OR,

Theatrical

POCKET

MAGAZIN

FORMING

A COMPLETE CRITICAL. AND BIOGRAPHICA
Ellustration of the British Stage.

LIBRAR

"The play, the play's the thing."-HAMLET.

VOL. VII.

From October, 1824, to May, 1825.

EMBELLISHED WITH ELEGANT PORTRAITS OF THE

Principal Performers of the London Theatres.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED BY T. and J. ELVEY,

03, FLEET STREET, and 30, CASTLE STREET, HOLBORN,

PREFACE.

SEVEN Volumes of this Dramatic Collection are now before the public; and the extraordinary patronage which has been bestowed upon it during its progress, is most gratifying to the conductors, as it is a convincing evidence, that the strenuous efforts they have made, to render the Work, one of the first Dramatic Records of the day, have been approved of.

The plan, and the mode of conduct which has been pursued to bring the Work to its present per→ fection, are now so well known, that to enlarge upon them would be absurd and unnecessary. We shall, therefore, merely observe, that as it has hitherto been always regulated by the strictest attention to private interest as well as public duty, so it will always be continued-guided by a strict impartiality, undefiled by the praise of venality, or the false assertions of envy or dislike.

In original correspondence the present Volume will be found peculiarly rich, and here it becomes our duty to return our most grateful thanks to our many kind and valuable Correspondents, by whose liberal and excellent contributions we have thus been enabled to uphold the character of our Work. We here again embrace the opportunity of observing,

that all elucidations of obscure passages, or adjustments of mistake-Ancient Dramatic Anecdotes and Fragments-Memoirs of Actors, Ancient and Modern-and passing observations on dramatic events of the day will be gratefully received, and find early insertion.

Previous to concluding the present Preface, we beg leave to state to our readers, that Messrs. ELVEYS having disposed of their interest in the Publication to Mr. GIFFORD, of Paternoster Row, it will be continued by him on the same scale of elegance as heretofore. Various improvements are in contemplation for the ensuing Volumes; and we are requested to say that no expense will be spared to render it worthy of the dramatic library of the most fastidious collector. The Engravings will be furnished from original drawings and paintings, and engraved by Artists of the highest celebrity. Correspondents are therefore requested to observed that all communications must for the future be addressed to Mr. GIFFORD, Periodical Publication Office, Paternoster Row, for the Editor.