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BEP(F.769.019
20 Mar 1769:31 (1747)
A writer in last Thursday's paper says that he is "credibly
informed, and with no small surprize, that a number of the
soldiers now here intend shortly to exhibit a play in this
town, in open violation of an act of this province for
preventing stage plays and other theatrical entertainments."
I would inform this writer and all other intermedlers, that
there is an Act of Parliament licensing theatrical
performances throughout the King's dominions, which I take
upon me to say (and no one can contradict) intirely
supercedes the Act of this province, the assembly are
restricted to the making laws not contrary to the laws of
England, and if so, certainly the act of this province
abovementioned can be on no force.--That plays are
disagreeable to the inhabitants in general in this town I
believe is a mistake: but upon suposition they are
disagreeable, as no person is obliged to attend that has not
leisure, ability & inclination, there cannot be any
reasonable objection in that respect. I am told that a few
years ago some bunglers, as the means of making
assignations, took upon themselves to exhibit plays at
unseasonable hours, which highly incensed the sober part of
the town, as well it might; but as the present performers
have very different and strictly upright motives, it is to
be hoped, and may really be expected, they will meet with
the approbation of the public, instead of a prosecution,
which this writer's ignorance of the law led him to
insinuate would take place----which is the sincere wish of
one that purposes in the intended exhibition to be.
[signed] SPECTATOR.
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