SALARIES ON THE MUSIC-HALL STAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9010, 15 October 1892, Page 2 (Supplement)

SALARIES ON THE MUSIC-HALL STAGE.

Is an article describing the internal economy of the Alhambra the World gives some interesting figures regarding the remuneration of music-hall performers. The ladies of the ballet at the Alhambra number at present (we read) eight principal dancers, fifty coryphees, and thirty "extras" and "supers." They have constant and regular employment, and comprise the staff, and earn salaries varying from £1 to £2 per week. The prima ballerina at present is Mile. Legnani, who hails from La Scala, near Milan, and makes an income of about £1000 a year. A leading " star" artist, just now out of " the bill," is engaged for five years at the Alhambra and by its managers re-engaged to other proprietors. She earns a salary of upwards of £50 per week certain for rive yaars. Mr. C'oburn, who may be regarded as a champion lion comique, is in receipt of a weekly income of about £40 ; he would receive £15 for each "turn." During her recent visit to America Miss Jermy Hill, familiarly known as "The Vital Spark," earned about £150 per week ; but this was exceptional. At present the greatest draw on the musichall stage is Mr. Chevalier, with his coster songs ; he is an almost unique instance of great success attending a transfer from the theatre to the music-hall at the comparatively mature age of thirty-five ; he is said to make at present about £70 per week. It should, however, be remembered that these figures do not include the payments received by these artists for engagements outside the halls. Several of them frequently attend soirees at private houses, and at the various meetings of the musical clubs now so common, for which their charge is from £10 to £20 per nisrht, according to circumstances. The artists, in all cases, pay their own expenses for costumes, carriages, and so forth ; they frequently make changes of dress in tho brougham which conveys them from one engagement to another. It may be mentioned that' Miss Annie Abbott, the " Georgia Magnet," who appeared at the Alhambra last year, received £150 per week, and the engagement was considered a remunerative one. by the management.