A DRAMATIC SYNOPSIS, CONTAINING AN ESSAY ON THE Political and Moral Use of a Theatre; INVOLVING REMARKS ON THE DRAMATIC WRITERS OF THE PRESENT DAY, AND STRICTURES ON THE PERFORMERS OF THE TWO THEATRES. BY THOMAS GILLILAND. -Si quid novisti rectius istis, LONDON: Printed for Lackington, Allen, and Co. Finsbury Square; Symonds, 1804. W. Nicholson, Printer, Warner-street. ADVERTISEMENT. As Theatrical entertainments have of late years become a primary species of diversion. in this Country, any endeavour to raise the, dignity of the Theatre and the consequence of its Professors, will not I trust be unacceptable to the Public; under this impression the following sheets have been written, not as works of this nature have too often been ushered into existence, by laying Performers under contribution, and bestowing praise in proportion to the quantity of pudding, or pecuniary remuneration received by the Critic: Being therefore not in want of favours, their talents have been I hope. subjects of candid and impartial criticism; and if any one should take umbrage at the observations made in this Work, on either his writings or professional efforts, he should recollect that any one who offers himself as a candidate for public fame, is fair game for remark, and that he will have this Publication in return for the ample gratification of his revenge. And as I feel myself preM145812 |