EquityUK - Winter Magazine 2016

winter 2016 www.equity.org.uk

Jackie Clune on being a Dep and a performing parent Denville Hall celebrates 90 years Report from TUC Conference

Daniel Evans

Director discusses career, auditions & equalities

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Contents News

04 BBC pay plans 06 Welcome the new AGS

Success stories 10 12

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Equity members in LA Online Branch launch

Cover story 08 Daniel Evans

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20 Play Fair update 21 Young Workers month

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14 Denville Hall 18 TUC report 24 Jackie Clune

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Features

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front of house

upfront

Rule change referendum

Publishing BBC salaries is “voyeuristic intrusion” The government has demanded that the BBC publish salaries of those working at the corporation earning more than £150k. The union opposes this unfair exposure of private details The Government’s instruction to the BBC that it must publish the salaries of actors, presenters, journalists and others who earn more than £150,000 a year has met with a storm of outrage.

It is Equity’s view that this is a voyeuristic intrusion into the personal lives of those affected and while the government asserts

that licence fee payers have a right to know, the proposal is of no value unless the viewing public has a comparison of pay across the TV and radio industry so they can judge if BBC salaries are value for money.

Equity General Secretary Christine Payne said: “Equity is consulting with lawyers and has warned the BBC that publishing the

salaries of Equity members who work for the BBC could be in breach of both their individual contracts and also of the Data Protection Act.” Although the government has not consulted with Equity or any other trade union on this decision, Equity has left ministers in no doubt about its views.

Meet the new vice-presidents

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Following the recent election of Malcolm Sinclair as the union’s President, the Equity Council has elected Maureen Beattie and Ian Barritt (pictured) as vice-presidents for the 2016 to 2018 Council term. Bryn Evans has been re-elected unopposed as honorary treasurer.

These posts are termed ‘Officers’ of the union and are vitally important in representing the interests of members at the highest level of Equity. The final Officer is Christine Payne, the union’s General Secretary, who is elected every five years by the members.

Members wishing to contact any of the Officers, or members of the Council, can email them via their page on the Equity website: www.equity.org.uk/council

www.equity.org.uk

Included with this magazine is a referendum on a change to the union’s rules which, among other items, will allow branches to declare their support for a candidate for Council or President in forthcoming elections.

A change to the union’s rules requires a referendum of members and the items to be considered in the latest change are: a wording change concerning the election of the young members Councillor and the General Secretary, plus the ability for branches to support candidates for President or Council. Please fill in the forms that accompany this magazine and you can vote online via the Equity website. The referendum closes at 12 noon on 2 December.

Pay attention! Be aware of updated audition expenses Employers will provide new forms with improved terms Equity has negotiated significant improvements to the expenses rules which govern auditions in London’s West End and the commercial theatre sector.

The new rules mean that for auditions 3–5 held in central London: travel expenses can be claimed for all artists travelling from outside London Zone 4; from audition 6 onwards the artist can claim for travel from outside London or any London Zone – all on presentation of receipts within a week of the audition.

Equity is determined to make sure that all artists who are eligible know the rules for claiming and are getting their fair dues, and so a new information campaign is about to launch at venues and rehearsal rooms nationwide to remind artists to claim and spread awareness about this entitlement. Watch out for the posters and social media!

More information on the detail of the agreement can be found here: www.equity.org.uk/ audition-expense-guidelines

Christine Payne General Secretary

Attending the FIA Congress in Brazil highlighted the importance of connecting with performers’ trade unions and guilds from across the globe People join Equity for many reasons, but the vast majority of members understand that by joining together we can achieve more. That principle is one the union stands by in its partnerships with sister organisations both in the UK and worldwide. This is significantly demonstrated by our recent presence at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) conference in Brighton and the International Federation of Actors (FIA) 21st World Congress in Brazil.

I was a member of the union’s delegation to the TUC and I am very proud that Equity played a key part in the conference and received the support of fellow trade unionists on our motions about the role of atypical workers (the majority of Equity members) and defending Channel 4 from privatisation. Huge thanks to Equity Councillors Ian Barritt (vice president), Tanya Moodie, Nicola Hawkins and Adam Burns who represented you magnificently at the TUC, both in the conference hall and outside at fringe meetings and receptions (more on page 18).

After the TUC, I attended the FIA Congress in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with Stephen Spence (deputy for the general secretary) and Ian Barritt. FIA is a global federation of performers’ trade unions, guilds and professional associations representing the interests of the broad range of entertainment professionals. It represents hundreds of thousands of performers with some 90 member organisations in more than 60 countries.

The Congress takes place every four years and the theme for 2016 was ‘Acting for Diversity’ highlighting the importance this issue holds for professionals across the world. The FIA Congress, and indeed any FIA meeting, is a fantastic opportunity to share experiences and knowledge on the challenges facing members of our fellow unions around the world, on how we can work better to protect our members from exploitation and how we can work together on international deals and agreements that ensure artists receive what is their due. The Congress focused on equal opportunities

and the fight against any form of discrimination, a theme of immense relevance to the livelihood of many performers and very close to Equity’s heart.

The FIA Global Diversity Working Group was set up to lead FIA’s work on diversity and equal opportunity across all protected groups and categories. Other issues discussed included discriminatory practices in international productions, remuneration for on-demand use in the digital environment and access to core labour rights for atypical workers.

There was also an update on the progress of the Beijing Treaty on Audio Visual Performances. The Treaty aims to give performers a share in revenues generated internationally by audiovisual productions and brings the rights of audiovisual performers in line with those of recording artists. To be binding it needs to be ratified by 30 countries and so far only 16 countries have done so. This does not include either the EU or the UK, so it will be a priority issue for our Parliamentary Reception in December.

Finally, at the end of this year Martin Brown, our assistant general secretary (Communication & Membership Support), will leave Equity after 24 years. Martin has been an enormously valuable colleague to me personally and a tireless worker for the members of this union. As the first leader of the department he has overseen an unprecedented growth in membership, which currently stands at more than 41,000, with the addition of almost 5,000 student members. This has contributed hugely to the financial stability of Equity and the participation of members in the unions’ democratic structures and activities. Under his leadership the department has also won numerous awards for its communications.

In all trade unions passions can run high over certain issues. Martin has always dealt with members’ views with empathy, great understanding and honesty. I know you will join me in wishing him every success in his future endeavours and welcome Matt Hood who picks up the baton to become our new assistant general secretary (Communication & Membership Support).

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front of house

In brief...

Annual Get our Conference tax guide

The 2015 Annual A taxunion’s guide is produced annually to Representative will be tax assist members Conference who are filing their in London on 17 and 18 May. returns.

It includes details on The deadline for motions on important areas such is asnoon record12 Marchand and for amendments keeping allowable expenses. noon on 17itApril.

Download fromThe 2016 ARC will take place in Bristol on 21, 22 www.equity.org.uk/tax-guide and 23 May.

Conference 2017 BBC dealfor the 2017 Annual The timetable

The union has reached an has been Representative Conference interim The agreement with BBC is 13 agreed. deadline for the motions Minimum for main artists March andfees for amendments 21 are April. up byConference 2.5% and supporting artists The will take place in and walk-ons London on 21 fees & 22have May.also been increased by 1%. The agreement also includes a pre-purchase of certain rights. The deal is effective Equity Branch rules from 1 October 2014.have changed to allow members to access meetings by remote means, such as Skype.

Skype your branch Exhibit B show Equity strongly opposes Brexit and and the arts censorship is extremely

Equity has that contributed evidence to the concerned this show Culture Media and Sport Select was forced to close.

The union’s Committee’s Inquiryisinto consistent position thatthe it impact of Brexit on artistic the creative industries. If you supports freedom would like to share your experience of of expression. how Brexit is affecting your work contact lmcmullan@equity.org.uk

Pobol y Cwm award Welsh soap opera Pobol y Cwm Committee has received a special elections Bafta

Matt joins Equity’s leadership team Matt Hood has been appointed Assistant General Secretary overseeing membership and comms Matt Hood has taken over the role of assistant general secretary for communication and membership support. He succeeds Martin Brown, who is leaving Equity after 24 years’ service.

“I want to pay tribute to Martin’s dedication and hard work,” said Matt (pictured). “I have had the privilege of working with him for many years and I aim to build on the great success he has made of the department.”

