220 ON AND OFF THE TURF. 



are exceedingly moderate when the high-class nature 

 of the performances is considered. It is only upon 

 very rare occasions the ordinary prices are raised. 

 The highest ruling price is five shillings in the dress 

 circle or reserved stalls, three shillings in the ordinary 

 stalls, two shillings in the upper circle^ and a shilling, 

 sometimes sixpence, in the gallery. If theatrical 

 managers can make these prices pay, there must be a 

 considerable margin of profit where double the charge 

 is made for admission. Rents and taxes may not be 

 so high as in the old country, but travelling expenses 

 are very heavy, and long distances separate the prin- 

 cipal towns. Plays are mounted lavishly, and both in 

 opera, comedy, and drama the dresses and scenery 

 will compare more than favourably with the average 

 London theatre. Such firms as Messrs. Williamson 

 and Musgrove,and Messrs. Brough and Boucicault must 

 spend enormous sums of money in the course of a year 

 in theatrical properties. Mr. George Rignold and 

 Mr. Bland Holt, in the sensational drama, mount 

 their plays on a costly scale, and the scenic artists are 

 clever men. Such scene painters as Messrs. Gordon, 

 Phil. Goachter, John Brunton, Spong and Clint, 

 would be hard to beat for really artistic productions. 



As for the theatres, the Lyceum and Her Majesty's 

 at Sydney, and the Princesses in Melbourne, are not 

 surpassed by more than three or four London houses, and 

 are ahead of many of the provincial theatres in England. 



