Clowns -- Great Britain -- Biography; Grimaldi, Joseph, 1779-1837
The manager of Drury Lane had advertised Tobin's comedy of "The
Honey Moon" as the play for the second night of the season;[35] not
recollecting, until it was too late to alter the bills, that in
consequence of the secession of Mr. Byrne, who had been ballet-master,
and the non-engagement of any other person in his place, there was no
one to arrange the dance incidental to the piece. In this dilemma,
Grimaldi, who had been accustomed to arrange the dances at Sadler's
Wells, was sent for and, as soon as "Lodoiska" was over, the interview
took place between him and the manager to which reference was made at
the close of the last chapter.
Mr. Wroughton, after stating that he was in a very unexpected dilemma,
and that unless Grimaldi would assist him he would have to change the
piece for the ensuing night,--which it was exceedingly desirable to
avoid doing, if possible,--briefly narrated the circumstances in which
the theatre was placed, and concluded by offering him two pounds per
week in addition to his regular salary, if he would arrange the dance
in question, and assist in getting up any other little dances and
processions that might be required. This offer he readily accepted,
merely stipulating that the increased salary should be understood
to extend over the whole season, and not merely until another
ballet-master was engaged. Mr. Wroughton observed, that nothing could
be fairer, that this was what he meant, and that Grimaldi had his
instructions to engage as many male dancers as he might deem necessary.
He at once entered upon his new office immediately engaged as many
hands (or legs) as he required, arranged the dance during the night,
called a rehearsal of it at ten in the morning, got it into a perfect
state by twelve, rehearsed it again in its proper place in the comedy,
and at night had the satisfaction of hearing it encored with great
applause.
At the end of the week, he received his increased salary from Mr.
Peake, the treasurer, a gentleman well known and highly respected by
all connected with the stage or theatrical literature, who shook him by
the hand, congratulated him on this new improvement of his income, and
cordially wished him success.
Before he accepted the money, he said, "My dear sir, to prevent any
future difference, it is thoroughly understood, is it, this increase is
for the season?"
"Undoubtedly," replied Mr. Peake: "I will show you, if you like,
Mr. Graham's written order to me to that effect." This he did, and
Grimaldi of course was perfectly satisfied. Mr. Graham, who was then a
magistrate at Bow-street, was at the head of affairs at Drury Lane.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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