Matt’s previous role was Equity’s head of the communication and membership support department and he has worked for the union for 12 years.

“It’s an exciting time for Equity as our membership continues to grow and the demand for high quality communications rises with it,” Matt added. “We will be launching a new website next year and there are a number of

projects on the way that will make being a member of Equity even more essential for professionals in the entertainment industry.”

The department has also recently appointed a new membership co-ordinator, Sam Rhodes.

Sam joins Equity from his role as membership manager at BAFTA. At the latest TUC Communication Awards the union received two prizes. The Equity magazine was Commended and the judges praised it for reflecting the diversity of the union’s membership and its attractive and effective design. The union also won a Highly Commended prize in the campaigns section for its #BackTheBBC campaign. The judges were impressed with how well the union mixed print and digital techniques.

Directing your career The union is stepping up its recruitment drive to encourage directors to join. Equity is the trade union for directors and it is the only recognised body that negotiates agreements with the major employers such as UK Theatre. Daniel Evans (see page 8) features in our new recruitment materials, which will be available soon. For more, see www.equity.org.uk/directors

The imetable the 2017 honouring thefor show’s 40thround of elections of national, industrial, anniversary.

The award was specialist equality committees has presentedand at an event at Roath been The nomination Lock announced.

Studios in Cardiff Bay. forms will posted todirector members Hannah Raybould, of with the Spring editionpresented of the Equity Bafta Cymru, the magazine and the online nomination site goes accolade to actor Gareth Lewis, live Wednesday February. whoon accepted it on 8 behalf of the Nominations cast and crew.close at 12 noon on Friday, 12 May. Ballots will be posted to members on Wednesday 6 June and the ballot closes 12 noon on Friday, 14 July.

Equity’s West Coast network in the US is having an event to connect with fellow members living or The Council has Angeles acceptedor that Equity working in Los nearby. cannot change theon way the UK insurance It will take place 5 November, industry andand hasthe encouraged 7.30pm –operates 10.30pm venue members use price sites is Timmyto Nolan’s barcomparison on Riverside for the best deals and to appeal to the Drive, CA 91602.

Financial Ombudsman Service if they feel they have been unfairly treated.

US network

Car insurance

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winter 2016

www.equity.org.uk

Changing

meet the membership

Direction Daniel Evans has recently been appointed the artistic director of Chichester Festival Theatre. Here he talks about auditions, the career path for directors and the best pub in the cathedral city Photography Glenn Ashley Interview Phil Pemberton

Q

You’re an actor/director; does your experience of auditioning make it easier when you’re running them?

I hope so. I spend time making sure that the audition environment is conducive to actors giving their best. For example, I hate sitting behind a table and I try and make it as much of a chat as possible, so I hope my insight from being on the other side of the fence helps. You do want people to be prepared, because if they haven’t it doesn’t bode well for a disciplined rehearsal process.

Although I am the type of actor who probably over-prepares and that can be detrimental because you want some spontaneity. I’m also on ensemble alert, as it were, thinking: “Will this personality work in the company?”

Q

What do artistic directors and executive directors disagree on most?

If you’re lucky there aren’t any disagreements because you both have decided on the same objectives and direction of travel for the organisation, but it can happen. If you do disagree, the most important thing is that the conversation remains behind closed doors. Particularly for large organisations, such as Sheffield or Chichester, staff need to see a united front otherwise it can get confusing.

Q

The role of an artistic director has evolved over time. What are the elements you enjoy most?

Luckily for me, I like all of it! The thing that surprised me, because before I went to Sheffield

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I’d never run a building, was how much pleasure there is in getting a group of staff together and working on a joint project. It’s a similar process to what happens in a rehearsal room with actors. I particularly enjoy meeting audiences, because after all that’s why we’re here - I like to

Directors on the fringe often have to produce and market their work, which is exhausting.” know what people think. Fundraising has also been part of the role throughout the years; take the example of Laurence Olivier, who was the first artistic director of Chichester.

Q

Is the pathway to a career more difficult for a director or an actor?

I would say it’s currently more difficult as a director. That’s partly because the proliferation of TV and film has given actors more chances. They used to go to the regional reps to train and then move to the capital in theatre and then eventually move on to film. For a director there are a limited number of opportunities. Even the fringe is difficult because directors often have to produce and

market their own work, which is rewarding but also exhausting. I talk to many directors who have produced two or three shows on the fringe and are now looking to graduate to the regional theatres or national companies. They find that leap incredibly hard. In part that’s because it’s hard to get potential employers to see their work but also because they’re being asked to work on a much larger canvas. Until someone gives you a chance at that scale, it’s hard to practise.

Q

You are one of the founding members of diversity campaign group Act For Change. Why is it important to you?

It was the idea of the actor Danny Lee Wynter and I got involved at an early stage because I agreed with his passion about these issues. It feels more important than ever to campaign for a diversity of voices to be heard following the referendum. Society is becoming polarised both politically and economically. This means we need to make sure that our organisations are open and welcoming to different kinds of people, that the plays we put on are representative of the world as we know it, so that people can see themselves reflected in art. When we start closely guarding our own interests and values it becomes dull – we are poorer for it. Where there is a variety of voices we are richer.

Q

What’s the best pub in Chichester?

This will be controversial! The place I love going is the Crown & Anchor in Dell Quay. It’s lovely, you can sit out and you’re literally next to the water. However, if I ask the actors here, they would all probably say The Bell, which is close to the theatre.

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success stories

Puppeteers gain a greater voice in Equity

Equity’s Los Angeles garden party was hosted

by Joanne Froggatt, right, and was enjoyed by members living or working in LA such as Remi Majekodunmi and Troy Titus-Adams, below right, and Martin Jarvis, below left

Members network in Los Angeles

Following an open meeting of puppeteers in September, Equity has launched a Puppeteers’ Network.

Approximately 1,000 of Equity’s members identify themselves as being puppeteers and consequently the open meeting was very well attended. It included representation from across the spectrum of puppeteering from traditional Punch and Judy through to members working in theatre, television and film.

Equity’s contracts in theatre and recorded media have always covered puppeteers, considering them as artists or performers. There are also standard contracts that individuals can use for one-off bookings. A network, however, will bring closer cooperation between puppeteers and Equity when such contracts are being negotiated and highlight particular issues that members face when working as puppeteers.

The meeting identified that there can sometimes be a misunderstanding by employers about the role of a puppeteer. Frequently their work crosses over into design, making puppets and technical advice and they may not be paid for these additional roles. There were also examples given of injuries where the physical side of operating puppets has not been sufficiently understood by employers.

If you wish to join the Puppeteers’ Network or learn more please email Mike Day at mday@equity.org.uk

Kyle Espeleta.

Equity hosts a series of network events in North America each year to connect with members who are working or based there

More than 250 Equity members celebrated the fourth anniversary of the union’s US West Coast network in September.

The annual garden party in Los Angeles was hosted this year by Joanne Froggatt and was kindly supported by Sipsmith Gin and Teapigs.

Further network events in North America followed the LA party, with receptions being held in Toronto in late

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September and New York in October.

The New York events included Q&As on casting and joining American Equity.

Equity’s member-led networks in the US and Canada are designed to bring members together who are living or working outside the UK. If you are not already registered with the local network, or if you are thinking of moving or working abroad, please contact toronto@equity.org.uk, la@equity.org.uk or nyc@equity.org.uk

Newzoids, the satirical puppet sketch show

www.equity.org.uk

Our business lags woefully behind other industries when it comes to carers’ rights”

Parents in Performing Arts plan aims to boost carers’ careers Campaign group supported by Equity announces research to create a Best Practice Charter for carers in our industry

Parents in Performing Arts (PIPA) has announced a first-of-its-kind Best Practice Action Research Project in partnership with 15 leading UK theatres and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (CSSD).

In the first phase of the project, research will be conducted in order to identify the barriers facing carers working in the performing arts. Based on these findings, the project leaders will then suggest and test possible solutions to these barriers.

The final outcome will be a Best Practice Charter to be embedded in Family Arts Standards in conjunction with the Family and Childcare Trust as well as other performing arts industry guidelines.

PIPA is a consortium of 18 leading industry organisations including Equity.

