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An Act at Oxford

Writer · Play · 1705

An Act at Oxford is a 1704 comedy play by the English writer Thomas Baker. Although scheduled to appear at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane that year it had censorship problems from the Lord Chamberlain, likely through the influence of the Oxford University authorities. Although performed earlier it did not have its London debut at Drury Lane until October 1705 under the alternative title of Hampstead Heath. The 1705 cast includes Robert Wilks as Bloom, John Mills as Captain Smart, Colley Cibber as Lampoon, William Bullock as Squire Calf, Benjamin Johnson as Deputy Driver, William Pinkethman as Chum, Anne Oldfield as Arabella, Susanna Mountfort as Berynthia and Jane Lucas as Mrs ap Shinken.

The Black Crook

Music · Musical · 1866

The musical is set in 1600 in the Harz Mountains of Germany. It incorporates elements from Goethe's Faust, Weber's Der Freischütz, and other well-known works. Evil, wealthy Count Wolfenstein seeks to marry the lovely village girl, Amina. With the help of Amina's scheming foster mother Barbara, the Count arranges for Amina's fiancé, Rodolphe, an impoverished artist, to fall into the hands of Hertzog, an ancient, crook-backed master of black magic (the Black Crook). Hertzog has made a pact with the Devil (Zamiel, "The Arch Fiend"): he can live forever if he provides Zamiel with a fresh soul every New Year's Eve. As the innocent Rodolphe is led to this horrible fate, he discovers a buried treasure and saves the life of a dove. The dove magically transforms into human form as Stalacta, Fairy Queen of the Golden Realm. She rewards Rodolphe for rescuing her by bringing him to fairyland and then reuniting him with his beloved Amina. Her army defeats the Count and his evil forces, demons drag Hertzog into hell, and Amina and Rodolphe live happily ever after. Comedy was provided by servants, especially J. G. Burnett as von Puffengruntz, and the most popular song was "You Naughty, Naughty Men", for the soubrette Carline.

The Fine Lady's Airs

Writer · Play · 1708

The Fine Lady's Airs is a 1708 comedy play by the British writer Thomas Baker. The original Drury Lane cast included John Mills as Sir Harry Sprightly, Robert Wilks as Brigadier Blenheim, Colley Cibber as Nicknack, Benjamin Johnson as Major Bramble, William Bullock as Master Totty, William Pinkethman as Knapsack, Henry Norris as Shrimp, George Pack as Orangewoman, Anne Oldfield as Lady Rodomont, Mary Porter as Lady Tossup, Lucretia Bradshaw and Margaret Saunders as Mrs Flimsy.

The Humour of the Age

Writer · Play · 1701

The Humour of the Age is a 1701 comedy play by the English writer Thomas Baker. It was staged at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane.

Tunbridge Walks

Writer · Play · 1703

Tunbridge Walks, or the Yeoman of Kent is a 1703 comedy play by the English writer Thomas Baker. It starred the droll actor William Pinkethman in a leading role. It was part of a growing trend of British plays set in spa towns. The play features the folk song King John and the Bishop. It was revived numerous times during the eighteenth century at Drury Lane, Covent Garden and Haymarket. The original Drury Lane cast included John Mills as Loveworth, Robert Wilks as Reynard, Benjamin Johnson as Woodcock, William Pinkethman as Squib, William Bullock as Maiden, Jane Rogers as Belinda, Susanna Verbruggen as Hillaria, Mary Powell as Mrs Goodfellow, Henrietta Moore as Penelope and Jane Lucas as Lucy.

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