Spring 2015 - Equity Magazine

spring 2015 www.equity.org.uk

Anita Dobson On mentoring the next generation

Stage manager receives ÂŁ3.7m for accident Professionally Made Professionally Paid campaign launched Bulllying rife within the stunt industry

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Contents 10>

News

04 New campaign launch 06 Bullying in stunt industry

Success stories 10 11

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08 Anita Dobson

Features

14 Campaign against low pay 24 SM awarded £3.7m

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Campaigns

20 Live Entertainment Works!

21 Save Madame JoJo’s

22 Member offers 30 Letters 32 Branch update

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front of house

upfront

campaign launched to challenge low and no pay ‘Professionally Made Professionally Paid’ aims to convince employers across the industry to play fair on pay Low and no pay is a serious issue for Equity members and the union is responding to those concerns by launching a year-long campaign to convince employers that professionals should be properly paid.

This initiative is designed to highlight the work the union is undertaking on low and no pay across the industry and inform members of their rights regarding this issue.

The current pay situation in some parts of the business is damaging.

Almost half of respondents in our most recent salary survey earn less than £5,000 per year from their professional work. Young members are expected to start their careers without any pay for months or years and diversity is suffering as those without private income are being priced out.

The union will be running events on this issue throughout the year. These will include open meetings for workers wanting to know more about their rights and fundraising seminars. Equity will use its media profile to bring to the fore success stories from those employers making the effort to create fair pay productions. Members are encouraged to fill in the online survey on low pay work and promote the campaign in workplaces and social media.

Find out more about ‘Professionally Made Professionally Paid’ on page 14.

A survey revealed that almost half of Equity members earn less than £5,000

Owen Chaney

Tolpuddle martyrs celebrated in film

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spring 2015

The South West TUC has been awarded a grant of £38,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to bring to life the story of the Tolpuddle martyrs, and contacted the recently formed Dorset branch of Equity to recruit its stars.

The Tolpuddle Trail tells the story of the six farmworkers transported to Australia after forming a union to campaign for more pay. Their case became a cause celebre, with national demonstrations demanding their return and pardon. They set in law the right to join a trade union.

The film will feature Dorset Equity members (left to right) Chris Gallarus (George Loveless), Callum West (James Brine), Owen Cash (Thomas Standfield), Sean Pogmore (James Loveless), Jamie Lee-Hill (John Standfield) and Shane Nippard (James Hammett) with a voice over by Maxine Peake.

The expected release date of the film is early in 2015.

www.equity.org.uk

TUC statement on Gaza endorsed The Equity Council has endorsed the decision of the General Secretary and the union’s Trade Union Congress (TUC) delegation to support the TUC statement on Gaza. In adopting the statement, the Council has further undertaken to make efforts to forge links with Israeli and Palestinian trade unionists in the entertainment industry and arts organisations. Part of the statement reads: “Congress reiterates its solidarity with the Palestine General Federation of Trade Unions (PGTFU), and our commitment to visit Gaza with the PGFTU as soon as it is practicable. We will continue to be guided by the PGFTU and encourage unions to revitalise their contacts with sister organisations in Palestine.”

Read the full statement: www.equity.org.uk/gaza

Clarence Derwent award winners This year’s winners of the Clarence Derwent awards are Charles Edwards for the role of Charles Marsden in Strange Interlude at the National and June Watson for her portrayal of two roles: Mammy in the Cripple of Inishmaan (Noel Coward Theatre) and Nanny in Before the Party (Almeida).

The Clarence Derwent Awards are theatre awards given annually by Equity for the best individual male and female performances in a supporting role in a production in the West End. The UK awards date back to 1948 and have an illustrious history of rewarding some of the most respected names in British theatre – including familiar names such as Sir Ian McKellen, Timothy West and Dame Judi Dench – but also many other actors whose contributions to British theatre are most highly prized by their peers.

Christine Payne General Secretary

We want the Professionally Made Professionally Paid campaign to emphasise that our members’ work is highly skilled and should be respected Our new campaign – Professionally Made, Professionally Paid – is probably one of our most challenging yet.

It has high aspirations. This campaign is not just about ensuring that our members are properly paid for the work they do – it is also about the industry and the public recognising that our members’ work is professional, highly skilled and should be recognised and respected as such.

Last year you told us, through the membership survey, that your top concerns were fighting cuts to the arts and taking action to tackle low pay These are our priorities in 2015 and arts funding in particular will feature heavily in our work to influence all the political parties in the lead-up to the general election.

On low pay we have addressed your concerns by creating a full-time organiser post and committed more of Equity’s resources than ever before towards supporting members working in areas affected by low and no pay.

If we are to permanently change the culture of low pay and no pay then we have to campaign and organise together.

We understand the demands of the different sectors of our industry, from student films to the fringe and emerging areas of work.

In fact, we have found that through working closely with producers we have achieved some of our best results. These include a number of agreements to offer Equity contracts to fit a range of budgets in places such as the King’s Head, Hope Theatre and Cog Arts.

We want to build on these successes and create a new group of ethical employers in our industries – that is why we are asking producers to be a key partner in this campaign.

The union knows and accepts that members will for many reasons want to take unpaid work.

However, because we need to improve our knowledge of the nature and extent of the unpaid work being offered, we are asking you to use the new

monitoring survey to confidentially let us know. Another very important part of the campaign is to stress that the union is there to help and support you whether or not you are working on an Equity contract.

Professionally Made, Professionally Paid is a campaign every Equity member can get behind. Only by raising awareness of the problems our members face can we start to change our industry for the better.

There will be lots of opportunities to get involved in the campaign and you can get more information as it progresses throughout the year at the website: www.equity.org.uk/made&paid

If we are to permanently change the culture of low and no pay then we have to campaign and organise together” So please get involved and help us to make the case for better pay and conditions in our industry.

In advance of the general election this May we will be setting out our key priorities for the next government and soon after that there will be the BBC Charter renewal.

So 2015 will be an important year for the union. We will be making the case for continued public investment in our industries and also highlighting the essential contribution our members make to the success of the creative industries in the UK and around the world.

spring 2015

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front of house

In brief...

AnnualCollings Sheila Conference

The union’s 2015 Annual It is with great sadness that we Representative will be report the deathConference of former Equity in London on 17 and 18 actor May. The activist, Councillor and deadline for motions is noon Sheila Collings.

An article in on 12 March andoffor amendments appreciation her will be noon on 17 Themagazine.

2016 ARC included in April. the next willIn take place in Bristol on31.

21, 22 See Memoriam on page and 23 May.

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The deal is effective packs be posted to members from 1 October 2014. on 3 June.

Ballot closes on 10 July.

Exhibit BTouring show Outdoor

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Touring Guidelines. Simply asking the question as to whether a contract is compliant supports the scheme by showing that members Welshapproved soap opera Pobol y Cwm prefer union terms.

More has received a special Bafta from: pfleming@equity.org.uk honouring the show’s 40th anniversary. The award was presented at an event at Roath Equity has appointed Hamida Lock Studios in Cardiff Bay. Ali in a new role of equalities officer.

Hannah Raybould, director of She will lead the union’sthe work in Bafta Cymru, presented this vital to area. accolade actor Gareth Lewis, who accepted it on behalf of the cast and crew.

Pobol y Cwm award Equalities officer

Bullying rife in film and TV stunt industry A survey of stunt performers working in the film and TV industry has uncovered shocking levels of bullying and sexual harassment.

The survey, carried out on behalf of the film and TV industry by Equity revealed: Nearly 50% said that they had frequently or sometimes been the subject of bullying.

47% believed sexual harassment was an issue at work.

Nearly 80% reported being subjected to insulting behaviours or words.

Most bullying happened face-to-face and most victims did not report it.

The survey included reports of being offered work in exchange for sexual favours.

satisfied that our members can work safely.”

John McVay chief executive of Pact, said: “All employers treat these matters very seriously.

Everyone who works in our industry is entitled to pursue their career safely and securely. Pact will be working with Equity, other film trade bodies and public agencies to make certain that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that everyone - and particularly those in a position which can affect any employee’s freedom to work - is reminded of the legal and professional standards of behaviour, and that this will not be tolerated in today’s film industry.”

To download the results of the survey visit: www.equity.org.uk/stunt-industry-survey

According to the survey, the perpetrators are most likely to be fellow members of the stunt team and as a result the most common reason given for not reporting bullying and harassment was fear of never being offered work again.

Survey respondents reported feeling depressed, frightened and undermined after incidents of bullying and harassment.

Christine Payne, Equity General Secretary, said: “These figures are truly shocking and confirm what our members have been telling us that the bullying and sexual harassment of stunt performers is said that they had rife in the film and TV industry. It is frequently or sometimes been the subject of intolerable that Equity members bullying. are being subjected to such behaviour on a regular basis and we are working with the employers to clean up the industry and ensure everyone who works in it can do so without being bullied or harassed. We will not rest until we are

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meet the membership

Some performers don’t want the thing they are best at. They may be desperate to be in musical theatre, but at their core they are actors.”

Words of wisdom Anita Dobson is part of You and Me, a new mentoring scheme set up by the Actors Centre for the six finalists of its Alan Bates award

Anita was speaking to Phil Pemberton. Photography Dan Wooler/Rex Features

Q

Did you have a mentor when you first started in the business?

Coming from the East End, in my day everybody round there would look at you blankly if you mentioned you wanted to be an actress. I got a grant to go to Webber Douglas, it was in West Kensington and I lived at home in Stepney. This reflected the dual personality of the actress I still am today. My voice teacher at that time said: “Darling, you should be able to speak the Queen’s English and recite Shakespeare, but keep true to your East End roots as that will sell you.”

Q

So did you regard your voice teacher as a mentor?

Yes, but I was also lucky that my father had a great love of words. He read Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde and introduced them to me at an early age. My English teachers at school were encouraging too. As a novice I worked with the actor Charles Gray, who was very well known. He was delightful to me and helped me get my first agent. Sometimes you meet people who are kindred spirits and you connect with them in a way that works for you both.

Q

What type of support will you be giving?

It’s about listening and handing on the experience I have gained. For example, I understand nerves, believe me. I once stood at a musical audition and was so petrified I could not let go of the piano. My legs were like

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jelly. Looking out on a row of people who I had never met just filled me with dread. Now I am older I can deal with it, I am able to be chatty and bring my personality into the room.

But it is tough for young people in those situations because it is so new. Some performers don’t want the thing they are best at. They may be desperate to be in musical theatre, but at their core they are better as actors. It’s about embracing the spectrum of performance but concentrating on your best element, be that singing, dancing or acting, as that will be the aspect that will get you through.