In response to the project, Equity members and key PIPA advocates Claire Wyatt and Adam Burns released a joint statement that said: “We’re thrilled at the announcement of this research and excited to hear the

results and suggested best practice guidelines. Sadlly, our industry lags woefully behind other industries when it comes to our rights as carers, as well as offering creative solutions to caring responsibilities. Every day we hear of more talented people missing out on work and opportunities, or sacrificing precious family time to meet the unacceptable expectations of our industry or, at worst, leaving the profession altogether as they cannot make it work alongside raising a family or caring for others. It’s a desperate waste of talent and we hope this new initiative helps us move forward - fast!”

The project will be led by PIPA co-founders Cassie Raine and Anna Ehnold-Danailov with Dr Tom Cornford from CSSD. Find out more about PIPA at: www.pipacampaign.com

Patrick Stewart at Cardiff branch The Cardiff & south Wales General Branch were delighted to welcome Patrick Stewart to a special event in Cardiff while he was performing at the New Theatre in No Man’s Land. An audience of more than 100 members of the branch heard Patrick talk about the role of Equity in the workplace and why it is more important than ever to join the union.

This was further illustrated by the programme for the play carrying a statement that all actors and stage managers on the production are proud members of the union.

Patrick also talked about the influences on his career and about his time at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, then took questions from the floor.

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success stories

Members unable to go their local branch meetings can now join the virtual branch online

was first raised in 2009 to give members who for personal reasons or geography could not attend Equity branch meetings and so did not have access to that aspect of Equity’s decisionmaking structure.

A working party of members worked with Equity’s website providers on creating an online entity which closely matched the workings of meetings of Equity’s face-to-face geographic branches.

At the heart of the Online Branch is a forum, called the Chat Room, where any issue can be raised by a member. At any time, a member of the Branch can choose to convert one of these informal discussions into a motion by pressing the ‘Move to debate’ option.

The Online Branch moderator, the online equivalent of a branch chair, puts the motion on to an agenda and gives it a timeframe for discussion and invites someone to second it. The mover and seconder make postings in favour of the motion.

• Entertainment industry specialists • New client discount for Equity members • Free initial chat

#TaxMadeSimple 01905 706050 info@theataccounts.co.uk www.theataccounts.co.uk Members of the branch can also make one posting each during the discussion.

Any member can move an amendment to the motion, which in turn must be seconded and debated.

When the moderator has closed the discussion the mover of the motion gets a ‘right of reply’ posting then votes are

One of the key benefits of Equity membership is legal protection. The union works on behalf of members on numerous cases each year and here are a few recent examples of legal successes.

A member suffered a broken leg on stage. The question of blame was quickly resolved in her favour, but despite active ongoing support and rehabilitation (paid for by the insurers) her injuries continued to trouble her and affect her ability to work. The knowledge that Equity and its solicitors had as to the nature of the member’s work, and the earnings involved, were crucial in the successful resolution of the claim and a payment of £39,000 to the member.

A further case involved a young actor who suffered significant knee injuries when negligently knocked from her bicycle by a van driver in London traffic. The case was successfully resolved upon the payment of £40,000 to the member, who is now working normally once again. www.equity.org.uk/legal-support

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winter 2016

The RTF helps people from ALL areas of the entertainment industry – not just actors and singers – but dancers, stage management, directors, front of house and backstage staff.

If you have worked professionally for a reasonable period of time and are experiencing financial hardship due to sickness or injury, we may be able to help.

Contact us on 020 7836 3322 All applications for help are treated in the strictest confidence.

Equity’s legal help for members

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oyal

Theatrical Fund

union launches first Online Branch Equity has launched an Online Branch to enable members who cannot attend a geographic branch a full part in the democratic structure of the union.

Similar to the existing general and variety branches, the Online Branch will be able to put policy requests to the union’s Council.

As far as Equity can ascertain, it is the first trade union in the world to create an online branch.

Members can sign up to the Online Branch by visiting the members area of the union’s website.

It has had a six-month trial and during that time there have been many discussions in the Online Branch chat room.

Topics have included unpaid dancers in pantomimes, bogus model agencies, working in music videos and the crisis in housing. This last topic became the subject of a motion from the Online Branch to the Equity Council.

The idea of an Online Branch

The

11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR Email: admin@trtf.com www.trtf.com Reg Charity No. 222080

conducted, firstly on any amendments and finally on the motion.

Now the Online Branch has been officially launched there will be elections for a branch committee. To take part, simply login to the Equity website members area to register for the Online Branch. www.equity.org.uk/online-branch

Stage managers Members across the globe celebrated International Stage Management Day on Monday, 10 October.

It is a day where stage managers share their work and ideas and for the public to find out more about those who contribute so much to productions of all types. Many shared their working day on social media, where their fellow members thanked them for their work and #stagemgrs16 became a Twitter trend.

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90

Denville Hall

Years young Denville Hall, the retirement home for entertainment professionals, celebrates its 90th birthday this year Words Kate Wilson Illustrations Anna Wray

I

t was ninety years ago when Alfred Denville first welcomed actors to live in Northwood Hall, as it was then known, and he did so in memory of his son. Jack was an actor who died aged just 26 after an injury sustained onstage that reactivated earlier damage he had suffered during the First World War. Alfred Denville made his fortune as a theatre owner before becoming a member of Parliament and perhaps he also missed the hustle and bustle of the theatre when he chose to open the newly named Denville Hall as a retirement home for actors and

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members of the theatrical profession.

Actors needing support in later life took up residence at the magnificent manor house not too far from central London and therefore easily ‘visitable’ by those still treading the boards of the West End theatres. A visitors’ book with entries starting as early as 1925 still rests in the foyer today.

The names read like a roll call of the best of British theatre from the period, a testament to the commitment the profession showed in supporting the older generation.

It was through the partnership with the

Denville Hall

Denville is bustling with activity. Residents are in the bar with friends or catching up with their families over lunch - it is a home in the truest sense” Actors’ Charitable Trust (now the Actors’ Children’s Trust, ACT) that Denville Hall started a lengthy, fruitful working relationship with both Richard Attenborough and Sheila Sim. Lord Attenborough became the chairman of TACT and of Denville Hall, while Lady Attenborough led a refurbishment of the Hall and the building of a new wing to improve the accommodation in the late 1960s. The Attenboroughs remained an essential, integral part of

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Denville Hall for some 50 years and their commitment to the residents was unwavering.

“The history of Denville Hall is undoubtedly wonderful – the generosity of its founder, the beautiful Hall, the photographs of the film and theatre icons who have lived there – but it is the present that is really remarkable,” says actor Simon Russell Beale, the current president of Denville Hall. “It’s bustling with activity. Residents are in the bar with friends, catching up with their families over lunch, enjoying the performances of visiting musicians or dressed for the theatre thanks to live streaming, a hugely appreciated gift from the National Theatre.

“Denville Hall is a home in the truest sense and it is a privilege to be part of it, now and for the future.”

Lord Attenborough was a phenomenal fundraiser for Denville Hall, introducing the organisation to actress and philanthropist Baroness Jeanne de Rothschild, the Hall’s largest benefactor to date.

Her legacy is celebrated every August on what would have been her birthday and the Hall’s dementia wing is named in her honour, Jeanne’s Wing.

From 2001 to 2004, current chair Lalla Ward led the redevelopment of part of the Hall to provide bespoke accommodation for people living with dementia. Denville Hall has worked in partnership with Dementia Care Matters to become a Butterfly Household, delivering a model of dementia care that is personcentred and relationship-focused.

The Butterfly Household model of dementia care has become one of the cornerstones of the Hall’s plan to become a model of best practice in the care sector.

“Lalla Ward and the Trustees have achieved something quite marvellous. They have created a vibrant theatrical community,” says actor and Denville Hall ambassador Patrick Stewart. “The resident actors are given the best care and support imaginable, but Lalla’s vision encompasses much more than that.

Residents’ independence, interests and

Residents’ independence, interests and passions are encouraged, and their work is celebrated” passions are encouraged, and their work in the theatre is celebrated. It is so important that this extraordinary community is secured for future generations of actors.”

The future of Denville Hall is in safe hands. Chair Lalla Ward and vice-chair Geraldine James both worked alongside Lord Attenborough and have supported Denville Hall for many years. They are, in turn, backed by a committed, engaged Board of Trustees, who bring a variety of skills and experience to the table.

