Show Sheridan and Cumberland The School for Scandal was first performed May 8 1777 The success i of the comedy was instant and it has I been lasting Dr Johnson recommended recommend-ed Sheridan for membership in The I Club as the author of the best modern comedy Lord Byron in like manner called it the best comedy Garricks opinion of it was equally emphatic He was proud of the success of his II successor both as author and man ager and when one of his many flat I terers said that though his piece was I very good still it was but one piece and asked what would become of the theatre now that the Atlas that propp ed the stage had left his station Gar rick retorted quickly that if that were the case he had found another Her cules to succeed to the office Cumberland was the only one dis satisfied It is related that he tOOk his children to see it and when thev screamed with delight their irritable father pinched them exclaiming What are you laughing at my dear little folks You should not laugh my angels there is nothing to laugh at adding in an undertone Keen still you little dunces When this was reported to Sheridan he said It was ungrateful of Cumberland to have been displeased with his children for laughing at my comedy for when I went to see his tragedy I laughed from begnining to endBrander Mat thews Biographical Sketch of Richard Brinsley Sheridan |