Recollections of Sheridan

Abstract

Mr Sheridan gave a dinner at the Piazza Coffee House to Mr [Henry] Holland, the architect of New Drury, and a number of his friends were present on the occasion; amongst others invited, Mr [John Philip] Kemble, [Stephen] Storace, and myself. I happened to be placed near Mr Sheridan, who at that time knew very little of me except my being one of his performers; in the course of the evening, he was lamenting to me, the situation the theatre was placed in by the illness and absence of some of its leading performers, and wished me to suggest what operatic piece could be got up without them. After a little thought, I proposed to him to get up Cymon, which could be done without any of the absent performers. Mr Sheridan replied, ‘Cymon, my good Sir, would not bring sixpence to the treasury.’

Reminiscences of Michael Kelly (London: Henry Colburn, 1826) n, 17–256. Editor’s title.