The Trustees were delighted when Simon Russell Beale CBE agreed to become Denville Hall’s president earlier this year, a role previously fulfilled by Lord Attenborough. Simon is supported by a team of Ambassadors including Kim Cattrall, Charles Dance, Richard Eyre, Michael Frayn, Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Patrick Stewart, Tom Stoppard, David Suchet and Lord Winston.

For more information about how you can support Denville Hall visit www.denvillehall.org.uk

www.equity.org.uk

Handing on the baton Simon Russell Beale follows the example of Richard Attenborough in his support of dENVILLE Actor Simon Russell Beale was appointed this year to the position of president of Denville Hall. He follows Richard Attenborough in this role, the man who did so much to make Denville the flourishing retirement home it is today.

There is a large group of ‘Friends of Denville Hall’, many of whom are part of The Actors’ Children’s Trust. These kind people are members of the profession who care and support the hall in many different ways.These can include arranging personalised theatre visits, where a performer in a play can help organise some matinee performance tickets and sometimes tea with a cast member. Please contact the Denville Hall office if you would

like to become a Friend of Denville Hall. They always welcome new members and they will also keep you up to date with the latest news about the home.

Call 01923 825843 or email: kate.wilson@ denvillehall.org.uk

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TUC conference

Tackling the taxing issues

Equity’s delegation consisted of Christine Payne, General Secretary (above), Nicola Hawkins, Tanya Moodie and Louise McMullan (pictured L-R, left) Ian Barritt, vice president, Stephen Spence, deputy for the general secretary, and Adam Burns

The Equity delegation played a major role in the recent Trades Union Congress in Brighton. Proposals about the role of atypical workers, which covers the majority of Equity members, Channel 4, diversity and mental health got the backing of fellow trade unionists Photography Andrew Wiard and Jess Hurd

T

he annual Trades Union Congress (TUC) is a forum where Equity seeks support from the wider trade union movement on matters that concern the entertainment industry.

Equity’s proposals for this year centred on defending Channel 4 (C4) from privatisation, the role of atypical workers, diversity in broadcasting and the mental well-being of performers. All of these motions were passed by the Congress.

Equity’s vice president Ian Barritt proposed the union’s motion on C4, which was seconded by the National Union of Journalists. He said: “The privatisation of C4 represents a fundamental threat to the UK’s media freedom and plurality. The pressure to pursue profits akin to the 20% enjoyed by ITV would lead – according to C4 estimates – to budget cuts of up to £200m in the making of programmes.”

Deputy for the general secretary Stephen Spence took to the podium to propose Equity’s motion on atypical workers. “Equity members are often in atypical freelance work. Shortterm, low pay, no pay contracts,” he said. “And as if struggling for wages wasn’t bad enough the current government is advancing proposals that would see our members effectively having to do four tax returns each year as selfemployed professional workers. Equity

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requires engagers and government to be fair, respectful and decent or self-employed atypical workers will fight by lobbying and campaigning to hold them to account.”

Actress Tanya Moodie was due to speak and second sister union BECTU’s motion about the transparency and accountability of broadcasters on Diversity. However, Tanya was called away to work, so General Secretary Christine Payne read her speech, that said: “The fundamental lack of diversity across the

As if struggling for wages wasn’t bad enough, the government wants our members to complete four tax returns a year”

creative industries is a central issue for me and my union – and it’s not a new concern. While artistic leaders have taken notice of and brought this issue to prominence recently – Equity first coined the phrase ‘integrated casting’, now called ‘inclusive casting’, in 1967 – and we’re still talking about it… By seeing diversity on our screens in stories that show what we have in common, we help create a more inclusive society. Because if we can see it, we can be it.”

Finally, stage manager Adam Burns seconded the Musicians’ Union motion on performers and mental health. He said: “Along with industry partners, especially BAPAM, our union has created a one-stop resource hub which can help arts workers get the support they need, when they need it – whether it is health, financial, relationship advice or immediate help in an emergency. That hub is www.artsminds.co.uk It’s very clear that there is a big problem with the mental health and well-being of performers and creative workers. Only by unions, industry partners and healthcare charities working together will we eradicate the stigma attached to mental illness and ensure workers in our sector have the quality of life we deserve.”

Other motions passed by Congress covered

Nicola Hawkins represented Equity in a section of the Congress called Reaching out to Young Workers

a range of issues including Brexit, attacks on migrant workers, the steel industry, the living wage and fair pay for young workers.

Several composite motions on industrial strategy, productivity and mental health were also included in the agenda. A number of emergency motions were also passed on Colombia, the current situation in Turkey/ solidarity with the Kurdish population, the Health and Safety Executive, selection in education, and support for the BMA and junior doctors and London Underground ticket office closures were also agreed, as was the TUC Campaign Plan 2016/17 that will focus on

www.equity.org.uk

Brexit and the impact of the Trade Union Act. The most contentious motion on the Congress agenda was Motion 11 After Paris: climate change, just transition and climate jobs, which had been submitted by the Transport Salaried Staff Association, with an amendment proposed and then withdrawn by BALPA (the British Airline Pilots Association).

The motion called for an end to airport expansion and a reduction in short-haul flights, which conflicts both with other unions’ interest in protecting jobs in the airline industry and established TUC policy on climate change.

Equity voted with the recommendation from

the TUC General Council to oppose the motion and it fell.

Meanwhile, Nicola Hawkins represented Equity in a special section of the Congress agenda called Reaching out to Young Workers, which followed the address from Frances O’Grady, the TUC general secretary. Nicola spoke from the platform about her own trade union activism and about Equity’s Professionally Made, Professionally Paid campaign. She appeared alongside young workers from the GMB and Unite and following the presentation gave an interview to BBC 5 Live.

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campaigns

Celebrating young workers Held in November every year, TUC Young Workers Month aims to promote trade unions to young workers and highlight the issues faced by young people in the workplace and beyond.

Young Workers Month is an opportunity for union activists and campaigners to reach out and inform young workers about trade unions, and to ensure that there are sufficient opportunities for young people to get involved and play an active role in shaping our movement. It’s also a chance for unions to demonstrate to young people that we are campaigning on the issues they care most about and that we are relevant to their lives – not just in November, but all year round.

Equity’s Young Members’ Committee have been active participants in TUC Young Workers Month since it began and 2016 will be no different. Thanks to a motion from the Young Members’ Committee at this year’s Annual Representative Conference, branches and committees across the union are encouraged to participate in Young Workers’ Month by organising their own activities and events to encourage our younger members to get more involved in our union at a local and national level. If your branch has not yet decided what it could do for November, contact the Young Members’ Committee for ideas at ymcom@equity.org.uk

Broadcasters begin diversity monitoring Members working in TV will soon be contacted by Diamond, the diversity monitoring system. Please take part in this scheme and show your support for greater equality on screen Equity welcomes the much anticipated and long-awaited launch of Diamond, the diversity analysis and monitoring system developed by the Creative Diversity Network on behalf of the UK’s main broadcasters.

Equity has been campaigning for some years to see employers across the creative industries collect and analyse equality information systematically. Consequently, we are glad to see the TV sector joining publicly funded theatre in taking this progressive step. When will we see film – where arguably the challenge is even steeper – and commercial theatre step up to this basic standard?

We know that making the system work will be challenging and that’s why we are running a campaign called Count Me In, which will support and encourage our members to have the confidence to take part in Diamond and show their support for the fight for greater equality on screen.

Equity will be watching closely. The industry-wide focus on diversity in recent years has been hamstrung by a fundamental lack of evidence – evidence

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that is crucial in holding employers to account. For the first time Diamond will deliver crucial data to track performance.

Rightly, expectations are high – and we will join with other campaigners, members of the public and others in holding the broadcasters to their commitments on diversity. Diamond will collect data from you

Monitoring is crucial in holding employers to account” through a secure link which will be sent to you by email, either to you directly, or through your agent. Have you been contacted by Diamond yet? Did you take part? Tell us more about your experience by emailing the union’s equalities officers: jwelch@equity.org.uk or hali@equity.org.uk

Further updates from the Play Fair campaign: Play Fair season at the Actors Centre The union is working with the Actors Centre on a season of activities set for early 2017 to highlight Equity’s Play Fair campaign. It will begin on 9 January and explore authentic portrayal of under-represented groups; accessibility; and how more diverse performers and practitioners can get into and get on in the industry.

Members’ feedback on castings Equity is grateful to all those who have sent their stories and thoughts about the casting process. We’re responding on a case by case basis to members and employers and will be featuring some articles on the website soon.

