www.equity.org.uk MAGAZINE AUTUMN 2018
National Theatre joins Safe Spaces campaign Celebrating the creativity of Northern Ireland New partnership with Actors Centre AGENT OF CHANGE Dawn Hope launches our Change Network
CONFERENCE REPORT ELECTION RESULTS WEST END DEAL INSURANCE? EQUITY MAGAZINE SUMMER 2018 IN THIS ISSUE
4 NEWS New Equity Council, discussing artist mental Exclusive Professional Property Cover for health in Parliament and a West End claim Equity members 7 UPFRONT Christine Payne, General Secretary
UK/Europe or Worldwide 8 MEET THE MEMBERSHIP cameras and ancillary equipment, PA, sound ,lighting, and mechanical effects equipment, portable computer Red Sarah: variety performer, mentor, VCEC 14 equipment, rigging equipment, tools, props, sets and costumes, musical instruments, make up and prosthetics. member and founder of the Burlesque Network
10 SUCCESS STORIES GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE AT FIRSTACTINSURANCE.CO.UK Protecting Northern Irish arts, members 18 marching and new website Tel 020 8686 5050 14 DAWN HOPE First Act Insurance* is the preferred insurance intermediary to Why the musical theatre star is getting involved *First Act Insurance is a trading name of Hencilla Canworth Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 226263 in the union’s Change Network 18 CHANGE NETWORK Equity’s new initiative to amplify black First Act Insurance presents... members’ voices
20 ARC Motions and more from the union’s Annual Representative Conference 10 24 PRESIDENT MAUREEN BEATTIE 26 The actress’s inaugural column
26 CAMPAIGNS Safe Spaces, Brexit, fighting pension inequality
28 HAVE YOUR SAY Theatre’s Girl Club and tips to manage stress Key features include 30 YOUR EQUITY 32 24 • Competitive online quote and buy cover provided by HISCOX. Member offers • Annual or short period cover available. Equity staff profile: Shannon Burns, recruitment and retention organiser Branch notes Explore the Wales region Tel 020 8686 5050 VISIT SHOWTIMEINSURANCE.CO.UK Where and when you need it! First Act Insurance* is the preferred insurance intermediary to *First Act Insurance is a trading name of Hencilla Canworth Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 226263
2 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk FRONT OF HOUSE
IN BRIEF Equity contracts can counter collapsed tours EQUITY ELECTS NEW PRESIDENT Equality Writes Equity supports the Writers’ Guild of FOLLOWING A MUSICAL TOUR COLLAPSE in June, Equity has underscored AND COUNCIL TO LEAD UNION Great Britain’s (WGGB) new Equality the importance of union contracts. Writes campaign, which tackles gender The cancellation of Thoroughly Modern Millie left many in a precarious Votes are in: the 2018-2020 members of Equity’s inequality in the screenwriting industry. position. Industrial organiser for Theatre Paul Fleming issued a statement main policy-forming body have been announced General Secretary Christine Payne said: confirming that the union is helping all affected members at “every stage “Equity wholly supports the Equality of the liquidation process”. However, he notes “the law…allows rogue Writes campaign of the WGGB as a means producers to avoid their moral responsibilities to pay”. FOR ONLY THE SECOND time in and to represent our membership in all its of securing the improved portrayal of The union would like to see a change in this law, but in the meantime Paul Equity history, the union will be led diverse glory. I want the union to shout from women on screen through an increase in the explained that using Equity contracts will prevent members suffering future by a female President. the rooftops about the great work we do, and number of women screenwriters. Across the production collapses. “In my seven years of supporting members in touring Actress Maureen Beattie has formally taken engage much more with our members.” Read entertainment industry we need to see clear, theatre, no tour on an Equity contract has collapsed. Getting union staff, the role over from Malcolm Sinclair, and has more from Maureen on page 24. measurable targets set to improve the status activists and members to demand that producers offer union agreements in chaired the inaugural meeting of Equity’s Full results of Equity’s 2018 Council and employment of women and engagement full is the most effective way of protecting members in such distressing and new Council. The union’s new Councillors, elections have been enclosed with this with efforts to tackle conscious and unjust circumstances.” Appeals Committee and Standing Orders magazine and can be found on our website. unconscious bias. We will work closely with Committee were also elected by their fellow Disappointment has been expressed the WGGB in aligning our aims with theirs.” members – 2970 votes were cast in the over low voter turnout, with members THE UNION AT THE FRINGE recent elections, representing 7% of belieiving the postal ballot detered Commercial and subsidised the membership. individuals from taking part. Unfortunately, theatre survey THIS YEAR, EQUITY WILL HOST a series of workshops at the Edinburgh Maureen Beattie, who Equity is legally required to conduct Ahead of Equity’s Commercial and Subsidised Fringe Festival, looking at a range of topics including managing previously served at Equity’s Council elections via post. Theatre agreement negotiations, members performance anxiety. vice president, said: “I am The union wishes to change this and are being asked to fill in a brief survey. In addition to this, the union will be hosting drop-in sessions every incredibly proud to have supports the TUC’s campaign for online The information gathered from this will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the festival. Equity staff will be on the opportunity to be balloting: http://digital.tuc.org.uk/campaign- used to inform negotiations, and ensure the hand from 12-4pm at 13-29 Nicolson St to offer members advice and President of this union online-union-balloting union gets the best possible deal for workers answer enquiries. in these sectors. 