Social Life in the Reign of Queen Anne, Taken from Original SourcesAshton, John
History
Social Life in the Reign of Queen Anne, Taken from Original Sources
Ashton, John
Great Britain -- History -- Anne, 1702-1714; Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 18th century
'14. Rich _Dives_ in Hell, and _Lazarus_ in _Abraham's_ Bosom,
seen in a most glorious Object, all in machines, descending in a
Throne, Guarded with multitudes of Angels, with the Breaking of
the Clouds, discovering the Palace of the Sun, in double and
treble Prospects, to the Admiration of all Spectators. Likewise
several Rich and Large Figures, which Dances _Jiggs_,
_Sarabrands_, Anticks, and Country _Dances_, between every Act;
compleated with the merry Humours of Sir John Spendall, and
_Punchanello_, with several other things never yet Expos'd.
Perform'd by Mat Heatly. Vivat Regina.'
This show seems to have been popular, for in another fair we have it
again with variations: 'At _Crawly's_ Booth, over against the _Crown
Tavern_ in _Smithfield_ during the time of _Bartholomew Fair_, will be
presented a little _Opera_ call'd, _The Old Creation of the World_,
yet newly reviv'd, with the addition of _Noah's Flood_; also several
Fountains playing Water during the time of the Play.
'The last Scene does present _Noah_ and his _Family_ coming out of the
Ark, with all the Beasts, two by two, and all the _Fowls_ of the Air
seen in a Prospect sitting upon the Trees. Likewise over the Ark is
seen the Sun rising in a most glorious manner, moreover a multitude of
Angels will be seen in a double rank, which presents a double
prospect, one for the Sun, the other for a Palace, where will be seen
six Angels, ringing six Bells.
'Likewise Machines descends from above, double and trible, with
_Dives_ rising out of Hell, and _Lazarus_ seen in _Abraham's_ bosom,
besides several _Figures_ dancing _Jiggs_, _Sarabrands_, and _Country
Dances_, to the Admiration of all Spectators; with the merry Conceit
of Squire _Punch_ and Sir _John Spendall_.
'All this is compleated with an Entertainment of Singing and Dancing
with several Naked Swords, Perform'd by a Child of Eight Years of Age,
to the general Satisfaction of all Persons. Vivat Regina.'
As a specimen of the dancing booth Ward visited, take the following
handbill: 'James Miles, From _Sadler's_ Wells, at _Islington_; NOW
keeps the GUN MUSICK BOOTH, in _Bartholomew_ Fair. Whereas Mr. _Miles_
by his Care and Diligence to oblige the Gentry, and all others that
are Lovers and Judges of good Musick, has put himself to an
extraordinary Charge, in getting such Performers, as, no doubt, will
give a general Satisfaction to all. This is also to give Notice to all
Gentlemen, Ladies, and Others, That they may be accommodated with all
Sorts of Wine, and other Liquors; with several extraordinary
Entertainments of Singing and Dancing, which was never perform'd at
the Fair, viz.:--
'1. A New Dance between Three Bullies and Three Quakers.
'2. A New Dance between Two Spirits and Two Scaramouches.
'3. A New Dance between Four Swans and Four _Indians_ riding on
their Backs.
'4. A Wrestler's Dance, performed by Two Youths.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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