UK Theatre event On 8 November, UK Theatre is holding an event for its members focused on diversity in casting. UK Theatre is working with Tonic Theatre to develop a toolkit to assist its members to achieve their ambitions on diversity. Equity is part of the steering group for the day, which is focused on how to take more action and not just more talk.

www.equity.org.uk

Check out the Young Members’ Committee section of Equity’s website: bit.ly/EquityYMC for a list of planned events and make sure you’re following them on Twitter, via @EquityYMC, to keep up to date with all the latest young member activities.

March against the rise in tuition fees Government plans will deter those from low-income backgrounds from training in the performing arts Equity is supporting a demonstration called by the National Union of Students and University and Colleges Union on Saturday, 19 November in Central London. ‘United for Education’ will see thousands of students, teachers, lecturers and trade unionists march in opposition to government plans to lift the current cap on tuition fees and abolish maintenance grants for students from lower-income families.

In May this year, universities and science minister Jo Johnson MP outlined plans to allow higher education institutions to increase their tuition fees from the current £9,000 per year limit, in line with inflation.

These changes, which come into effect from 2017, will not just impact students who begin their studies or training from 2017 but will potentially apply to people who started their courses before that date.

A number of drama schools and universities have already indicated

their intention to raise their fees above the current £9,000 per year limit, with NUS estimates showing that tuition fees could rise to as much as £12,000 per year by 2026. At the same time, the government are also proposing to scrap maintenance grants for students from lowerincome families and replace them with maintenance loans – a move that has been widely condemned by drama school principals who believe the prospect of further debt will deter students from less economically privileged backgrounds from pursuing careers in the performing arts.

In September, the Equity Council approved a motion from the Young Members’ Committee calling for Equity to oppose any rises in tuition fees and to participate in the demonstration on 19 November.

Further details on the Equity Young Members’ Committee section of the website: bit.ly/EquityYMC

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Member offers 20 % off for Equity members

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

assist taxation services Assistance with the preparation and submission of self-assessment tax returns for Equity members who are required by HM Revenue & Customs to submit a return. Equity members receive an exclusive 20% discount off the normal fixed fee of £250. A further 10% discount is available to members for referrals. We also offer self-employed accounts preparation and tax advisory and planning services. For further details please contact Nasir Majeed on 07775 691009, email nasir@assisttaxationservices.co.uk

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, 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

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

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michael barnes hairdressing Equity members 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 at 224 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, 020 7836 7152.

photography HCK Photography is offering Equity members headshots/publicity shots for £95, a saving of £155. . For more information contact Kit at: 020 7112 8499. www.hckphotography.co.uk/equityoffer Scotland-based photographer Aly Wight is offering a 10% discount off headshots and location shots to members, see www.alywight.com

phoenix artist club Save 50% on annual membership. A private members’ club and licensed 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 £200 reduced to £100 on presentation of your paid-up Equity card. Please visit the club during opening hours to apply.

Special offer

At a casting and left something at home?

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

rac breakdown cover We’ve teamed up with the RAC to bring you a great deal: a potential 50% offRAC 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 call0800 096 6836 quoting EBS001

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

rex restaurants Chris Corbin and Jeremy King are keen supporters of the theatre and they have arranged for all members to receive 10% off any bill at their London restaurants. These are: The Wolseley, The Delaunay, The Counter at The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and Colbert.

See the Rex Restaurant website: www.rexra.com. for details of the different eateries. The offer is for an Equity member and up to five guests (i.e. six people in total). You need to show a valid Equity card as proof when you arrive at the restaurant.

stage newspaper Equity members can have 10 per cent off an annual subscription. This is available to all Equity members on both print and digital editions. To take advantage of this discount go to http://subscriptions.thestage.co.uk and select the version you require. Remember to include the code EQUI in the Promotional Code box.

travel lodge

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 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. Follow this link to do this: www.equity.org.uk/parking

A life free of glasses and contact lenses

Travelodge offer a 5% discount on bookings through their Business Account Service and they have agreed to extend this to Equity members. To register for this and set up an account, members need to phone Lauren Lisgo on 01844 358604, quoting Equity as their company name. This will then allow members to have access to the same corporate deal that Travelodge currently run.

Lauren will provide details to individual callers.

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.

Dr Amir Hamid FRCOphth Cert LRS is an experienced and internationally recognized refractive surgeon who can discuss all your options with you.

*assessment clinics for professional and student performers with performance–related health problems *directory of practitioners and clinicians

info@dramirhamid.com 02081334216 15 Harley St London

*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!

Charity No: 1083295

Develop Your Passion Apply now for the following programmes: • • • • • •

MA Ensemble Theatre MA Theatre for Young Audiences BA (Hons) Opera Studies (part-time, online learning) BA (Hons) Theatre Studies (part-time, online learning) Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in HE: Theatre and Performing Arts (PGCLTHE) 2017 Summer Masterclasses

bruford.ac.uk Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance, Lamorbey Park, Sidcup, Kent, DA15 9DF.

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Rose Bruford College MA Ensemble Theatre with Bral School of Acting.

Photo: mateusz.bral@gmail.com

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interview

Mum’s the word

Jackie is currently a member of Equity’s Stage Committee and was involved in negotiating the new Commercial Theatre Agreement

Jackie Clune has enjoyed a varied career from stand-up comedy to musical theatre lead and is currently appearing in the all-female Shakespeare Trilogy. Here, she discusses being an Equity Dep, negotiating union agreements and why the industry needs to play fair with parents Photography David Cotter Interview Phil Pemberton

I have been an Equity Deputy on a number of shows and I do it because I believe we are stronger together and I like to get involved. I’m a socialist. I went to university in the 1980s and shook buckets for the miners, so it’s part of my political education to be involved. I am often one of the older members of the cast these days and I’m in a principal role so I feel I can speak up for people who are less experienced. It also helps that I have worked in so many varied areas of the industry – I’ve seen the issues in the different workplaces first hand. So

when I work on a fringe, commercial theatre or a West End agreement I understand the different problems that can arise. I do come across actors who feel let down by the union over issues such as the West End agreement from nine years ago, and both older and younger members will say that the union has not got teeth. My response is: “Be the teeth!”

Because the more people join, the more people are active, the less managers can say no to us. That’s why I put myself forward to be part of the Stage Committee. At first, I was full of trepidation

I have worked in so many areas of the industry, I feel I can speak up for people less experienced” www.equity.org.uk

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interview I hoped would do so in the future. But my role that day was to express the frustrations over the current deal and why we needed changes. In the past I sometimes thought, “Why has Equity allowed that to happen?” when something in an agreement did not work for me, but now I have seen how hard-won the victories are. I am full of respect for the union’s staff who hit hard and fight to move millimetres forward in the negotiations. In the new commercial deal I was particularly happy with the new tiered structure, which means members will get more money if they’re working in a bigger theatre. Aside from the general rise in pay, I thought the big boost in the living-away allowance and proper terms for actor-musicians were also really satisfying.

I think the industry is lagging behind in supporting working parents and that’s why I proposed a motion on work schedules at the recent union conference and back the Parents in Performing Arts campaign. I’ve had some really good experiences with companies who have been incredibly inclusive, such as the Mama Mia international tour, but on other jobs I’ve been told: “Your children are not allowed in the theatre.” I’ve been lucky to have earned enough to afford childcare and I have a truly shared parenting partnership.

However, when I went to the PIPA launch I was really struck by the number of actors doing fringe work – the money is just not there for childcare. If you are a single parent it’s absolutely hopeless. I have wonderful actress friends who have children who recently said “I’m just going to have to retire because there’s no way I can make acting work, I don’t have the back-up and the pay is not there to afford help.” I actually thought for a long time that this was a soft issue – I’ve managed to bring up four children while working pretty much constantly – but now realise that economic support for parents and consideration are not widespread. It is a serious problem and it’s at the heart of how we view working as performers. I think that we are expected to give up everything to work in this industry, but many of us still want a family - we are entitled to a decent work/life balance just like everyone else.

There’s no money for childcare if you are working on the fringe” Jackie with her family at home.

She supports Parents in the Performing Arts and the rights to a decent work/life balance

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because I really hate the idea of committees and bureaucracy.

