Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1818-08-07
BRITISH THEATRES.

The decline OF theatrical patronage in
England has long been complained Of, and
seems 10 continue. AT late meeting OF
the proprielors the Dnry Lane Theatre,
il was officially announced, that the loss du.
ring the late seasons, averaged 1901. per
night, and that the institution was thirty
thousand pound in debt. The committee
oi the Proprieiors called the actors and ac-
tresses together, TO propose 10 them a re-
duction Of their salaries, when the follow
ing proceedings took place
London, June /.
On Saturday there was meeting ofthe
committee Of the prorrietors and perform
ers OF Dury Lane theatre. OF the COM
mit.ee the Duke Of Bedford, the Earl Of E.
sex, Lord Yarmouth, &c. were present.
Mr.. Peter Moore opened the business.
He stated, that the circumstances OF TIE
theatre were such as 10 render il impossible
TO 90 on without very material and iInme-
date change in the receipts al the door
and as that could not be contemplated. Il
became necessary to make an application
10 those who bad large salaries al tie
theatre, with view of containing the e..
istence OF the concern. He took this op-
portunity of bearing testimony TO the Ia
tents OF the performers, whose abilities
were universally acknowledged, and of adj
hitting that they were fully entitled
TO tie salaries they were paid. At the
same time / must he acknowledged that he
and his colleagues had acted upon the most
disinterested principles--and the PROPOSE.
ton he had 10 make would, no doubt, be
received as proceedings from motive the
most worthy.
The proposition was tina; each performer
who had upwards Of ~. week should al
low a reduction to ia Ike place. The gra-
duation should take place according 10 the
extent Of the salary. In thatoi some one
fourth; of others one third, and in Others
where the salaries were very great, one
half.
The actors looked amazed.
Lord Yarmouth also euloeized the Ia
tents OF the company, and declared, that il
the proposition was not acceded 10, the
thea ire must be closed,
Mr.. Dowton.-Then let il close. Mr.
voice is but the voice OF an individual upon
the establishment, but should never relin-
quish one iarthing Of my salary. am .
slIaned 10 see set Of Noblemen and ger
tlemen attempting to Cypress few il.
dividuals. am myself the proprietor o.
many theatres in the country, by some O!
which | lose 4Ol. week, and | should
blush 10 call the performers together 10
give up shilling for my benei'. - al.
OF Nob!emen would not wish to uleu.
| people Of rank, but do moi think them ST.
Gerior either in feeling Or judgment 70 c,
ther people.
\ conversation took place. in which il
was said by committee imam, that he kneW
but OF three persons who he'd engage
| ments.
Mrs. Barley observed, tilat the p.inciplG
to refuse TO recognize engagements nigh.
be acted upon by any new CO.. riitrc, an!
attempts. OF courc, made 10 deprive he
performers OF their salaries at every new
appointment.
Committee -mar-li VIC allow ly.:-
nights salary 10 each Of you, viii you ac-
ccpt of the proposition
| Acto.s.--No no /; no compromise We
vii! have our bond.
Nc. Dowtop, Undressing himself 20 tie
l-comnit'ce.) lfyou are in want Of money.
| will give you draft for 5C0I on my ban
ker, By which you will be enabled to 60 On
little time.
The committee then wished 20 know
whether they would consent to give ih"
concern credit ior their salaries during lh.
Season ?