Q

You were not entirely happy with the fame playing Angie in Eastenders brought you.

Is that something you will discuss?

Yes, because it is the nature of our business that fame can happen suddenly. I actually think it is something that should be discussed in drama school. While they prepare you for performance and also, rightly, speak about the need to cultivate other skills that can earn money between acting work, dealing with success is rarely touched upon. When that rocket goes off you have to hold on for dear life. I love this business and I feel honoured that I have the opportunity to put something back through this mentoring scheme. I have stumbled around a lot in my life, not knowing who I was or where I was going. It’s taken me a while to grow up and get to be me. I want to say to others: it really can all fall into place. www.actorscentre.co.uk

www.equity.org.uk

www.equity.org.uk

Winter 2014

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success stories

Making the film industry work Equity has published a leaflet featuring Kate Winslet, Daniel Craig and Ben Kingsley explaining the benefits of being a union member when working in film.

Equity’s Cinema Films Agreement ensures that members are protected by rules covering issues such as health and safety, working hours and breaks, and financial guarantees put in place to safeguard your fees. The agreement also recognises that our members’ performances are central to the success of a feature film by including provision for Equity artists to participate in a film’s ongoing commercial profitability through payment of either a royalty or a net profit share. Did you know that Equity monitors, chases and scrutinises feature film reporting and enforces unpaid royalties/net profit share? Through this work we enforce millions of pounds on behalf of our members’ every year.

Ben Kingsley said: “Acting in film is about using your individual skills as part of a collective creative process.

Being part of Equity is similar. The union plays a vital role in our industry. It negotiates and maintains the framework terms and conditions that actors work within. We need each other.”

You can get the leaflet from your local Equity office or via our website: www.equity.org.uk/film

More than 20 deps took part in selling the Big Issue, including William Ilkley, pictured above (right) with vendor Paul and his dog Treacle and Saskia Godwin

Equity Deps support Big Issue Foundation

Andy Commons

Stage Swap was created by the big issue and involves west end deps in working outside theatres with vendors to sell the magazine and gain an insight into their lives

Last October more than 20 Equity deps working on various shows in the West End took to the streets outside their theatres to sell the Big Issue. They worked alongside a local Big Issue vendor to raise awareness for the magazine and the charity that supports it –The Big Issue Foundation. Here, Equity dep on the Mousetrap, William Ilkley, talks about his experience of the day.

Shortly after joining the company of The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre in March 2014, I was elected as Equity deputy for the show. That wasn’t unusual as I have filled that role in many productions all over the country, but it was the first time I had taken on the role in the West End. Our six-weekly meetings for the West End deputies have been fascinating, enlightening and entertaining. One of the highlights have been the talks and presentations given to us by visiting guests. It was at one of these presentations, given by Kathryn Drake from The Big Issue Foundation, that I first heard about the work of this amazing organisation.

Kathryn provided a very interesting and informative presentation and introduced the Stage Swap idea – where a performer joins a Big Issue vendor to experience what it is like to sell the magazine – which had been rolled

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spring 2015

out on a small scale earlier that year.

After this meeting and presentation we decided to work towards a further Stage Swap West End event with a target of ten participating theatres and two company members from each show to spend an afternoon meeting our own Big Issue vendor.

Our target was reached successfully and with 24 participants from various West End shows, we spent a Friday afternoon on the streets close to our own theatres attempting to sell The Big Issue magazine to the public: not as easy you might think! Saskia Godwin and myself from The Mousetrap were teamed with the lovely Paul and his dog Treacle, and Paul very patiently taught us the techniques for attracting attention and selling our product.

In amongst this he enlightened us with his own personal story and background. We did manage to sell our magazines and put £37.50 into Paul’s pocket. Never again will I walk past a Big Issue seller without at least having a quick chat and if possible buying the magazine. These guys are running their own small business as a way of earning an income and re-starting their lives. Thanks to Equity and the Equity deps of the West End, I was able to experience an incredible, enlightening and moving afternoon. It will not be forgotten. www.equity.org.uk/stage-swap

£1.8m payout to performers More than £1.8 million has been negotiated by Equity with the major broadcasting companies for contributors in programmes carried on new media services.

Payments cover programmes carried on BBC iPlayer, series stacking, broadband premieres and online clips, TV Player and Channel 4’s 4oD and 4Seven services. The volume of payments, which has increased by approximately 20% since last year, is testament to the union’s ongoing efforts to ensure performers on Equity contracts are rewarded financially for the additional use of their television work. BECS is the collecting society appointed by Equity to distribute these funds: www.equitycollecting.org.uk

www.equity.org.uk

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union members benefit from training fund Equity-led training programme receives further funding to help members become better at the business side of work The Federation of Entertainment Unions (FEU) has won new government funding for its Equity-led ‘business skills for freelances’ training programme, enabling continued development to at least March 2016.

Free to members, the award-winning programme provides a range of courses and online training and advice opportunities, specifically developed to help creative freelancers learn how to better manage the business side of their careers – from becoming more adept at pitching and marketing work to greater financial knowledge.

Training is also available to help with the common challenges that many freelances face such as maintaining confidence, keeping

motivated and dealing with setbacks.

“With cuts and increasing competition for learning funds, we are particulary delighted to secure these resources,” says Equity training organiser Louise Grainger. “There will be a lot more on offer from FEU Training in the coming year, including training workshops and networking events, so please do look out for updates so that you can benefit from what’s available.”

Access to FEU Training provision Apply for free workshops and access all online learning faciilities free and at your convenience at www.feutraining.org Join on facebook.com/feutraining Follow @FEUtraining

Clive Curtis wins RTS award Stuntman Clive Curtis has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Royal Television Society’s Craft & Design Awards. The awards recognise the huge variety of skills and processes involved in programme production, from editing to lighting, and costume design to digital effects.

This year saw 25 categories and there were also two awards given at the discretion of the jury chairs: the Judges’ and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Craft & Design chair Cheryl Taylor said: “Clive has dedicated himself to opening the way for other black stunt performers to enter the profession and move up through the ranks. He has carved out a reputation as being the consummate professional, a true gentleman and an ambassador not only to the stunt profession, but TV and film production as a whole.”

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Theatrical Fund

Discover the new branch identity Equity members such as Jenny Agutter and Andy Parsons (above) met with MPs and peers including culture secretary Sajid Javid and Labour party deputy leader Harriet Harman (left)

Participation in Equity branches is growing and the union is reflecting this by releasing a new suite of materials to promote them further.

Branches are your local meeting place to discuss the industry, share insights and influence the direction of the union. They support the local membership, promote national campaigns in their area and generate positive ideas for the wider movement.

A new logo (pictured above) has been created that will be used on Equity’s website and elsewhere.

A new poster, with space to include local branch contact details, will be available to put up in workplaces.

Plus, a new postcard explaining what a branch is and does in straightforward terms will be included in the material we take to events and will also be placed in deps packs.

Find your local branch at: www.equity.org.uk/branches

We come to the rescue of all who have worked professionally in the Performing Arts and have fallen on hard times due to sickness, accident or old age.

All appeals for help will be considered and are confidential

Stop struggling call us now: 020 7836 3322 The Royal Theatrical Fund 11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR Email: admin@trtf.com www.trtf.com

If you’re in need you can get help from people who understand.

Call us on

01273 234011,

When the next steps are uncertain, dancers turn to us.

email info@rbbf.org.uk or visit our website.

rbbf.org.uk The Royal Ballet Benevolent Fund Registered Charity No. 207477

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THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY’S CHARITY

Patron: HM The Queen Hon. Life President: Laurie Mansfield Chairman: Giles Cooper Vice Chairman: Phil Dale Established 1908 · Registered Charity No. 206451

The Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund (EABF), also known as The Royal Variety Charity, helps out ‘behind the scenes’ to bring essential comfort and support to those who have dedicated their lives to the entertainment of others.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP >>

Equity visits parliament

Phil Adams

members put forward the case for the arts to MPs and peers in advance of the general election A parliamentarY reception, organised by Equity, the Musicians’ Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, took place in the Strangers Dining Room in the House of Commons in December. A number of high-profile members and officers of Equity attended the event and met with MPs and peers to convince them of the value of the arts.

Harriet Harman and Ed Vaizey spoke at the reception that was hosted by Kerry McCarthy MP, chair of the Performers Alliance All Party Group. Sajid Javid, the secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport, was also in attendance and a follow-up meeting is currently being arranged with him.

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spring 2015

The public face of the EABF is Brinsworth House, a dual registered residential and nursing home in Twickenham. This beautiful Grade II listed building is a safe and secure home for elderly residents; our team of professional nursing staff and qualified healthcare assistants provide care and attention 24 hours a day to meet the residents’ needs.

In addition, the EABF operates a nationwide Grant system for those who have fallen on hard times through illness, accident or misfortune; wherever they are based in the UK.

Get the guide for young workers Equity’s Young Members’ Committee has created a handbook for all young workers in the entertainment industry. It explains what the union is for, how it works, and why it’s important that everyone is a member.

You can download it from the Equity website: www.equity.org.uk/YMCguide

DONATE >> The Fund’s largest fundraising event remains the ever popular Royal Variety Performance. However, in these very difficult economic times, your donations and legacies are even more vital to us to ensure the continuation of our much valued work. Please give whatever you can, by visiting our website www.eabf.org.uk

CONTACT THE EABF >> Entertainment Artistes’ Benevolent Fund, Brinsworth House, 72 Staines Road, Twickenham TW2 5AL For all enquiries, donations or residential matters contact us:

T 020 8898 8164 F 020 8894 0093 E enquiries@eabf.org.uk W www.eabf.org.uk Celebrating 100 years of care for members of the entertainment profession

www.equity.org.uk

THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE

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interview Equity campaigns Jonny Collis, artistic director of Cog Arts Space in Islington, is a supporter of the campaign

Low and no pay is a major issue for Equity members.

The union is responding to those concerns by launching a year-long campaign to convince employers that professionals should be paid. We will be celebrating venues and producers who sign up to the campaign and introduce three supporters here Photography Phil Adams

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spring 2015

www.equity.org.uk

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Equity campaigns

2015 will see a year-long, union-wide

Equity campaign to raise awareness of our work tackling the endemic culture of low and no pay in the

entertainment industry

T

he current situation of low and no pay in many parts of our industry is very damaging. Almost half of respondents in our most recent pay survey earn less than £5,000 per year from their professional work. Young members are expected to start their careers without any pay for months or years and diversity is suffering as those without private income are being priced out.