I am naturally rebellious and I was worried that it would be a drag. But I have learnt a lot from my first two years on the committee and now I’m in my second term I feel much more effective.

We all know that problems do arise on shows, but the dep is there to help solve them, not create them. Some managers are incredibly proactive and will say, “You’re the dep, is everything okay? Is everyone happy?” For example, I’ve always found the Donmar really good in that respect. But sometimes you have to work on the relationship with managers. I was

winter 2016

once on a UK tour and accidents were happening because of the short rehearsal periods and techs. It got to the point that the show had to be stopped for an hour at the interval and the cast were really unhappy. I did a ballot of the members and the majority did not want to go back on stage. So, I told the management and this prompted the issues to finally get resolved. I understand that people are anxious about putting themselves forward to be a dep but you’re not expected to be an expert on all the agreements and a friendly organiser is just a phone call away. I don’t think being a dep is detrimental to your relationship with the producers – the vast majority of managers realise that you are valuable resource.

I was part of the negotiating team for the new commercial theatre agreement and I’m pleased with the deal we got.

Before I was a member of the Stage Committee I was totally unaware of how torturous the process of getting an agreement can be. One aspect is the feedback from the members in the run-up to a claim. It’s really important we get those views because that’s what informs what we want to achieve. So, if you are approached with a questionnaire about an agreement please take the time to fill it in! Being part of the negotiations was a real eye opener for me. I walked into the room and there were two producers who had employed me recently and another one who

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I am currently performing in the Shakespeare Trilogy with the Donmar at King’s Cross.

It’s so exciting to be working on an all-female production. I’m also extremely proud to be part of a truly diverse cast. It’s a huge issue in our industry, despite great strides being made for and by BAME members, there are still some dinosaurs clinging to their privilege and claiming ownership of our culture. I am privileged to have learned first-hand from my wonderful black sisters about what it feels like to be marginalised twice over – as a woman and as a black actor. I also love learning from Harriet Walter, who is playing Prospero, Brutus and Henry IV all in one day. I love the fun that we have together as a company and I also love the young women and men coming to the shows and saying, “You know what? After five minutes I forgot you were all women.” Because we are women playing men it brings into question the whole notion of gender play and gender construction. It is absolutely fascinating.

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In appreciation

Peter Honri Yvonne Joseph and Chris Barltrop remember the variety artist and actor who served Equity for 20 years and helped save Wilton’s Music Hall

London

P

eter Honri was the fourth generation in a line of renowned variety entertainers. The inspiration for his long and successful career was his grandfather, Percy Honri, whom he sought to emulate. Percy, son of the music-hall performer Henry Thompson, was a child star of variety and music-hall as a clog dancer, boy tenor and on the concertina. The stagename Honri, later taken by the family as their off-stage surname, originated when a printer mis-spelled Percy’s correct billing of “Young Henri” – a result which appealed to Percy and he stuck to it from then on.

It was therefore no surprise when in 1951 Peter formed a jazz band called the High Curley Stompers. An accomplished musician, he inherited his grandfather’s talent on the concertina as well as his other musical abilities. Additionally to his natural talent as a performer, Peter became a renowned actor and his television credits include Hippies, Oliver Twist, Fanny By Gaslight, Nanny, Dad’s Army, Seven Faces of Woman, Upstairs Downstairs, Play For Today, The Edwardians, Armchair Theatre, A Matter of Innocence and Seven Deadly Sins. Peter also became an assistant director for television where his credits included Portrait of a Sinner, Davy, The Night My

Wilton's Music Hall Archive

Peter was immensely proud to sign the lease saying ‘return to original use’ for Wilton’s Music Hall” Number Came Up. His extensive theatre work was seen in Follies, Anything Goes, Belle Starr, Blitz, Uncle Vanya, Annie and Whose Life is it Anyway?

He met the love of his life, June Bernice, a professional ice-skater, through a mutual friend who suggested June stayed in the same digs in Brixton while she was performing at the Empress Hall. A romance bloomed, and the couple were married in October 1955 in Bournemouth.

Three children followed: Sarah, Caroline and Paul.

In line with his family tradition Peter retained a great affection for variety and actively supported causes to protect the profession. In 1972 he joined the fight for Wilton’s Music Hall and was part of the first trust for the Restoration of Wilton’s. This involved finding finance for

Brighton

leading

showbusiness accountants - The Stage

Over 50 years of excellence Breckman & Company Chartered Certified Accountants, Registered Auditors

the building and raising support from high-profile members of the profession. After lengthy campaigning and fundraising, Peter was immensely proud to finally sign the lease that said “return to original use”. Wilton’s Music Hall has been saved for future generations of entertainers, thanks largely to him. In 1978 he became the founder-director of the newly formed Music Hall Protection Society.

Peter’s family experience of variety was extensive so he decided to write books to pass on some of his knowledge for posterity. These included Lions Comique, Working The Halls, Music Hall Warriors, John Wilton’s Music Hall: The Handsomest Room In Town. His books are informative, well written and a joy to read.

From the 1960s through to the 1980s Peter served on the Equity Council, helping to negotiate terms and conditions in theatre and television. He was dedicated and took his position on Council seriously. During this time Peter also served on the Variety Advisory Committee (VAC), where he was chairman for 16 years. He had great empathy and understanding of the many difficulties variety members experience. His knowledge and caring made him a great asset to the VAC. Peter will be remembered as a very caring man and a professional and multi-talented actor and musician. His dedication to the profession will be appreciated by generations of future entertainers. He will be sadly missed. We send our condolences to Peter’s family and express our gratitude for all Peter’s work on our behalf.

Peter was a General List member of the Council for 20 years (1965-66, 1967-1982 and 1984-1988) and for 16 of those years he was an elected member of the Executive Committee. He was a founding member and Chair of the Variety Advisory Committee.

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The Evelyn Norris Trust

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12/09/2012 11:50

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

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www.equity.org.uk

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Letters...

the president writes

The union recently celebrated Stage Management Day. When our team in Chichester (Cal, Laura, Genna and Lou) came offstage and back to their office, the company toasted them with champagne, cheered and thanked them.

I wrote about a golden age of stage management a couple of issues ago and this team are proving the point yet again.

Equity has been holding some very difficult negotiations on the Sub Rep

have been effectively subsidising them for years. I visited a good northern Rep a couple of years ago and I always mention our Pension Scheme – which everyone must join. Most of the members of that company were on the scheme but decided not to take the pension for that job. They could not afford the modest deductions and exist away from home as they rehearsed and performed there. It is the local government funding cuts that are crippling this sector, but our members must be protected.

I mention this because a lot of the union’s work goes on under the radar, and when members get understandably cross when a call is not returned, or an email not immediately answered, it’s usually because there is so much stuff going on the ball is occasionally dropped. It shouldn’t be, and we do correct it. I also mention the workload because the Sub Rep working party was formed and instructed by our relatively new Stage Committee and as a consequence these issues have not needed to come to Council. Those of us who fought for the new structure should be pleased.

If there is an air of self-congratulation here, I apologise. The union is involved with some very difficult negotiations with various

Equity has been holding difficult negotiations on the Sub Rep deal.

Life is tough for many of these theatres, but our members have been effectively subsidising them for years” Agreement; we will see how they turn out.

I have been a spectator as the emails between members of the working party and staff have discussed, refined and improved our position as we face these talks. These emails have gone into incredible detail about our working conditions, what the reality is like for performers and stage management alike as we work in these theatres. So our negotiators are fully prepped and our experienced staff are completely clued up as to how we exist and work in these places. So a huge thanks to, in no particular order, Amanda, Bertie, Linden, Fi, Nicola, Simon, Jean, Nick, Jamie, Hywel, Anne, Jessica, Prasanna, Sophie, Alex and Lisa. Life is difficult for many of these theatres, but our members

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outside bodies, both friendly and hostile.

I don’t mention these as the outcomes are uncertain, certain confidences have to be kept... but the difficulties we face wipe any self-satisfied grin off my face, believe me!

Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to Martin Brown, one of our assistant general secretaries who retires at the end of the year.

The service he has given is beyond measure.

Many of you won’t know him, because he hates the limelight, but the work he has put in right across the spectrum has made a vast contribution to our ever-growing, financially stable and respected union. We wish him a wonderful retirement, although he seems way too young for that, and welcome Matt Hood who steps into his shoes. Onwards.

