 The development of syndicates controlling a number of theatres , such as the Stoll circuit , increased tensions between employees and employers . On 22 January 1907 , a dispute between artists , stage hands and managers of the Holborn Empire worsened . Strikes in other London and suburban halls followed , organised by the Variety Artistes ' Federation . The strike lasted for almost two weeks and was known as the Music Hall War . It became extremely well known , and was advocated enthusiastically by the main spokesmen of the trade union and Labour movement – Ben Tillett and Keir Hardie for example . Picket lines were organized outside the theatres by the artistes , while in the provinces theatre management attempted to oblige artistes to sign a document promising never to join a trade union . 