With the appointment in 2014 of a full-time dedicated Low and No Pay (LPNP) industrial organiser, Equity is doing more than ever to improve working conditions for our members. This campaign is designed to highlight the work the union is undertaking on this issue and mobilise our members to resist the status quo of low and no pay.

The call for this campaign originally came from Equity members. At the 2014 union conference, two motions were voted through calling for a 2015 campaign designed to promote Equity policy, highlight the LPNP organiser’s work and engage all those who care about the industry to work to improve conditions for

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spring 2015

members working on the fringe of our agreements.

We are asking for support to tackle low and no pay from everyone who cares about the entertainment industry.

This year we will highlight the ongoing work by Equity staff to challenge poor practices, and promote the set of reasonable and pragmatic union contracts we have available for use on low budget productions. We will continue to educate members as to their rights and defend those rights to the National Minimum Wage and other legal entitlements through the courts, where necessary.

We will also be running events throughout the year. These will include open meetings for workers wanting to know more about their rights and fundraising seminars.

We will use our media profile to bring to the fore success stories from those employers with experience of making the effort to fund fair pay productions.

Get involved in the campaign Every Equity member can be a part of this campaign. Here are some suggestions of how you can get the campaign started:

Right: Matthew Parker is the artistic director of the Hope Theatre, which is located above the Hope and Anchor pub in Islington

As an individual member:

• Promote the campaign by taking

the poster along to a local venue; posting a selfie of your support, or the campaign logo, through your social media.

Let us know in confidence when you take work on low or no pay, so we can monitor the industry and build up our intelligence about problems which need tackling. Our new online survey takes just a few moments and we will never share your information without your consent.

Ask your local Councillors, MP, or other decision-makers to support our campaign.

Follow us on twitter @EquityLPNP Sign up for campaign updates at edelange@equity.org.uk

•

• • •

“The climate is changing with regard to payment on the fringe and the producing models we’ve put in place at the Hope Theatre give companies the security and ability to pay their performers”

Through your local Equity branch: Identify key local employers where there is potential for improving terms and conditions, with whom Equity should be talking. Your local knowledge is the key. Equity staff can use the information you gather to target resources and make the most impact.

Encourage venues and any other stakeholders to support the

•

•

> www.equity.org.uk

Equity campaigns Right: Jonny Collis, artistic director of Cog Arts Space in Islington, thinks the agreement with Equity is “fantastic” Opposite page: Adam Spreadbury-Maher is the artistic director of the King’s Head Theatre in north London

The Equity agreement assures me that people coming into my space will legitimately pay the minimum wage and this also guarantees a level of quality”

Join the campaign There are plenty of ways to show your support including using our survey, posters and guide There are professionally Made Professionally Paid posters avaiable that you can take along to a local venue, or post a selfie of your support with it and promote it through social media. A guide has also been published that gives further background on this issue and can be downloaded from the campaign website. You can also let us know in

campaign, and engage with Equity.

Identify local sponsors who may be interested in supporting arts employers in your area. Equity can play a key role brokering that relationship, on the condition sponsorship goes to businesses that sign up fully to our campaign.

Help raise awareness by organising a low pay no pay meeting in your area. Equity staff will be happy to come along and make sure everyone is up to date on their rights and what their union is doing for them.

Develop local press contacts, so that positive stories about the use of Equity agreements have the best chance of making it into the news.

confidence when you take work on low or no pay productions. In this way we can monitor the industry and build up our information about problems that need tackling. The online survey takes just a few moments and we will never share your information without your consent. Follow the campaign on twitter @EquityLPNP and fill in the survey at: www.equity.org.uk/made&paid

•

Paying the people who are responsible for making the art should be one of a theatre’s top priorities. It’s important that we are known for both what and how we produce”

•

•

Our message for anyone who would like to employ Equity members but is worried about costs is: work with us. Even if you are operating on a micro-budget you may be able to offer Equity contracts. The union has a range of agreements specially designed for productions that cannot pay full rates.

Using an Equity agreement puts you in touch with the best professional performers; creates a clear, efficient framework for avoiding and resolving problems during the production; identifies you as an ethical employer; and protects you from risks of legal action.

If you would like to find out more about using Equity agreements contact Equity’s Low Pay No Pay organiser Emmanuel de Lange on edelange@equity.org.uk

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spring 2015

www.equity.org.uk

spring 2015

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campaigns

Grassroots activism is growing

Equity opposes closure of Soho stalwart JoJo’s Club has gone dark as fears grow of a wider threat to the culture of the area by gentrifying soho’s nightlife scene

#Live enT works selfie prize

Bigstock, Dosfotos/PYMCA /REX

The Live Entertainment Works! campaign is convincing pubs that performers will improve their offer and has now launched a photo award The Live Entertainment Works! campaign is about getting the message out that the change in licensing law means that it is now easier to put on performances in venues with a capacity of 500 or below.

The Variety sector has been suffering with clubs and pubs continuing to close across the country over the past ten years and this campaign is designed to reconnect audiences with performers. Equity is asking members to take a few posters, guides and badges out when they socialise, then: Go to your local pub and ask the friendly barkeep if they put on live entertainment. If they do, ask them if they would put up a poster

•

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spring 2015

supporting it.

• Once you have handed over the

poster, take a selfie with it and ask if you can list the pub as supporting the campaign on the Equity website, note down the venue’s details then pass it on to your local branch, email mday@equity.org.uk or tweet @LiveEntWorks If the pub does not provide live entertainment, give them a guide.

The guide explains the benefits and gives advice on putting on acts, comedians, singers and plays.

The creator of the best selfie pic supporting the campaign will receive £100 and be announced at the Equity Conference in May. All the entries will be found at: www.equity.org.uk/selfie

•

Save Tin Pan Alley The iconic 12 bar club on London’s ‘Tin Pan Alley’ (Denmark St) is due to close to make way for an urban makeover.

Planning applications have been submitted to Camden Council for a refurbishment and development of the area around St Giles Circus including the legendary Tin Pan Alley.

Equity understands the plans include a new purposebuilt venue housing live music, dance and theatre. Also, the developers’ plans are to maintain the area as a cultural music heritage hub; however, the union has yet to see any concrete evidence of this.

The MU has written to the councillors whose ward this development plan comes under, seeking answers as to how the provision for live music will be maintained.

The West End is rapidly losing places for new emerging acts to play and be heard. You can lodge your support by signing the petition: www.equity.org.uk/tin-pan-alley

www.equity.org.uk

Equity’s General Secretary the club’s staff.

Christine Payne has written to Tim “We also understand from the press Mitchell, chair of Westminster Council’s that no criminal charges have followed Licensing Committee, to express that incident and that the the union’s concern about licensees changed their the closure of legendary security staff and Soho music venue management to a Madame JoJo’s. team approved by Christine the council. wrote: “News of “It will not the sudden have escaped closure of this your notice that venue was a many believe great shock to this closure is many of our part of a wider members who policy to ‘gentrify’ either worked the area, being there or attended to that plans were enjoy the variety of approved for the area JoJo’s has been entertainment on in 2013 which do not a key part of Soho offer. As you will appear to include maintaining nightlife for more than appreciate, it has this venue. half a century, catering been a key part of “Whatever the outcome of this for a wide diversity Soho’s nightlife for particular incident, we do believe of audiences more than half a that the club could again be safely century, has catered and responsibly operated in this for a wide diversity of vibrant part of the city. We therefore urge audiences and is held in the council to reconsider its decision to great affection. We understand the revoke this licence.” decision was based on a single, though A petition has been launched to save serious, incident on 24 October involving the club, visit: www.equity.org.uk/saveJoJos

As well as rising membership numbers and increased subscription income, the number of members engaging as activists in Equity campaigns is an important measure of the union’s overall effectiveness.

During the course of 2014, assistant general secretary Stephen Spence visited every English Area Network, a meeting of the London branches and the Northern Ireland, Scottish and Welsh National Committees, to discuss campaigning and what the union could do to assist greater branch involvement in local and national campaigns.

Some of the initiatives that arose from these discussions included support for the Brighton and Sussex branch campaign to save the Brighton Hippodrome, agreement to a request from the North East of England branch to produce campaigning materials including posters advertising upcoming branch meetings and the distribution of campaign materials to Variety branch secretaries for Live Entertainment Works! In addition, a campaigners’ group of activists (Peter Barnes, John Gillett and Fran Rifkin) continued to meet regularly in London with officials. A result of all this activity was seen on 18 October when a large turnout of Equity members proclaiming ‘Low Pay, No Way’ took part in the TUC Britain Needs A Pay Rise demonstration in London.

Members Andy Parsons, Amy Lamé and Nicola Hawkins compered, spoke and gave media interviews on behalf of the union.

At the end of 2014 Equity followed up this activity by holding a full day’s training at Guild House for branch activists keen to take involvement in local and national campaigns to a higher level.

Twenty activists from branches worked with officials on techniques to improve engagement and efficiency in campaigns.

spring 2015

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Member offers Equity membership entitles you to a wide variety of discounts, from photos to the Phoenix club; see below for a selection. Go online for a full list: www.equity.org.uk/discounts alexander technique Individual lessons at Gilbert Street, Nr Bond St, London. 30% discount to members. Twenty six years of teaching performers; supporting improved poise and confidence, preventing backache and vocal strain For info phone Kate Kelly 0845 3479389 www.alexandertec.net

cinema tickets Discounted tickets when showing Equity card: Queens FilmTheatre Belfast, Pictureville Bradford, Watershed Bristol, Cinema 3 Canterbury, Chichester Cinema at New Park, Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre Dumfries, Edinburgh Filmhouse, Hull Screen, Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy, Phoenix Arts Leicester, Showroom Sheffield, NFT.

dance studios £60 off Pineapple Studios Annual Membership.

Equity members get £60 off annual membership to Pineapple Dance Studios in Covent Garden, London (usually costs £160).

Additional benefits of membership include 25% off all full-price clothing at the Pineapple store opposite the studio in Covent Garden. Members can visit the studios at any time for classes or to meet friends and colleagues. Two passport size photographs are required. Claim in person with your Equity card at Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street, London WC2H 9JA. Tel 020 7836 4004. www.pineapple.uk.com

Q-Park rolls out its development programme, so if the city you want is not yet listed, do please check regularly.

The rates represent a 15% discount across the day with a special flat rate of £6.00 for London parking from 6pm to 2am.