2018 will also see the return of the Sanctuary. Part of ArtsMinds, If you are a performer or stage manager it offers a calm, comfortable space away from the festival crowds. A who has worked on an Equity Commercial or masseuse will also be on hand to give free back and neck massages on a Subsisided theatre contract since April 2016, first booked, first served basis. See www.equity.org.uk/getting-involved/events please share your experiences and your for dates and times of all Fringe events. views by going to either: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ MEMBERS: HAVE YOUR SAY ON LOW PAY PerformersUKTheatre2018 or www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ MP: CONSIDER THE MENTAL EQUITY IS CURRENTLY holding two member surveys to help the union SMsUKTheatre2019 develop future campaign strategy. HEALTH OF ARTISTS The student film survey is being held as part of Equity’s Low Pay No Pay Comedians’ Network campaign, which has brought more than £2.75m in wages to the theatre The union celebrates the Glasgow Comedy ON 10 JULY, MP LUCIANA BERGER (pictured) and sector since its 2014 launch. Festival by holding a Comedians’ Network the Performers’ Alliance (Equity, the Musicians’ Improving student film jobs is a key campaign objective for 2018. The meeting on 22 March at Equity’s Scottish Union and the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain) survey findings’ will give the union focus points to achieve a better deal office. Anyone interested in joining this held a meeting in Parliament to discuss mental for its members. To take part, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ network and attending a future meeting health in the creative industries. Former Equity studentfilms is advised to get in touch with Mike Day at Councillor Tanya Moodie spoke to all assembled With a rise in both national and local arts budget cuts, Equity is creating [email protected] about her own experiences a new policy manifesto, to preserve future work opportunities in the sector. They were joined by representatives of UK The union’s arts policy survey asks all members to share their thoughts on Theatre and Society of London Theatres, MP this issue. These insights and ideas will help inform this crucial document. Kerry McCarthy and Baroness Genista McIntosh. To offer your input, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/RW2JH9P Equity will share developments that arise from this preliminary meeting.
4 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 5 FRONT OF HOUSE UPFRONT Change and Renewal WEST END CLAIM The Council, the union’s governing body, starts its two-year term with plenty of people who have not been elected before and Equity has also welcomed new members of staff in a period of renewal for the union PUT TO MANAGERS
EQUITY IS FIGHTING to better West End working means that change and renewal are Theatre/Low Pay No Pay Organiser. conditions with our new claim. central to our progress. Joining, or I should say re-joining, the More than 1,000 individuals responded to a union One of the union’s main union in that role is Charlotte Bence, survey of members who have worked in this area within democratic forums is our Annual who previously worked for Equity as the past three years. They explained their priorities, Representative Conference (ARC), the Student Scheme Co-ordinator. which included an increase in minimum pay rates and which took place in May (read the She has been working for Unite rates for covers, clarification on buyout contracts and report on page 20). It was full of lively organising workers in the hospitality increases in stage manager differentials. debate as ever, with a fantastic guest sector and will bring that wealth Members also told the union that they wanted to speech focussing on remove the inclusion of features ensemble roles as part shared parental leave of the current minimum fee. in the arts by MP I am genuinely excited to work The West End Working Party read these responses, and Equity member with the new members of Council and created a claim ahead of negotiations for a new Tracy Brabin. I want West End contract. This includes recommendations to particularly thank from Equity’s Manifesto for Casting and Agenda Annie Bright for organising the song of experience to assist members for Change, which opens the door to new family have had more input from members than ever before and this I feel and celebration of women’s suffrage. working in this vital sector of our friendly clauses. has contributed to a strong claim, which has been greeted with This was the last conference to be industry. A member of staff who It also asks for improved codes of conduct for enthusiastic support. These negotiations are always tough but I look chaired by Malcolm Sinclair and he, you may well have spoken to over auditions; equality and diversity policies; dignity at forward to the difficult battle ahead.” along with Frances Rifkin and Chris the years but who was happy to be work policies and other necessary changes. For full details of the claim please contact West End organiser Barltrop, were awarded Honorary Life behind the scenes, Linda Elves, also The Working Party chair, Rebecca Louis, said: “We Emmanuel de Lange on [email protected] or see Christine Payne Membership in recognition of their retired in June after 31 years working www.equity.org.uk/media/1725/west-end-newsletter.pdf significant contribution to the union in membership services. I know General Secretary over many years. you will join me in wishing Virginia Next year the conference will take and Linda a very happy retirement I am writing this on the day before place in Belfast and it is perfect timing and thank them for their service to the first meeting of Equity’s new because the arts are under serious the union. We have also recently Council to be chaired by Maureen threat in Northern Ireland. I was welcomed Dominic Bascombe and Beattie our new President. part of a delegation of more than 70 Paul Liversey to the posts of North This first meeting of the union’s members who visited Belfast Town East and North West Organisers who governing body always produces Hall in June for a celebration of the have settled in very well. mixed feelings for me. I am genuinely country’s creative industries and The most recent arrival of all is our excited to work with the many new arguing for investment into national new website, which has been created members who have not served on arts and culture following recent in response to members’ wishes to Council before and it’s wonderful cuts. Former Belfast resident and have better access to our rates and to welcome back familiar faces. Equity member Simon Callow gave agreements, Public Liability Insurance However, I do feel for the committed a wonderful speech and more than and job information, among other activists who have spent their time 140 guests from across the political things (more on page 13). I know the and energy canvassing their fellow spectrum signed a pledge to support communications team is working very members for votes but just fall short the arts sector. hard to make it as useful to members of getting elected. I hope they will try Important changes have also as possible and your feedback on it is again. Equity is a successful, growing occurred within the union’s staff. very welcome. Last week the union union, but it can only continue to West End Organiser Virginia Wilde was awarded the TUC’s Best Trade be so if its members choose to get retired in June after 28 years with Union Magazine 2018 which will involved. I thank all those members the union. Stepping up to her role is join the other TUC communications who put themselves forward because Emmanuel de Lange, who has done awards we have received over the the democratic nature of our union an impressive job as our Independent years. Have a good summer.