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

Philip Astley Born in Newcastle under Lyme, Philip Astley is greatly unknown and unrecognised, yet he created the first 42ft diameter Circus ring – now the world standard. He also introduced into his equestrian shows the rope walkers, jugglers, acrobats and clowns which became the circus. He built 19 amphitheatres, not only in the UK, but even in Paris, and was a war hero.

Andrew Van Buren is part of a group that wants his life celebrated. He said: “Astley’s legacy is huge, when greats of literature such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austin and Thackeray all wrote of Astley, then it is sad that Astley is not yet a household name.

When you think of what William Shakespeare has done for Stratford-upon-Avon, then what can Philip Astley do for Newcastle-underLyme, the UK, and for the circus industry Astley is our Shakespeare.” In 1981 Andrews

father Fred Van Buren first locally raised awareness of Astley and his legacy, then in 1992 Fred and Andrew commissioned and financed the creation of a life-sized portable statue of Astley to celebrate the 250th anniversary of his birth. Andrew has now taken over the mission to gain Astley recognition into and beyond 2018 – the 250th anniversary of the first modern circus and has formed the Philip Astley Project.

The Project working committee consists of organisations and individuals that include Staffordshire and Keele Universities, Newcastle College Performing Arts Centre, Staffordshire Film Archive, The New Vic Theatre and The Van Buren Organisation.

Having secured HLF funding of £166,000 towards the celebrations, plus private support, events, exhibitions and projects are already up and running and new ones being planned for the future. There are talks with the Royal Mail about the possibility of Astley-themed stamps, plus there are plans for a permanent statue.

Philip Astley Project Committee

Pension investment Do you know what your pension is being invested in? As members of the Equity Pension Scheme, we were surprised to learn that our money was being invested in arms and tobacco companies. Even after switching to an ethical fund option, we found that Aviva, who manages

the Equity Pension Scheme, was still investing our money in fossil fuels. Sadly, pension funds often, unbeknownst to their members, invest in things we disapprove of. But it seems particularly ironic that the pension scheme for artists, performers and stage managers, who tend to have a strong interest in social causes, is investing in arms, tobacco and oil.

That Aviva’s ‘ethical’ funds do not screen out fossil fuels is particularly concerning. There is no greater collective risk we face today than climate change. We now know that 80% of fossil fuel reserves must stay in the ground if we are to avoid unprecedented instability and devastation.

Climate change’s worst effects – deadly storms, heat waves, and the advent of climate refugees – are already being visited on the world’s poorest.

Those who have done the least to create the problem are most affected. As Desmond Tutu has said: “climate change has emerged as the human rights challenge of our time.”

Leading economists, such as Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, have also pointed out that fossil fuel investments may become financially worthless en route to a low-carbon economy. Meanwhile, ‘responsible investment’, which looks to the long-term sustainability of investee companies, consistently leads to greater financial returns.

After the Paris climate agreement, there is a renewed sense of urgency to shift investment away from fossil fuel companies and into clean energy. A rapidly expanding divestment

movement – of faith groups and universities, pension funds and NGOs – has already withdrawn an extraordinary $3.4 trillion.

We are part of an active group that pressures Aviva to follow this lead. Aviva is responsive, but we need more numbers! If you would like to join us in asking for responsible investment – on issues from climate change to social inequality and human rights – please email Leila Mimmack at leilamimmack26@ hotmail.com or George Hammond of ShareAction at george.hammond@shareaction. org for more information.

We want pensions that truly protect us for the future. If that is something you want too, please do get in touch!

Will Attenborough & Leila Mimmack

Georgina Smith

We wish to pay tribute to Georgina Smith, a long-standing member of the Merseyside Variety Branch who passed away on 14 July.

For many years, Georgina was an officer and committee member of the branch, attending meetings regularly until recent times when her health no longer permitted it.

Georgina worked as an actress and supporting artist on television and theatre.

Her extensive work in variety took her as far as Australia. Her passion for Equity never left her and she will be genuinely missed.

Goodnight, Duchess.

Merseyside Variety Branch

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: Joy Adams, Roy Alvis, David Aman, Vass Anderson, Jake Anthony, Livy Armstrong, Liane Aukin, Kenny Baker, Trevor Baker, John Baldwin, Michael Bangerter, Rosemary Banks, Ken Barrie, Terence Bayler, Jean Bedells, Geoff Briggs, Robert S Buck, John Bull, Deborah Clague, Joan Clarkson, Barbara Clift, Gordon B Cochrane, Jeaoniy Collins, Nicholas Coppin, Tom Coyne, Ronjy Cruz, Tom Dart, Stephanie Debret, Andy Dempsey, Anthony Donovan, Alan Dossor, Kathleen Dunkerley, Michael Dynan, Pat English, Mollie Faulkner, Anne Fields, Gwyneth Fleetwood, Peter Fontaine, Joan Frances-Smith, Michael Fraser, Pip Frederick, Arnold Fry, Lucille Gaye Georgina, Malcolm Lorden Goddard, Lucy Graham, Neville Granger, Judith Harte, Steven Hill (i), Peter Honri, David Huddleston, Nicolas Hunter-Jame, James Jet, Harriet Johnson, Eamonn Jones, Iris Kells, Jacki Laughlin-Mitchell, Michael Leader,

Tony Leary, David A Little, William Lucas, Angela Lund, Valerie Lush, Pat Mackie, Ralph Mason, Barry McDonald, Michael Napier-Brown, Pauline Nearney, Marni Nixon, Hugh O’Brian, Paddy O’Flaherty, Roni Page, Tom Petheram, Kenneth Quicke, Neil Ralphs, Alberto Remedios, John Renwick-Stevens, Brian Rix, Gay Roberts, Bryan Robson, Pamela Rollason, Roly The Clown, Patricia Roy, Josephine Ryan, Malcolm Scates, Victor Seaforth, Ellen Sheean, Geoffrey Shovelton, Frederick Sinden, Andrew Staines, James Stuart, Annena Stubbs, Rees Thomas, Diane Todd, Fred Tomlinson, Rowena Torrance, Donald Walker, Joan Walker-Smith, Joan Ware, Bill Wareham, Anthony Watkins, Margaret Wedlake, Jayne Whincup, Gene Wilder, Catherine Wilson, Lee Wilson, Russell Wootton, Eddie Yeoh (i) not Stephen Hill

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

Malcolm Sinclair

www.equity.org.uk

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Branch update

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 northern ireland branch Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Vicky Blades vickyblades@gmail.com

north lancashire & cumbria general Next meeting: TBC contact below.

Contact: Peter Rylands peter.rylands@btinternet.com

ne of england general Date of next meeting: 1st Tuesday of each month (excl. Aug & Dec) 6.30pm Northern Stage Newcastle NE1 7RH Contact: Steve McGuire., sirstephen2001us@yahoo.co.uk

north & east london general Next meeting: every second Saturday of the month at 10:30am: The Park Theatre, Finsbury Park. (not August) Contact: Nicola Hawkins nel. equity@gmail.com

Welcome to Essex

north west london general

Essex general branch is looking for new members for its friendly meetings

Date of next meeting: 5 Nov, 11.30am, Central School of Speech and Drama 62-64 Eton Avenue, London NW3 3HY Contact: Elise Harris, eliseharris@gmail.com

oxford general

E

ssex General branch is a campaigning and welcoming branch that meets regularly at The Trinity Methodist church in Chelmsford.

There are a growing number of members moving to Essex and the Branch Chair Dee Mardi, pictured above seated in the centre of the picture, wants new members to come and

brighton & sussex general Date of next meeting: first Saturday of the month,10.30am, 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. The Nova Scotia Pub, Bristol BS1 6XJ Contact: equity. bristolwestgen@googlemail.com

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

central england general Date of next meeting: 16 Nov 7.30pm The Wellington Pub Birmingham, B2 5SN Contact: David Edgar: davidedgar@gmx.co.uk

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experience the variety of speakers and industry chat the branch offers.