To take advantage of the Equity discount you need to pre-book your parking, just follow this link to do this: www.equity.org.uk/parking

photography HCK Photography is offering Equity members headshots/publicity shots for £95, a saving of £155. The session will include up to two hours in the studio, unlimited changes, free consultation before shoot, multiple back-drops, over 300 shots taken, five retouched high resolution images, 8 by 10 spotlight standard and more. For more information contact Kit at: 020 7112 8499. www.hckphotography.co.uk/equityoffer Scotland-based photographer Aly Wright is offering a 10% discount off headshots and location shots to members, see www.alywight.com

Special offer

hair removal Pulsar-permanent hair removal and skin treatments. Pigmentation, spots, photorejuvenation and more. IPL-intense pulsed light therapy. More advanced than laser: never shave again. For men and women – all skin and hair types. 10-20% discount for Equity members.

Minimum fee applies to house visits.

Contact Dr Succar on 020 8848 8288 or www.natura.org.uk

michael barnes hairdressing Equity members can get 40% off all cutting and colouring on your first visit to the salon and then you will receive 20% off all services whenever you visit after that. Michael Barnes is located ar 224 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2. Tel: 020 7836 7152.

parking Equity and Q-Park have teamed up to provide Equity members with discounted parking in London and other major cities.

More cities will come on-stream as

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spring 2015

Contact: blueprintphotographic@hotmail.com Tel: 07984 640520

Stage Film Television Radio All the advice you need…

phoenix artist club Save 50% on annual membership. A private members’ club and licenced bar for professionals in the entertainment industry and their guests, open Mon-Sat 11am-2.30am (last entry 1am) with hot food served until 11pm.

Entertaining entertainers since the nineties, this hidden gem, once visited, is never forgotten.

Annual membership is £120 reduced to £60 on presentation of your paid-up Equity card. Please visit the club during opening hours to apply.

Located beneath the Phoenix Theatre, 1 Phoenix Street, Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 8BU. Tel 020 7836 1077, website: www.phoenixartistclub.com

Essential contacts for the entertainment industry

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www.contactshandbook.com

rac breakdown cover We’ve teamed up with the RAC to bring you a great deal: a potential 50% off RAC Rescue cover. With your discount, Roadside cover starts at just £29 a year.

And, depending on which level of cover you choose, you could save as much as £99.25.

Join today at rac.co.uk/join/benefits or call 0800 096 6836 quoting EBS001

rex restaurants Chris Corbin and Jeremy King have always been great supporters of the theatre and we are delighted that we have been able to arrange with them for all members to receive 10% off any bill at their London restaurants: The Wolseley, The Delaunay, The Counter at The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and Colbert. See the Rex Restaurant Associates website: www.rexra.com.

The offer is for any Equity member and up to five guests (i.e. six people in total). You would need to show a valid Equity card as proof.

the stage

Blueprint is a North London based company that takes pride in its fresh and innovative ideas to help produce professionally finished products in photography and video.

Headshots start from £75 – 20% off for equity members makes it £60. Showreels start from £250 – 20% off for equity members makes it £200. To receive discount show Equity card. Website: www.blueprintphotographic.com

2015

15% off an annual subscription is available to all Equity members. There are two payment options: Direct Debit £45.05, saving 45% on the cover price over one year. Credit/Debit Card or Cheque £49.73, saving 39% on the cover price over one year. To take advantage of this discount call 01858 438 895 and quote EQR1. Alternatively order by post from The Stage Freepost NAT4637, Market Harborough LE94 7EZ. Please remember to include the code EQR1 and your membership number in your correspondence.

please note: Equity does not endorse the third-party services provided in these membership offers. They are made available on the request of the vendors.

Digital edition now available for iOS and Android!

The Evelyn Norris Trust

Entertaining Love amend.indd 1

15/01/2015 15:36

Was established in 1968 to provide financial support for members of the theatrical and concert professions who are in need of rest, recovery or a recuperative holiday.

If you’ve recently suffered an illness, or needed medical treatment and think a short convalescent break would aid recovery, or if you’ve been suffering from ill health and need to ‘recharge your batteries’ then you should apply for funding.

For information on how to apply you can either contact info@equitycharitabletrust.org.uk. ring us on 0207 831 1926 or visit our website www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk where you can follow the link to the Evelyn Norris Trust and download an application.

www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk www.equity.org.uk

Lost your voice, stage fright, bad back – or any health problem arising from your job or studies as a performer Go to BAPAM - a free medical support service part-funded by Equity *assessment clinics for professional and student performers with performance–related health problems *directory of practitioners and clinicians *fact sheets with health and fitness advice For help phone Dan or Clare at 0845 602 0235 or 020 7404 8444 or visit www.bapam.org.uk

It’s your service – USE IT! spring 2015

Charity No: 1083295

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interview

In 2012 Rachael was working as a stage manager on a tour with Headlong Theatre when she had her accident

“I was aware of every second of the fall” Equity secured £3.7m for stage manager Rachael Presdee after she was paralysed following a preventable accident at Soho Theatre. Here she tells her story and calls for greater viligance on health and safety Photography Phil Adams

After training in my native Australia and working for the Sydney Theatre Company I came to the UK in 2006 with the aim of working in theatre stage management. I was employed in the industry for six years and it was truly a dream come true to have the experience of working for the National and also calling a show in the West End. The first time I did it I was absolutely shaking from head to toe.

In 2012 I was working for Headlong’s touring production of Boys at Soho Theatre. I had never worked at that venue before. We had a matinee performance and the set required a lot of work in order to get it ready for the performance. The deputy stage manager and I were in before the show and the lights weren’t on in the theatre. We needed to get on to the stage to start working, so I went looking for someone who could switch on the lights. Backstage there was a spiral staircase, so I went up and opened the first door I saw. This was the common room and there wasn’t anyone in. I came out of that room and there was a door to the right that looked exactly the same as the previous one. There was no lock, no warning sign. I opened it and it was dark, so I stepped in to turn the light on and fell back into the theatre.

I fell three metres and I was aware of every second of the fall. I landed on the stage in absolute agony and I knew that something was very wrong. I was pretty certain I had broken my back because I could

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spring 2015

> www.equity.org.uk

spring 2015

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interview

feel the outline of my legs but I couldn’t actually sense them. I was airlifted to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington where I had a four-hour operation on my back. The surgeon literally glued back my spinal cord. One of the vertebrae had just dislocated, but another one had exploded. The doctors picked all the bones off my organs, made a new vertebra and stuck it in with two big rods.

The recovery has been really challenging. There is nothing that can prepare you for ending up in a wheelchair. It’s much more than not being able to walk; it’s also a neurological condition and there are parts of your body that do not behave like they used to. Every single day there’s a new challenge that you’ve got to try to figure out: How am I going to get through that doorway? How am I going to get myself off this chair and onto that bed? Unfortunately, you do become a bit invisible to other people because you’re down in a wheelchair. When people say it’s life-changing it is not a throw-away comment.

It’s life-changing not just for you, but your friends, family and your colleagues.

Equity has been incredible. They supported me from day one when I was in hospital”

Equity has been incredible. They supported me from day one when I was in a hospital bed and I had no idea how I was going to get by. They’ve been there for me and basically held my hand through the whole process. They supplied me with incredible lawyers who cared very much about my future.

They cared that I wasn’t going to be left in a situation where I

www.equity.org.uk

wasn’t going to survive very well financially because of a preventable accident. £3.7m may sound like a huge windfall, but it’s the money I will need to make sure that I can have as normal a life as possible. I’m only 39 years of age so that’s a long time that I will need to find money for care, housing, etc.

Rachael speaking to a BBC reporter in the Council room of Equity’s offices in London

It’s hard for me to accept that my accident could have been so easily prevented. A simple sign or lock on that door would have stopped me from being in a wheelchair. It’s very frustrating as I know this is not a one-off incident. Preventable accidents like mine will happen again, not just in theatre but in other industries, because health and safety issues are often pushed to the bottom of a pile of work. We need to have a little more care for those working in venues like theatres so they are not too tired or too busy to let simple precautions slide.

You don’t do stage management for money or glamour. You do it because you’re that type of person and I was one of them.

To suddenly not have that; to not have a company of actors driving you mad or a director in a room making crazy demands, your life can become empty. But the future is pretty much what I make of it now. I am studying law and a positive thing about being in a wheelchair is that you realise you can be whatever you want to be. I hope to combine my growing legal knowledge with helping out arts organisations sometime in the near future. www.equity.org.uk/legal-support

spring 2015

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12/09/2012 11:50

Equity’s 2015 Annual Representative Conference (ARC) will take place on May 17-18 at the Ibis Hotel, Earl’s Court, London.

The ARC brings together your elected representatives from across Equity’s branches, committees and Council to review the union’s progress and to make policy. Any member, including student members, can attend as an Observer but, due to venue constraints, space is limited.

If you would like to be an Observer (no voting or speaking rights or expenses) please complete the form below and return it to Equity.

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spring 2015

www.equity.org.uk

NAME: TEL/MOBILE: ADDRESS: POST CODE: Your information will not be sold to a third party.

Letters...

the president writes

Ok… Acronym Alert.

Do you know what TTIP is? This includes a mechanism called ISDS; do you know what that is? Some of you do, including your assiduous Councillors Nick Woodeson, Hywel Morgan and Jean Rogers, and, of course, the appropriate union staff. We all need to know about

investors and companies the right to sue foreign governments if they believed their interests were being harmed; and they could argue that their interests were being harmed by all the things your union is there to promote… human and employment rights, health provision, environmental protection and so on.

The third worry is that by opening all our cultural sector to more open and more overseas competition, we could see our creative industries increasingly controlled by non-EU multinationals. At the moment the audiovisual sector is specifically excluded from these negotiations and we must work to ensure the entire cultural sector is excluded.

The above is an over-simplification of what is going on; I raise it because a hugely damaging treaty could pass and be in operation before we get our collective act together.

There have been recent articles in the Guardian and Independent that will bring you up to date, and by the time you read this, things will have moved on, hopefully

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership will open our cultural sector to more overseas competition; we could see our creative industries increasingly controlled by non-EU multinationals” these things because they have the potential to severely damage our industries, our union and therefore our livelihoods.

Let me explain (and stay with me here)… TTIP stands for Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which is a trade deal being negotiated between the EU and the US. The idea is to free up trade by cutting tariffs and regulatory barriers to make us all more prosperous.

The European Commission had been given a mandate to conduct these negotiations, but these negotiations are being conducted in almost total secrecy.

