Equity secures pay rise for West End actors and stage managers

Actors and stage managers working in the West End will receive a minimum 16.7% increase to their minimum rates over the next two years after a pay deal was agreed by performers' union Equity and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT).

The union said the updated SOLT/Equity Agreement for West End Theatre Artists, which runs from April 2023 to April 2026, includes a rise of between two and five percent in the final year, dependent on the rate of inflation.

Equity had initially campaigned for a 17% pay rise in the first year of the agreement, with an additional rise of 10% in the second year.

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More than 94% of Equity members balloted agreed to accept the deal.

Under the terms of the agreement rates for workers at theatres with a capacity of 1,100 or more will rise from £757.84 per week to £880.10 by April 2024.

Rates at theatres with a capacity of between 800 to 1,099 will rise from £689.37 to £800.58 and rates at theatres with up to 799 seats will rise from £620.29 to £720.36.

The agreement also includes a 33% increase to swing fees of up to £120 a week and a 12.5% increase to dance captain fees up to £135 a week.

'Constructive dialogue'

“Given the current economic difficulties facing both SOLT and Equity members, these negotiations were always going to be difficult and challenging,” said Robert Noble, chair of the SOLT negotiating committee. 

“However, through constructive dialogue and a professional approach by all those involved in in the negotiation process, a settlement has been reached that acknowledges the commitment and support shown by Equity members during the pandemic and seeks to address, as far as is possible, the continuing economic challenge that we all continue to face.”

He added that the settlement has received “the very strong support of members of both organisations”.

Paul W. Fleming, General Secretary of Equity, said the “excellent deal” marks the start of a process that will see trials of a five-day rehearsal working week.

“Our strong, constructive, but robust industrial relations have delivered a meaningful shift in pay and conditions at a time of extraordinary pressure for bosses and workers alike,” he said.