Note 80 — Chapter XXII

Grimaldi's performances commenced at the Coburg, on Monday, July 1st, 1822, in a pantomime, comprising a selection of the most successful scenes from various harlequinades of the last fifteen years, called "Salmagundi; or, the Clown's Dish of all Sorts!" produced under Grimaldi's directions. The scenery painted by Stanfield and his assistants. Harlequin, Mr. Howell; Pantaloon, Mr. Barnes, his first appearance in that theatre; Lover, Mr. Widdicomb; Clown, Mr. Grimaldi; Columbine, Madame Le Clercq. This lasted six nights; on the 8th, the pantomime of "Harlequin and the Three Wishes; or, Puck and the Black Puddings;" the pantomimists as in the former piece. On Monday, July 15th, commenced the third week of Grimaldi's engagement, in a new pantomime called "Disputes in China; or, Harlequin and the Kong Merchants!" the scenery painted from views taken in China, by Stanfield. J. S. Grimaldi made his first appearance at the Coburg this evening. Joe and his son sustained the characters of the two clowns incidental to the piece. In the scene of the Whampoa river, Joe affected to astonish John China-man with his song of "Hot Codlins." The bill of Monday, July 22, was underlined to the effect that, in consequence of the continuous and dangerous indisposition of Mr. Grimaldi, the pantomime was unavoidably postponed. Gilderoy, in the melodrama of that name, was this night played by Mr. J. H. Chapman, from the Surrey Theatre: it had been previously played by Henry Kemble, but the irregularities and drunkenness of this man were unpardonable: he was the instigator of young Joe's follies and misconduct; latterly they were inseparable, and which was the worst of the two was hard to be decided. Henry Kemble had been employed to supply Huntley's vacancy, caused by illness; but he could scarcely be retained a fortnight, and was dismissed.

On the 29th, Grimaldi was so far recovered that he resumed his part of Clown in the "Disputes in China." The bills announced his re-appearance as "positively the last six nights of his performing;" and a further intimation, which was really a matter of fact:—"It is particularly recommended to those families who have not witnessed the inimitable acting of Mr. Grimaldi and his son, Mr. J. S. Grimaldi, that they should secure places as soon as possible, much disappointment having been experienced by parties coming late and finding the boxes filled from the overflowing of the pit." Grimaldi sang on these last six nights his two most popular songs, "Tippitywitchet" and "Hot Codlins." His last night was August 3, and concluded the four weeks of his engagement.