That’s the first worry.

The second worry is a little mechanism within this TTIP called ISDS, which stands for Investor-State Dispute Settlement, which would give foreign

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spring 2015

in a more positive direction from our point of view.

The Trade Union Congress is on to it, our fellow unions, the Musicians’ Union and BECTU are on to it and it has been the subject of a backbench business debate in the Commons. But the issue is not headlining as it should, hence my small effort.

In other news... a huge welcome to a new member of staff to a brand new post.

Hamida Ali, our new full-time equalities officer, starts work at the end of March.

We had some marvellous candidates from which to choose, but Hamida stood out; there is so much to do about equality within the industry and, to a degree, within the union, so she’ll be very busy.

Onward.

Malcolm Sinclair

Get in touch Have you got something to say about your experience of Equity or the contents of the magazine?

We want to hear from you.

Please email or write to the editor via the contact information below: The Editor Guild House Upper St Martin’s Lane London WC2H 9EG Tel: 020 7379 6000 Fax: 020 7379 7001 Email: editorial@equity.org.uk Web: www.equity.org.uk

Old Vic veterans?

I am keen to get in touch with any former performers or production staff from the Old Vic or Sadler’s Wells who were in Burnley, Lancashire when both companies were evacuated during the Second World War. I work for a TV company who wants to find performers and production staff who can talk to us about their memories.

We are researching the stories of both companies’ evacuation from London during the Blitz.

We’d be grateful for any leads or information, please contact: nancy.bornat@centuryfilmltd.com or call 020 7378 6106.

Nancy Bornat

A great bit of biz

I read the last magazine (winter 2014) through with delight.

My fondest memory of Donald Sinden (In Appreciation) was in London Assurance

by Boucicault; he arrived in the country and very slowly doffed his travelling gloves and then donned his visiting gloves; the whole operation was accompanied by a non-stop speech by a country lawyer, I believe.

The glove operation must have lasted at least 8-10 minutes and was so economical in its progress, and so very hilarious in its impact, that it was one of the funniest ‘bits of biz’ I have ever seen on stage.

I was also very impressed by the strides that Equity has made since I lived in the

www.equity.org.uk

UK, many years ago now. The magazine is a delightful reminder of those memories and evidence of how much progress has been made and how much more needs to occur!

Dougal Fraser

Pantomime pain In these cash-strapped days which should take priority – the show or the merchandising?

Every year I take my family to see the best panto we can find across the UK. And every year it is the same – the show is invariably diminished by the plastic flashing tat sold in the theatre foyer before the show.

One year I found myself sitting behind a child wearing a headband with flashing bunny ears.

It doesn’t need a lot of imagination to know that if the houselights go down and you are sitting behind perpetually flashing lights that your eyes will barely be able to focus on the stage.

It didn’t affect the child wearing them nor her family sitting beside her – just the people unlucky enough to be sitting right behind.

When I, politely, asked the mother to switch them off the response was less than polite and the atmosphere for the show for us was somewhat frosty for most of the first half, and the bunny ears stayed on.

The following year we were sitting in the stalls of the Birmingham Hippodrome when a plastic sword of some description fell from the balcony and hit my daughter on the head. It drew blood and was quite painful. A few minutes later the grandmother of the child who had

‘dropped’ the toy came down frantically searching for it to placate her grandson.

She asked us if we had seen it. When I pointed it out to her that the toy had hit my daughter on the head there was no apology or recognition of fault, she just ignored us as though we hadn’t spoken and asked us if we had seen where it went because ‘he’s crying up there’.

I less than politely told her we had no idea where it was and perhaps it was better left where it was until the end of the show.

The grandmother went off to find an usherette who then came back and demanded that we return the toy to the grandmother as we were obviously hiding it and refusing to give it back.

Another panto diminished (I say diminished because the shows themselves were excellent in both cases).

Theatre tickets for panto are not cheap. For a good panto we are talking invariably upwards of £100 for four of us.

I know theatres need to make money but please can we be sensible when choosing merchandise to boost the income. Plastic swords and flashing bunny ears have no place in a theatre.

Choose merchandise that will placate the children, boost your income but without diminishing the enjoyment of the audience from watching the show – which is why we bought our tickets in the first place.

Geoff Marsh

Arts & Minds survey I have just completed the survey for the Arts and Minds initiative and I wanted to write to say how important I think it is.

Mental health still remains something of a taboo subject, even within our business where you might think it would be treated more sympathetically.

It is still the case that people with a physical ailment, such as a broken leg, are treated well and understood, whereas people who suffer from anxiety or depression are ignored and even shunned. I will look forward with interest to the work Equity (and I think both The Stage and Spotlight are involved too) do on this issue.

I believe a website is on its way and anything that can support people who are suffering mental health problems, or challenge the stigma that is attached to the condition will get my support.

Name supplied

In memoriam With regret it is recorded that since the publication of the last edition of Equity magazine we have learned of the deaths of the following members: Yashar Adem, Ward Allen, Jane Anthony, Sandra Arabian, Renee Asherson, Barbara Atkinson, Rodford Barrat, James Beattie, Lynda Bellingham, Joss Bennathan, Bobby Bernard, John Berry, Peter John Beverley, Acker Bilk, Bingo The Clown, Kan Bonfils, Maggie Boyle, John Bramley, Jeffrey Cambell, Peter Casey, David Chivers, Warren J Clarke, Joe Cocker, Sheila Margaret Collings, Paul Cottingham, Debbie Cronshaw, Edward Crunkhurn, Lynsey De Paul, Derek Deadman, Robert Demeger, Dennis Dillon, Yolande Donlan Dozy, Joanna Dunham, Simon Dunmore, Anita Ekberg, Johan Engels, Ianto Evans, John Fabian, Ian Fairbairn, Richard Gardiner, Rebekah Gibbs, Andrea Godfrey, Richard Graydon, Lyndam Gregory, Dorothy-Rose Gribble, Peter Grimes, John Hanson, Dick Haymes, Harry Haythorne, Edward Herrmann, Trevor Hitchings, Geoffrey Holder, Dee Holliday, Jacqueline Hood, June Hooley, Bernard Hopkins, Ernest Hopner, Christopher Hornby, Stephen Howe, Stephen Hubay, Bob Hunter, Bernard Kay, Marian Kemmer, Roger Kitter, Thalia Kouri, Brian Lawson, Douglas Leach, Stanley Lebor, Jeremy Lloyd (1), Ruth Lodge, Adina Mandlová, Andrew Manson, Derek Martinus, Jennifer McCrindle, Ivor Mills, Peter Mitchell, John J Moore, Henry Moxon, Mike Nichols, Howarth Nuttall, Richard Edward Pasco, Lance Percival, Pesky, Michael Plaister, Luise Rainer, Robb Ranga, Raf Ravenscroft, Pamela Rayner, Gabrielle Reidy, Mandy Rice Davies, Perri Routledge, Jimmy Ruffin, Christine Russell, David Ryall, Christopher Scoular, Rita Shane, Peter Shutler, Warran Sinclair, James Singleton, Stephen Speed, Alvin Stardust, Tony Starr, Ray Strachan, Barry Summerford, Alan Talbot, Rod Taylor, Sheila Tracy, Brian Tully, Bridget Turner, Joe Valentine, David Vann, Paul Vaughan, Billie Whitelaw, Andy Wilby, Victor Winding, Kathleen Worth, Derek Wright (1) not Jeremy Lloyd of Minehead In some cases it may be possible that another member may have used the same or a similar name subsequent to the passing of the above members

Branch update east of scotland general Next meeting: TBC Contact: Helen Raw, eastofscotlandequity@gmail.com

essex general Date of next meeting: 10:30am, 7 Feb Quaker Friends Meeting House, Rainsford Road, Chelmsford Cm1 2ql Contact: mhrson@gmx.com or dee@deemardi.com

gtr manchester

& region

Next meeting: Check its Facebook group for latest news Contact: David Corden, equity.nwegb@virgin.net

The north east loNDON branch is a campaigning and friendly group that welcomes new members

T

he North East London branch is a long-established welcoming branch with a passion for the entertainment industry and getting organised around the issues that matter.

They have recently moved their regular meetings to the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park N4. The branch actively campaigns on Equity issues and is currently working on the Professionally Made Professionally Paid initiative. They also have a very active new play reading group called The Script Readers that

brighton & sussex general

Mark Thomas. Opposite: Sam Morgan Moore

Date of next meeting: TBC Friends Meeting House, Ship St, Brighton. Contact: Chris Webb 07973 465154

bristol & west general Date of next meeting: Third Tuesday of month (exc August), 7.30pm. YHA, Bristol BS1 4QA Contact: equity.bristolwestgen@googlemail.com

cardiff & s wales general Date of next meeting: First Thursday of every month, 7.30pm. BBC Club Cardiff, CF5 2YQ Contact: Louisa stbbrown_morgan@hotmail.co.uk

32 /

spring 2015

meet every first Thursday of the month at 10.30am at the Ken Hill Bar, Theatre Royal Stratford East. Find out more about that group from the website: www.thescriptreaders.co.uk

north & east london general Date of next meeting: Saturday 14 Feb (always the 2nd Saturday of the month), 10.30am, Park Theatre, Finsbury Park, Wells Terrace exit.

Contact: Lorraine Malby on lfmmaltplace@aol.com

central england general

Date of next meeting: TBC, usually Queen Mother Theatre, Hitchin Contact: Lynn Robins on lynnrobins_a1sa@btinternet.com

home counties west general Date of next meeting: Tuesday 24 March, 7:30pm, South Hill Park, Bracknell Contact: Natalie Jenno on branch_sec_hcw@btinternet.com

kent general Date of next meeting: Sunday 1 March, 4pm, The Pound Westgate Towers Canterbury Ct 1 2 BZ Contact: Marie Kelly 07703 207878, kellygreenproductions@hotmail.co.uk

liverpool general branch Next meeting: 4 March, 6.30pm Everyman Theatre Contact: Cath Rice, equityliverpool@ gmail.com

milton keynes general Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Rachel Dobell on mkanddistrict.equitybranch@gmail.com

northern ireland branch Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Carol Moore c.moore62@btinternet.com

north lancashire & cumbria general

Date of next meeting: Mon 9 March, 7.30pm, The Wellington Real Ale Pub, Birmingham B2 5SN Contact: David Edgar by email: davidegar@gmx.co.uk

Next meeting: TBC, usually at Robert Gillow Pub, Lancaster. Contact: Peter Rylands on peter.rylands@btinternet.com

devon & cornwall general

Date of next meeting: 1st Tuesday of each month (excl. Aug & Dec) 6:30pm Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH Contact: Sue Reid on reidsuereid@aol.com or 07939 262613

Next meeting: Third Sunday of the month at different venues around the two counties.

