Benefit Performance

As a general term a Benefit Performance is defined as "a theatrical or musical performance in aid of charity" (Collins English Dictionary[1])

In earlier theatrical usage, this term originally referred to a performance where the proceeds go to supplement a performer's income, or in some cases in aid of a performer or his/her family when in distress. On occasion also for other general community welfare or humanitarian causes, e.g. as a contribution to the war effort or for the succour of survivors of a shipwreck.

The practice of having benefit performances or benefit evenings for individual performers was very common in the 19h century, especially among the English amateurs and officers of the Garrison.