A MUSIC HALL WAR

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2026, 11 March 1907, Page 1

A MUSIC HALL WAR

The principal grievance of the music-hall performers who went on strike in London recently was that the managements had doubled their work, but had not increased their pay. A few years ago a number of the managers decided to give two performances a night instead of one. The performers raised no objection, but when they were asked to give two free matinees as well—in some cases “matinees as required” appeared in the contracts —all without any more wages, they thought it time to protest. Another subject of contention' was the “barring” clause. In all contracts there is a clause by which performers agree not to perform within a certain distance of .the hall for which they are contracting. This is perfectly intelligible. If a manager engages a performer to sing for him In April, lie naturally does not want him to be singing just round the corner in March, But as

they luivo existed tip to the present there is no time limit to these clauses. Contracts are often signed a year, or several years, in advance, and during all the time between the signing of the contract and the engagement the performer must keep away from the neighborhood of the hall. Then there is the question of commission. it seems that some managers, when they engage performers directly, actually pocket 5 per cent, commission from the salaries. The members of the music-hull orchestras, who joined the strike, asked for a minimum wage of 36s a week, which will not strike the colonial as boing excessive. The stage-hands, too, do not seem to be overpaid. Many men got only 7s a week l'or 32 hours’ work, and some of the dressers, the men and women who assist performers in “making up,” are paid lialf-a-crown a week. A notable feature of the strike was tiie enthusiastic way in which “stars” with largo salaries supported tlio rank and file. According to Miss Mario Lloyd, the most popular music-hall comedienno of her time: —“It would make the hearts of the public bleed did they know the suffering, privation, and misery the present system inflicts upon the hundreds struggling artistes who can scareo make ends meet. An artiste when engaged has to sign an agreement that is nothing short of a scandal.” Actors too, have their grievances, and it is seriously proposed that an Actors’ Trade Union should bo formed to remedy them. The greatest is the competition of the amateur, wlio often pays to be given a part, or plays without salary. In half-a-dozen London papers advertisements may lie found any day of the week soliciting the services of amateurs, and asking for premiums.