Contact: Nigel Howells, howellsnj@gmail.com

dorset general Next meeting: 7pm, 19 March, Wessex FM studios. Poundbury Road, Dorchester Contact: chris-gallarus@hotmail.co.uk

Avenue, London NW3 3HY) Contact: Elise Harris, eliseharris@gmail.com

south & se london general Next meeting: Third Saturday of every month, 11am, fourth floor, National Theatre SE1. Contact: James Ivens on james.ivens@gmail.com

west and sw london general Next meeting: 7pm, 2 March 7 Dials Club, 42 Earlham Street, London WC2H 9LA Contact: secretary.equity.wswl@gmail.com

yorkshire ridings general Next meeting: TBC Contact: Anthony Blakesley blakesley@pobroadband.co.uk

herts general

Being Organised

Equity branches are your local meeting place to discuss the industry, share insights and influence the direction of the union.

Find your local branch at www.equity.org.uk/branches

ne of england general branch

n.west london general

Next meeting: 10.30am 7 March Central School of Speech and Drama (62-64 Eton

www.equity.org.uk

birmingham variety Date of next meeting: 25 Feb, 8pm. Venue TBC Contact: john@jhprice.co.uk

blackpool variety Date of next meeting: 1st Tuesday of each month, 1pm, Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley Park, FY3 9EQ Contact: Chris Cotton, 07941 550315

the month, The Alberta Social Club, Jarrow.

Contact Steve McGuire. 01207238258, sirstephen2001us@yahoo.co.uk

0141 639 6969, l.rifkind@btinternet.com

south wales variety

north & west yorkshire variety

Date of next meeting: first Tuesday of every monthTyn y Twr Public House, Baglan, SA12 8AU, 7.30 Contact: Shelli Dawn, 01685 812779

Date of next meeting: Every third Monday at 7.30pm at George IV pub, Birkenshaw BD11 2AH Contact: Valerie Jean Mann, val@mrstipsy.co.uk, 0113 285 3848

Next meeting: 12 Feb 12pm. Railway Inn Doncaster DN1 Contact: chuffinells@hotmail.com

scottish variety Date of next meeting: 14 Feb, 7.30pm at Equity office, Glasgow G13QQ. Contact: Linda Rifkind,

south yorkshire variety

thames variety branch Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Deborah Charnley on debzcharnley@hotmail.com

A Variety of opinions West of England Variety branch went to visit near neighbours the Devon & Cornwall General branch

coventry & leicester variety Date of next meeting: Party Night Thursday, 17 February, 8pm, The Standard Triumph Recreation Club, Coventry CV5 6UB Contact: Sheila Payne: sheila.rodgers@btinternet.com

east anglia variety Next meeting: 9 Feb 8pm at The Canary Social Club, 104 Thorpe Road, Norwich Contact: Peachy Mead, peachymead@f2s.com

east midlands variety Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of the month, 8pm, Headstocks, Cinderhill/Bagnall Road junction, NG6 8SF Contact: Chris Shaw, 0115 974 5512, equityvbm18@hotmail.co.uk

humberside variety branch Date of next meeting: 7.30pm, 2 March Henry Vernone Court, Pier St. Hull HU1 1UZ. Contact: Christie Clifford, equityvbn4@msn.com

manchester

& district variety

Date of next meeting: AGM 16 February 7.30pm Monroes Hotel, 38 London Road, Manchester M1 2PS . Contact: Yvonne Joseph, vonniegerry@btinternet.com

merseyside variety Next meeting: Second Monday of month, 7pm, Adelphi Hotel Contact: Les Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neill, lesoneill@hotmail.com

north east variety Date of meeting: 7.30pm, last Tuesday of

A

lthough they are part of the same Equity branch movement, it is not often that Variety and General branches meet together as a group.

Variety branches generally support those from that tradition; such as singers, comedians, magicians, clowns etc. General branches usually reflect the interests of actors, directors, stage management etc. There is no bar from joining or visiting either type of branch in your area and it can be a great way to understand the different elements of the industry. In January, the West of England Variety branch took the time to meet

their colleagues from Devon & Cornwall to share news and examine the state of the industry in their area. Equity General Secretary Christine Payne also attended.

west of england variety Date of next meeting: AGM 9 March 7.45pm 2 Filton Road, Bristol BS7 0PA Contact: Mary Lane 07900 848003

devon & cornwall general Date of next meeting: AGM 8 Feb Holiday Inn Plymouth Contact: Nigel Howells by phone 07971 220462, or email howellsnj@gmail.com

SPECIAL specialATTENTION attention Members are instructed in their own interests to consult the Equity office before accepting engagements with or through Members are instructed in their own interests to consult the Equity office before accepting engagements with or through any of the names on this list. In most cases, names are included because the individual, company or agency has owed or any of the names on this list. In most cases, names are included because the individual, company or agency has owed or still owes members money. In other cases, entrants have refused to use our contracts and place the necessary deposits still owes members money. In other cases, entrants have refused to use our contracts and place the necessary deposits or put money in escrow. In some cases, money will have been secured for members through the courts or through the or put money in escrow. In some cases, money will have been secured for members through the courts or through the disputes procedures under our various contracts. These entrants remain so members can check with the Equity office disputes procedures under our various contracts. These entrants remain so members can check with the Equity office that the correct procedures have been undertaken in respect of engagements offered. that the correct procedures have been undertaken in respect of engagements offered.

AGENTS Productions), Roy Gurvitz (Lost H Bryan Hands Productions Ltd, Michael Durber AKA Mick Appleyard h Bryan Hands Productions Ltd, Vagueness Limited).

Hierographics Productions Co Ltd, A Actors Inc (Real Creatives, Marco recently added (Appleyard Entertainment) . D4M Hierographics Productions Co Ltd, Mike Hobman.

H Hanover Concert Promotions Rasala) (1), ADP Entertainments (David Denis Stevenson: Limited (Julia Charles) Mike Hobman.

(Patrick Mulvaney), Barry Hawkins, Hunter), Agency Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Image (Jonathan I Tommy Iwering (Piccadilly Productions), Bugle Boy Productions Ltd FraneHurley, Hemming Sands), Allied Artists Management Eddie Gerald Bloom â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Leslie Bloom Festival, i Tommy Iwering (Piccadilly BrianIzzard (KnaveacreProductions).

Michael Jago:19th Hole Hospitality Ltd (Hemmings Leisure).

(Andy Grover), A M Artists (Ann Molloy), Elchris Group Productions),and Brian Izzard (Knaveacre J AndrewJenkins Paddy Wilson(One Paul James: Lolfa(Alan Lounge AndJohn Action Management Elliott), J Kerry Jacks (The White (Wendy Lion, House for the g Mark Greenhouse Productions).

Road). JGA Theatrical International.

Anglo Artists Management/Anglo Swandlicote), HelenJohntrading asKidz Matthew Hampson: Productions), Roy Gurvitz (Lost j Andrew Jenkins Paddy(Quick Wilson K Robert Kennedy, FAand Ketcher Americor Ltd (Michael Van Rindt),Robin Want Fun, Don Jones Organisation(9).

M&M Associate Productions Limited Tour(One Ltd),for Khoros Productions Ltd (Sally Vagueness Limited). the Road).

JGA Theatrical Answych (Briarcom Ltd), Arena JuliaCharles (D4M Limited) Vanessa Beamont: Christopher Beamont Davis & Sylvia Swann) (14), Knaveacre PromotionsLtd (2). h Barry Hawkins, FranJon), Hurley, International.

K Kidz Want Fun (Helen PhilGerald Maggie Montieth: BITT Film Co Ltd Izzard).

B James Balfour (3), Bruce Benson Leslie Hemming (Hemmings Leisure) Productions k Robert(Brian Kennedy, FA Ketcher (Quick Knight (Street Leisure Ltd) L Stephen Leatherland & Karie Musson Associates Ltd, Berry London j KerryLaughton, Jacks (The WhiteProductions Lion, Tour Ltd), Khoros Productions Ltd (Sally L Tommy Labyrinth AGENTSLtd (Ceri Berry), Briarcom (Standing OvationsLtd, Theatremaster Associates (KevinBearneaka CefnDeBearne), Swandlicote), Don Jones Organisation Davis & Sylvia Swann) (10), Knaveacre LtdA (Robin Paul Bridgewood Ltd, Theatre 1st Ltd).

ADPAnswych), Entertainments (David Hunter), RochelleLeader (Top Hat International), (9). Julia Charles (D4M Limited) Productions (Brian Izzard).

(Xtabi Entertainments), Buchanans Allied Artists Management (Andy(17).

M Minera Productions (Michael TyeLostkVagueness Roy Gurvitz.

Phil KnightLimitedâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; (Street Leisure Ltd) L Stephen Leatherland & Karie Musson  C Grover), CADS Management (Terry Smith), Walker), Graham Mulvein (Graham A M Artists (Ann Molloy), And M Martin Marshall (Crazy Horses l Tommy Laughton, Labyrinth (Standing Ovations Maurizio Caroldi, Celebrity Marketing Mulvein Holdings Ltd). Ltd, Theatremaster Entertainment Consultants), Mr and Action Management (Alan Elliott), Bearne aka Cefn Ltd, Theatre 1st Ltd).

(Roland Mowlam), Alan Chamberlain, MrsProductions Melville (The(Kevin Fish Out Of Water N Nowell Wallace & CaroleLeFoll Anglo Artists Management,Robin Dee Christopholous (Millennium).

De Bearne), Rochelle Leader (Top Hat (Sudden m Minera Productions (Michael TyeRestaurant), Patrick Mulvaney (Hanover Productions and Rough Edges Answych (Briarcom Ltd), Arena D Patrick Duncan (Dealers Agency).

Concert Promotions), Gabriel Bauza International), Lost Vagueness Limited Productions) Walker), Graham Mulvein (Graham PromotionsLtd (1).

Munar (Ponsa Espectaculos).

E Alan Elliott (And Action Management). â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Roy Gurvitz.

Mulvein Holdings Ltd). Wilson and O One for the Road (Paddy James Balfour (2), Bruce Benson N New Time Marshall Entertainment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; GB Geoff Gibbons (Nightfall m Martin (CrazyLtd Horses N Nowell Wallace & Carole Le Foll Andrew Jenkins).

