinda with more effect, if she had not directed all her share of the dialogue entirely to the audience. Pope was the Frankly, but he must take great pains before he will acquire the ease necessary for genteel Comedy. Lewis's Ranger was not sufficiently marked by the appearance of that airy dissipation which the part demands. Mrs. Wells' Jacintha was only distinguished for rustic dialect, and awkward deportment. Mrs. Bernard had the merit of being decent in Mrs. Strickland."—(The Morning Post, Jan. 3, 1788.)
The Theatre, was, then, as now, a passion with some people, and amateur theatricals were in high favour.
Mr. Macklin, as Shylock. Mr. Holman, as Richard.
"At the Blenheim Theatre, her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough attended her guests in person, and superintended the refreshments of Sandwiches, fruit and wines, which were distributed in profusion."—(Morning Post, Mar. 28, 1788.)
The Newspapers gave Theatrical Gossip—as the following, all from the Morning Post, Jan. 15, 1789, shews:—
"It has lately been a practice with one, or two, of the female performers at Drury Lane Theatre, to refuse appearing on the stage, though much after the time of commencing the play, because the boxes may not happen to be filled with fashionable visitors, regardless of any disapprobation which may arise from the impatience of the audience.
"When the New Theatre is erected for the Managers of Old Drury, it is in contemplation to fix a Clock over the Stage, where the inscription is now placed, that, if the performance should be improperly delayed, and the audience become clamorous, the Public may be informed to whom the blame should be applied."
"A whimsical incident happened the other night, at the reading of Cumberland's new Comedy. The Author, who read the piece himself, began with the Dramatis Personæ, thus, 'The Impostor, by Mr. Palmer:' A laugh occurring at this, the Author became embarrassed on seeing Mr. Palmer in the room, but, recovering himself, he added, 'being his first appearance in that character.'"