Recent speakers include Andy Winmill, who gave a fascinating talk about his work at the Chelmsford Fling Festival. The next meeting takes place on 5 November and will feature Equity’s No Pay Low Pay Organiser Emmanuel de Lange who will discuss the very

devon & cornwall general Next meeting: Third Sunday of the month at different venues around the two counties. Contact: Nigel Howells, howellsnj@gmail.com

dorset general Next meeting: Third Thursday of every month, 7pm. Wessex FM studios. Dorchester Contact: chris-gallarus@hotmail.co.uk

east of scotland general Next meeting: Contact for details usually at Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Contact: Catriona Joss, eastofscotlandequity@gmail.com

gtr manchester & region Next meeting: TBC Contact: davidcockayne@hotmail.com

successful Professionally Made Professionally Paid campaign and his work organising the models sector.

essex general Date of next meeting: 5 November, 11am. Trinity Methodist, Chelmsford, CM1 2XB. Contact: essexequity@deemardi.com

Date of next meeting: 14 Nov 7pm Oxford Playhouse Contact: secretary.oxfordequity@gmail.com

Next meeting: TBC Contact: colyn@colyn.co.uk

kent general

www.equity.org.uk

Next meeting: TBC contact below, usually at CAA, 20 Bedford St, WC2E 9HP Contact: secretary.equity.wswlon@gmail.com

liverpool general Next meeting: Wednesday, 2 November, 6.30pm Everyman Theatre Contact: Sheila Jones, equityliverpool@gmail.com

yorkshire ridings general Next meeting: TBC Contact: Anthony Blakesley equity.yrgb@gmail.com

birmingham variety Date of next meeting: Wednesday 26 October 2016 at 7.30 p.m, The Crescent Theatre Birmingham B16 8AE. Contact: alec@alecpowell.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

H

isle of man general

milton keynes general

west & sw london general

Humberside Variety Branch is a fun, campaigning branch that meets regularly across the region

Date of next meeting: 29 Nov, 7:30pm, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell RG12 7PA Contact: branch_sec_hcw@btinternet.com

Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: mkanddistrict.equitybranch@gmail.com

Next meeting: 22 Nov, 11am, Upstairs at the Young Vic Theatre Contact: Paul Valentine equitysselondon@gmail.com

Cultural Capital

home counties west general

Date of next meeting:19 Nov at 3-5pm AGM. The Marlowe Hub , Marlowe Theatre Canterbury 35 Pound Lane CT1 2BZ Contact: Marie Kelly 07703 207878, kellygreenproductions@hotmail.co.uk

south & se london general

humberside variety branch Date of next meeting: 7 Nov. 7.30pm.

Henry Vernone Court, Pier Street, Hull. HU1 1UZ. Contact: Christie Clifford, equityvbn4@msn.com

umberside Variety Branch covers such a large area that it holds it meetings in two regular venues and alternates between the two. These are in Hull and Scunthorpe. Once a year, in July, it also holds a ‘Seaside Special’ meeting in Scarborough. Its next meeting will be on 7 November, its Annual General Meeting, in Hull and will celebrate the city’s award of being UK City of Culture in 2017. Branch members can be seen pictured outside Hull’s aquarium, called The Deep,

coventry & leicester variety Date of next meeting: Monday, 20 Feb, Broad Street Rugby Club, Brandon Road Coventry CV3 2AY Contact: Sheila Payne: sheila.rodgers@btinternet.com

east anglia variety Next meeting: TBC, The Canary Club Norwich NR1 1RT Contact: peachymead@f2s.com

east midlands variety Date of next meeting: 1 Nov AGM, Headstocks NG6 8SF Contact: jimmywillan@ btinternet.com 0115 9725558

manchester & district variety Date of next meeting: TBC contact below usually at Monroe’s Hotel, Manchester M1 1PE,.. Contact: Yvonne Joseph, vonniegerry@btinternet.com

merseyside variety Date of next meeting: Second Monday of month, 7pm, Adelphi Hotel Ranelagh St, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5UL Contact: Les O’Neill, lesoneill@hotmail.com

ne of england variety Date of meeting: 7.30pm, last Tuesday of month, The Alberta Social Club, Jarrow.

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

n&w yorkshire variety 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

scottish variety Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Linda Rifkind, l.rifkind@btinternet.com

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

south yorkshire variety Next meeting: TBC Contact: chuffinells@hotmail.com

thames variety branch Date of next meeting: 30 Nov. 7pm, CAA 20 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9HP. Contact: Nick Putz 020 8808 3802 nickputz@gmail.com

west of england variety Date of meeting: 14 Nov. 7.45pm, Inn on the Green Contact Mary Lane 07900 848003 cllrmlane@equity.org.uk

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Contact Equity

Subscription enquiries 020 7670 0207 Live performance Help desk 020 7670 0237 Recorded Media help desk 020 7670 0228

Advice and rights helpline 020 7670 0223 Bullying reporting line 020 7670 0268 British Equity Collecting society 020 7670 0350

HEAD OFFICE: Guild house, Upper St Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9EG Tel: 020 7379 6000 Fax: 020 7379 7001 Email: info@equity.org.uk Web: www.equity.org.uk EQUITY OFFICERS: Malcolm Sinclair: President Ian Barritt: Vice President Maureen Beattie: Vice President Bryn Evans: Honorary Treasurer EQUITY STAFF Telephone: To call a member of Equity’s head office dial 020 7379 6000 and at the prompt press the asterix and dial the three figure extension in brackets after the relevant name below.

Email: To email a member of Equity’s head office type the initial and surname in lower case with no spaces followed by @equity.org.uk GENERAL SECRETARY’S Dept (fax 020 7379 6074) Christine Payne General Secretary (155) Louise McMullan Department head, Policy Development Officer

& Assistant to General Secretary (160) Duncan Smith Head of Finance (130) Hamida Ali Equalities & Diversity Organiser (173) Stephen Spence

Deputy for the General Secretary, Industrial and Organising (133)

LIVE PERFORMANCE Hilary Hadley Mike Day Virginia Wilde Paul Fleming Emmanuel de Lange

(fax 020 7670 0265) Department head, Opera & Dance Organiser (136) Variety Organiser (135) West End Organiser (139) London Area Theatre Organiser (138) Independent theatre/Low Pay No Pay Organiser (137)

RECORDED MEDIA John Barclay Claire Hood Laura Messenger Cathy Sweet Tim Gale

(fax 020 7836 5313) Department head & PACT TV Organiser (146) TV Organiser (152) Films & Contract Enforcement Organiser (149) BBC & Radio Organiser (153) TV Commercials Organiser (145)

COMMUNICATIONS & MEMBERS SUPPORT (fax 020 7240 6341) Matt Hood Assistant General Secretary (168) Phil Pemberton Campaigns and Publications Officer (111) Louise Grainger Marketing and Training Officer (114) Alan Lean Tax and Welfare Rights Officer (157) Emma Cotton Tax & Welfare Rights Organiser (151) Martin Kenny Legal Claims Referral Officer (125)

south East office Will Holmes South East Organiser Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG tel: 020 7670 0229 email: southeastengland@equity.org.uk scotland AND Northern Ireland office Lorne Boswell Scotland and Northern Ireland Drew McFarlane Organisers Equity, 114 Union Street, Glasgow G1 3QQ tel: 0141 248 2472 email: scotland@equity.org.uk

northernireland@equity.org.uk North West office: Jamie Briers North West Organiser Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL tel: 0161 244 5995 email: northwestengland@equity.org.uk North East office: Max Beckmann North East Organiser Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL tel: 0161 244 5995 email: mbeckmann@equity.org.uk Wales and South West office Simon Curtis Wales & South West Organiser Equity, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9SD tel: 029 2039 7971 email: wales@equity.org.uk southwestengland@equity.org.uk Midlands office: Ian Bayes Midlands Organiser Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG tel: 020 7670 0232 email: midlands@equity.org.uk EQUITY MAGAZINE EDITORIAL Phil Pemberton tel: 020 7670 0211 email: ppemberton@equity.org.uk EQUITY MAGAZINE PRINTING Jeremy Littlestone, TUInk tel: 07810 825970 email: jeremy@tuink.co.uk EQUITY MAGAZINE ADVERTISING: Lisa Ottway, Sales Manager, Ottway Media Solutions tel: 07958 046 147 email: lisa@ottwaymediasolutions.com Publication of an advertisement does not imply any form of recommendation.

Organisations offering financial services or insurance are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and problems with such services should be taken up with the appropriate body. Equity cannot accept any liability for the quality of goods or services offered in advertisements.

special attention list The For Your Special Attention list is currently undergoing a review. For ongoing checks and information relating to the list please call 020 7670 0200 or email info@equity.org.uk.

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winter 2016

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