Associates Ltd, Berry London Cyprus (Panos Gerou) Entertainments), JoGilbert Associates Entertainment Consultants), Mr and (Sudden Productions andBodman).

Rough N Northwick Theatre (Graham Associates Ltd (Ceri Berry), Briarcom O Oliver Barton Entertainments & (JGATheatrical International), Gold Mrs Melville (The Fish Out Of Water Edges Productions) P Piccadilly Productions(TommyIwering).

Agency(Robert Lyndsey-Wilson/Lyndsey Ltd (Robin Answych), Paul Bridgewood Productions (Michael Slater, Stan Restaurant), Gabriel Bauza Munar o One for the Road (Paddy Wilson and R Stephen Rayne(Shakespeare Wilson), GrahamAssociates(4), (XtabiPeter Entertainments), Buchanans (3). Smith (10).

Espectaculos) Jenkins).Reckless UK),Andrew JohnRedgrave.

ReidGraham(HeaviesCasting), Andy P (Ponsa PizzazzProductions -SteveCox,Ponsa C CADS Management (Terry Smith), Grover (AlliedArtists Management).

Entertainment.

Temple N New Time Entertainment Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201D; r StephenRichard Rayne (Shakespeare Alan Chamberlain, Dee Christopholous Espectaculos (Gabriel Bauza Munar).

(Richard Temple Ltd) H Sally HarrisonManagement (5), Panos Gerou (NewGerou) Time Entertainment Cyprus (Panos UK), John Redgrave.

(Millennium).

Heals Entertainment (PhilipaSage), Rob Ltdo â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cyprus) S Shakespeare UK (Stephen Rayne), Oliver Barton Entertainments & RecklessEntertainment.

Richard D Patrick Duncan (Dealers Agency).

Holloway, MarkHudsonAssociates(6), Sylvia Swann (Khoros Productions R Paul Randall (Rainbow Productions (Michael Slater, Stan Temple (Richard Temple Ltd) Ltd E Alan Elliott (And Action Management).

David Hunter (ADPEntertainments), Fran SallysDavis) (14). Street Dreams Rayne), Ltd Entertainments) (11), Warren Rix Smith (8).

Shakespeare UKof (Stephen Hurley.

G Geoff Gibbons (Nightfall S Secret Circus(TonyAdams), Michael T Terry Finnegan Productions, p Panos Gerou (New Time Sylvia Swann (Khoros Productions Ltd J Jukes Entertainment Agency, Entertainments), Jo Gilbert Associates Slaterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Oliver Barton Entertainments & Theatrical Productions Ltd (Peter Entertainment Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cyprus) Sally Davis) (10). Street of Dreams Ltd JGA Theatrical International Productions, StanSmith (10), SohoSet (JGA Theatrical International), Peter Baldwin) (12), Michael Tye-Walker (Jo Gilbert Associates). r Warren Rix t Terry Finnegan Productions, Dance Revue (TonySharman), Street (Minera Productions).

Graham Associates (4), Andy Grover L Robert Lang Associates; Robert LeisureLtd (Phil Knight). s Secret Circus (Tony Adams), Productions LtdTheatre (Peter W Theatrical West Midlands Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Allied Artists Management).

Lyndsey-Wilson (Gold Agency).

T Tangible Media Ltdâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Richard Michael Slaterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Oliver Barton Baldwin) (9), Michael Tye-Walker Company (Michael Coffman), Sarah H Heals Entertainment (Philipa M Millennium (Dee Christopholous, Curson, Top Hat International â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Stan Entertainments & Productions, Jane(Minera WorrellProductions). and Ian Worrell (BAF Sage), Rob Holloway,Ann Mark Hudson JacquelineWhelan)(7), Molloy(AM Rochelle Leader.

Thomas Hopkins Paddy Wilson and Theatre Smith (8), Soho Set Dance Revue (Tony Productions). w West Midlands Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Associates (5), David Hunter (ADP Artists), MonstersAgency(Mervyn Webb), U Sharman), Untouched Entertainments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marc Jenkins (One for the RoadSarah Ltd).

Street Leisure Ltd (Phil Knight). Andrew Company (Michael Coffman), Roland Mowlam (Celebrity Marketing).

Entertainments), Fran Hurley.

Williams and Janine Wright. t Tangible Media Ltdâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Richard Jane Worrell and Ian Worrell (BAF N JNightfall Gibbons) JukesEntertainments(Geoff Entertainment Agency, FILM AND TELEVISION W Alistair Watts Entertainment, Curson, TopProductions Hat International Productions). Paddy Wilson and Wendy House (Markâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Theatrical International O JGA Ordinary People Ltd (Sarah Robbie).

C Chancery Lane Films Ltd (Joseph Rochelle Leader.

Hopkins Andrew Jenkins (One for the Road Greenhouse), WhiteThomas Lion, Swandlicote Brooks), Communication Interlink Ltd Ltd).

Gilbert Associates).

R (Jo Malcolm Rae Associates,MarcoRasala (Kerry Jacks), Williams Organisation u Untouched Entertainments â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Marc (Simon McCarthy).

(Actors Inc. Real Creatives), Patrick L Robert Lang Associates; Robert FILM AND TELEVISION (William Adkins and Karen Lesley Williams and Janine Wright.

Rimmel (RPManagement), Van D Philip D Deighton (Spectacular Lyndsey-Wilson (GoldMichael Agency).

Clarke), Marc Williams and Janine Rindt(akaAngloArtistsManagement/ W Alistair Watts Entertainment, c Chancery Lane Films Ltd (Joseph Sounds Ltd). Deene Naz (Summertime M Americor Millennium (Dee Christopholous, Wright â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Untouched Entertainments.

Anglo Ltd), Sarah Robbie Wendy House Productions (Mark Brooks), Communication Interlink Ltd Pictures) Jacqueline Whelan)(6), Ann Molloy (A (Ordinary People Ltd).

THEATRE Greenhouse), White Lion, Swandlicote E Elchris (SimonGroup McCarthy).

Artists), Roland Mowlam (Celebrity SM Philipa Sage (Heals Entertainment), H Barrie Hawkins.

A (Kerry AdrianJacks), Monahan (Stage Works Williams Organisation d Philip D Deighton (Spectacular Marketing).

Jonathan Sands (Agency Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Image), Theatre Company) L Liberations Productions (Warren Bader).

(William Adkins and Karen Lesley Sounds Ltd).

Deene Naz (Summertime Terry (CADS Management), O Smith Ordinary People Ltd (Sarah Robbie).

B Clarke), BAF Productions (Sarah Jane Marc Williams and Janine M Pictures) Simon McCarthy (Communication Stephen Stroud (Tobias Management), R Malcolm Rae Associates, Marco Worrell and Ian Worell); Peter Baldwin Ltd), Alan Macdonald, Wright â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Untouched Entertainments. Interlink E Elchris Group T Rasala Peter Talbot Agency (8),Creatives), Tobias (Actors Inc. Real (Theatrical Productions Ltd) (12), Mapleton Films Ltd, Mercury Films Management (Stephen Stroud). h Barrie Hawkins.

Patrick Rimmel (RP Management), Big Little Productions Ltd, Graham And Video, John Mortimer Video(Warren THEATRE WMichael MervynVan Webb (Monsters l Liberations Productions Bodman â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Northwick Theatre. Jayson Rindt (aka Anglo Artists Promotions (15).

Agency),Jacqueline Whelan A Adrian Monahan (Stage Works Bader).

Alexander Bartlett Management/Anglo Americor Ltd), P Palm Tree Production (Robbie Moffat) (Millennium), Robert Lyndsey Wilson m Simon McCarthy (Communication C Theatre MichaelCompany) Coffman (West Midlands Sarah Robbie People Ltd).

(Lyndsey Wilson)(Ordinary Gold Agency.

R Robbie Moffat ProductionLtd).

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Company). b BAFTheatre Productions (Sarah Jane Interlink Ltd),(Palm AlanTree Macdonald, S Philipa Sage (Heals Entertainment), X Xtabi Entertainments S Spectacular Sounds Ltd (Philip D Danny DaviesProductions Ltd (13), Worrell and Ian Worell); Peter Baldwin Mapleton Films Ltd, Mercury Films Jonathan Sands (Agency Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Image), (Paul Bridgewood).

D Deighton), Stuart and Graham SallyDavies (Khoros Productions (14).

(Theatrical Productions Ltd) Ltd) (9), Jayson And Video, John Mortimer Video Terry Smith (CADS Management), Productions.

Sisterhood TV Ltd F Terry Finnegan (Terry Finnegan VARIETY Alexander Bartlett , Blue Genie (Gary Promotions (11).

Stephen Stroud (Tobias Management), Productions).

T Talisman Productions Ltd (16), TVE Henry Filloux-Bennett, A TShona Adams Agency), TelferJames ) p Palm Tree Production (Robbie Moffat) PeterAdams Talbot(Juliet Agency (7), Tobias Productions Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Richard Bednall.

Stephen Makin (Le Nez Productions) TonyAdams trading asSecret Circus, c Michael Coffman (West Midlands r Robbie Moffat (Palm Tree Management (Stephen Stroud).

William Adkins(Williams Organisation).

Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Company).

Production Ltd).

Don Jones of Bridie Reid and NOTE WYoung Jacqueline Whelan (Millennium). PLEASE Anne Don Jones Agency or Don Davies (Khoros Productions s Spectacular Sounds LtdJones (Philip (1) dnoSally connection with www.

Xtabi Entertainments BX Kevin Bearne aka Cefn De Bearne Management Actors-Inc.co.uk Ltd) (10).

D Deighton), Stuart and Graham (Paul Bridgewood).

(Labyrinth Productions), Antony Bishop (10) not Stan Smith of Saatchi & (2) fnot Arena Touring Theatre Ltd or (Entertainment In Business).

Henry Filloux-Bennett, Stephen Productions. Sisterhood TV Ltd Saatchi advertising agency ArenaPersonal Management Ltd C VARIETY Capital VIP Group, Scotty Clark James Makin (Le Nez Productions) t TVE Productions Ltd â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Richard (11) not Rainbow Management of Old (3) gnot James Balfour, an Equity trading as Clark Sutherland Arts & Gary Telfer (Blue Genie) Bednall. a Shona Adams (Juliet Adams Colywn, North Wales member in good standing Entertainments, Karen Lesley Clarke Agency),Organisation, Tony Adams trading as Secret (4) not Graham Associates of West (12) not Peter Baldwin, an Equity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Williams Steve Coxâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Personal Management PLEASE NOTE member in good standing Circus, William Adkins (Williams Pizzazz Productions, Crazy Horses Yorkshire (7) ot Peter TalbotofofPirate the not Arena Touring Theatre Ltd or (13) notnDanny Davies Organisation).

AnneMarhall), Young Richard (5)(1) Entertainment (Martin notArena Sally Harrison, an Equity Rude Mechanical Theatre Personal Management Ltd Management Curson (Tangible Media Limited). b Kevin Bearne aka Cefn De Bearne member in good standing Company (2) not James Balfour, an Equity (14) not Sally Davies, an Equity D (Labyrinth Ray DaltonProductions) (Excel Entertainments).

(6) notmember Mark Hudson, Equity in goodan standing (8) not Stan Smithstanding of Saatchi & Michael DurberVIPâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Group, AKA MickAppleyard member in good member in good standing c Capital Scotty Clark Saatchi advertising agency (3) not Bronia Buchanan of (AppleyardEntertainment) .

D4M Limited (15) not John Mortimer, an Equity (7) not Millennium Actors Agency trading as Clark Sutherland Arts & Buchanan Associates, London (9) not Peter Baldwin, an Equity (Julia Charles) member in good standing Personal Management Entertainments, Karen Lesley Clarke goodLimited standing Graham of West (16) notmember E EntertainmentInBusiness(Antony TalismaninFilms (8)(4) notnot Peter TalbotAssociates of the â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Williams Organisation, Steve Coxâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bishop),ExcelEntertainment (RayDalton).

(10) not Sally Davies, Equity and not Jason Karl ofanTalisman Yorkshire Rude Mechanical Theatre Pizzazz Productions, Crazy Horses Eddie Bloom â&#x20AC;&#x201C;BloomFestival, Elchris Group Ltd Company Television memberProductions in good standing (5) not Mark Hudson, an Equity Entertainment (Martin Marhall), Richard F Fish Out Of Water Restaurant ,Mr & (17) not Bronia of Equity (9) notmember Donald Jones, Equity in goodan standing (11) not JohnBuchanan Mortimer, an Curson (Tangible Media Limited).

Mrs Melville.

Buchanan London member in good standing, or (6) not Millennium Actors Agency memberAssociates, in good standing Gd Mark (Wendy House RayGreenhouse Dalton (Excel Entertainments).

34 34/ /

SUMMER spring 2013 2015

LIVE PERFORMANCE HELP DESK 020 7670 0237 Live performance 7670 0237 BULLYING HELPLINE Help desk 020020 7670 0268 Bullying helpline 7670 0268 ADVICE AND RIGHTS HELPLINE 020020 7670 0223 Advice and rights helpline 020 7670 0223 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES 020 7670 0219 Subscription enquiries 020 7670 0207 BRITISH EQUITY COLLECTING SOCIETY 020 7670 0350 British Equity Collecting society 020 7670 0350 HEAD OFFICE HEAD OFFICE Guild house, Upper St Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, London WC2H 9EG house, Upper St Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, London WC2H 9EG Tel:Guild 020 7379 6000 Fax: 020 7379 7001 Tel: 020 7379 6000 Fax: 020 7379 7001 Email: info@equity.org.uk Web: www.equity.org.uk Email: info@equity.org.uk Web: www.equity.org.uk EQUITY OFFICERS (Officers direct line: 020 7670 0263) EQUITY OFFICERS (Officers direct line: 020 7670 0263) Malcolm Sinclair President Malcolm Jean RogersSinclair President Vice President Ian Barritt Vice President Natasha Gerson Vice President Charlotte Vice President Bryn Evans Cornwell Honorary Treasurer Bryn Evans Honorary Treasurer EQUITY STAFF EQUITYcontact: STAFF To call a member of Equityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head office staff, Telephone To calland a member of Equityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head dialTelephone: 020 7379 6000 at the prompt press the office asterixdial and020 dial7379 the 6000 andextension at the prompt press after the asterix and dial the three three figure in brackets the relevant name below.figure extension in brackets after the relevant name below.

Email contact: To email a member of Equityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head office staff, type To email a member of in Equityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s officenotype the initial theEmail: initial and the second name, lower head case with spaces or and surname infollowed lower case with no spaces followed by @equity.org.uk punctuation, by @equity.org.uk.

GENERAL SECRETARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Department 7379 6074) GENERAL SECRETARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DEPARTMENT (fax(fax 020020 7379 6074) Christine Payne General General Secretary (155) Christine Payne Secretary (155) Duncan Smith Head of Finance (130) Duncan Smith Head of Finance (130) Louise McMullan Policy Development Officer Louise McMullan Policy Development Officer & Assistant to General Secretary (160) & Assistant to General Secretary (160) Stephen Spence Assistant Assistant General Secretary, Industrial Stephen Spence General Secretary, Industrial andand

Organising (133) Organising (133) LIVE PERFORMANCE 7670 0265) LIVE PERFORMANCE (fax(fax 020020 7670 0265) Hilary Hadley Department Department head, Opera & Dance Organiser (136) Hilary Hadley head, Opera & Dance Organiser (136) Mike Variety Organiser (135) Mike DayDay Variety Organiser (135) Virginia Wilde West End Organiser (139) Virginia Wilde West End Organiser (139) Paul Fleming London Area Theatre Organiser (138) Paul Fleming London Area Theatre Organiser (138) Emmanuel PayAssistant No Pay Organiser Beth Doran de Lange Low Organising (134) (137) Beth Doran Organising Assistant (134) RECORDED MEDIA (fax 020 7836 5313) RECORDED MEDIA (fax 020head 7836and 5313) John Barclay Department John Barclay Department head(146) and PACT TV Organiser PACTâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Organiser (146) Ian Bayes BBC TV Organiser (152) IanMessenger Bayes BBC TV Organiser (152) Organiser (149) Laura Films & Contract Enforcement Laura Messenger ITVFilms & Contract Enforcement Organiser (149) Cathy Sweet & Radio Organiser (153) & Radio Organiser TimCathy Gale Sweet TV ITV Commercials Organiser(153) (145) TimPaulin Gale TV Commercials Organiser (145) (144) Emily Recruitment and Retention Organiser COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERS SUPPORT 7240 6341) COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERS SUPPORT (fax(fax 020020 7240 6341) Martin Brown Assistant Assistant General Secretary (159) Martin Brown General Secretary (159) Matt Hood Department head, C&MS (166) Matt Hood Department head, C&MS (166) Pemberton Campaigns Campaigns Publications Officer (111) PhilPhil Pemberton andand Publications Officer (111) Louise Grainger Marketing Marketing Training Officer (114) Louise Grainger andand Training Officer (114) Emma Cotton Tax & Welfare Rights Officer (151) Max Beckmann Tax & Benefits Officer & Equalities Officer (151) Alan Lean Welfare Rights Organiser (157) Alan Lean TaxTax andand Welfare Rights Organiser (157) Martin Kenny Legal Legal Claims Referral Officer (125) Martin Kenny Claims Referral Officer (125) Steve Rice Recruitment Organiser (172) Steve Rice Recruitment Organiser (172) Andrew Whiteside Recruitment Recruitment Organiser 0161 5995 Andrew Whiteside Organiser 0161 244244 5995 south East office SOUTH EAST OFFICE John Ainslie South East Organiser John Ainslie South East Organiser Equity, Upper St Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, WC2H 9EG Equity, Upper St Martinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lane, WC2H 9EG 7670 0229 email: southeastengland@equity.org.uk tel: tel: 020020 7670 0229 email: southeastengland@equity.org.uk scotland AND Northern Ireland office SCOTLAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE Lorne Boswell Scotland Scotland Northern Ireland Lorne Boswell andand Northern Ireland Drew McFarlane Organisers Drew McFarlane Organisers Equity, Union Street, Glasgow 3QQ Equity, 114114 Union Street, Glasgow G1G1 3QQ 0141 2472 email: scotland@equity.org.uk tel: tel: 0141 248248 2472 email: scotland@equity.org.uk

northernireland@equity.org.uk northernireland@equity.org.uk North West office NORTH WEST OFFICE Jamie Briers North West Organiser Jamie Briers North West Organiser Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester 5DL Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4M4 5DL 0161 5995 email: northwestengland@equity.org.uk tel: tel: 0161 244244 5995 email: northwestengland@equity.org.uk North East office NORTH EAST OFFICE Max Beckmann North North East Organiser Nigel Jones East Organiser Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester Equity, The Workstation, 15 Paternoster Row, Sheffield S1M4 2BX5DL 0161 5995 email: mbeckmann@equity.org.uk tel: tel: 0114 275244 9746 email: northeastengland@equity.org.uk Wales and South West office WALES AND SOUTH WEST OFFICE Simon Curtis Wales & South West Organiser Simon Curtis Wales & South West Organiser Equity, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD Equity, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD 2039 7971 email: wales@equity.org.uk

tel: tel: 029029 2039 7971 email: wales@equity.org.uk

southwestengland@equity.org.uk southwestengland@equity.org.uk Midlands office MIDLANDS OFFICE Johnson Midlands Organiser TimTim Johnson Midlands Organiser Equity, Office 1, Steeple House, Percy Street, Coventry CV1 3BY Equity, Office 1, Steeple House, Percy Street, Coventry CV1 3BY 02476 553612 email: midlands@equity.org.uk tel: tel: 02476 553612 email: midlands@equity.org.uk EQUITY MAGAZINE EDITORIAL 7836 5976) EQUITY MAGAZINE EDITORIAL (fax(fax 020020 7836 5976) Pemberton PhilPhil Pemberton 7670 0211 email: ppemberton@equity.org.uk tel: tel: 020020 7670 0211 email: ppemberton@equity.org.uk EQUITY MAGAZINE PRINTING EQUITY MAGAZINE PRINTING Jeremy Littlestone, TUInk, Jeremy Littlestone, TUInk, tel: 020 7729 9425 email: jeremy@tuink.co.uk tel: 020 7729 9425 email: jeremy@tuink.co.uk EQUITY MAGAZINE ADVERTISING EQUITY MAGAZINE ADVERTISING Nicky Peacock, Sales Manager, Mainline Media Nicky Peacock, Sales Manager, Mainline Media 01536 747333 email: nicky.peacock@mainlinemedia.co.uk tel: tel: 01536 747333 email: nicky.peacock@mainlinemedia.co.uk Publication of advertisement an advertisement does imply form Publication of an does notnot imply anyany form of of recommendation.

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