6 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 7 Meet the membership
IT’S IMPORTANT FOR VARIETY ARTISTS TO HAVE A PLACE IN RED SARAH THE WIDER WORLD, IN Red Sarah is a variety performer; a mentor; a member of the Variety, Circus and BUSINESS, IN PARLIAMENT Entertainers’ Committee and the founder of the Burlesque Network
Q What drew you to this world? who book us. But on the other hand, we are much As fire performers, we face venues with I ran away with the circus when I was 18 – I say that, because that’s more accessible to all sorts who can directly access a lack of care and knowledge towards what everyone wants to hear really. It was a street performance us whenever they want to. That has been a massive what we do – like, if I need to know the group called The Invisible Circus. I joined them 21 years ago and evolution in casting. Whereas before I used to get an stage dimensions. I think people see us as that was it – I started travelling, and the more I did the more people email from agencies saying “we have this client who festival hippy types. I met and the more skills I learned. wants this performer, are you available?”, now an agency will put up a Facebook post and within two Q What work are you doing to take on Q As a little girl, did you think you’d grow up to join the circus? hours 200 people have replied to that casting and these challenges? Every day of my life. I spent the whole of my childhood playing it’s overwhelming. I’m working with the Women’s Committee fancy dress. From the age of five to 15 I was tap dancing and The other thing that’s really facing burlesque on a motion for getting a report button put putting on plays with my sister. performers is online sexual abuse. Dick pics. Every on Facebook Messaging, so when we get single day I see in my newsfeed on Facebook one of these dick pics, we can press the report Q What does burlesque mean to you? my friends sharing her experience of whatever abuse button. To me, it means to parody, to satire. If it’s not funny it doesn’t has been shared with her that day. Recently, I proposed a motion to really capture me in that way. I do enjoy seeing my peers do their Literally 80% of my work comes through Facebook, Equity’s annual conference to start talking style of burlesque though – when it’s done well there’s nothing and all of my burlesque peers struggle with not having about cultural appropriation in variety beats a nice, classical striptease act – but it’s not my style. their stage names as their profile names. Some of them arts, which passed. I wanted to help our have day jobs and don’t want their employers to know members be more authentic towards Q Could you tell me about your character acts? that they’re burlesque performers. Some of them have audiences so that they’re not alienated by The strongman is a parody of Eugen Sandow, the original been stalked in the past and they don’t want people what they’re seeing. I think Equity needs Victorian circus strongman. I use some massive atlas globes to know their real names. When you’re interacting in to take a role in helping our members as poi, and my husband made me this huge dumbbell prop, groups on Facebook, you can’t go to that group as your understand better how they can stop that I use as a spinning staff. That’s a burlesque act that has no stage performer page, you have to go as your personal being so culturally inappropriate in their striptease in it, so it’s quite out of the norm from what people are profile. So that is a huge priority for lots of women, to acts and performances. used to. get their stage names on their profiles. We also now have the Burlesque Miss Piggy was actually originally my husband’s idea – let’s say Network. It is a great team and I’m really he’s got a liking for Miss Piggy. I wanted to create a balloon pop Q What other challenges face burlesque and fire excited about it and all the women that act, and he was very persuasive. At the time, I was about four performers, today? I’ve got together so far. sizes bigger than I am now, and I was doing it to Mica’s track – Big Promoters that don’t value professional burlesque Girls, You Are Beautiful. Miss Piggy for me was about celebrating performers. They just want to make money, so put Q Why is it important for a variety my curves, so every time I popped a balloon I revealed a bit of on competition shows – newcomer shows – where artist to be unionised? flesh, I’d give it a wobble, and just really try and make people see they don’t pay the newcomers. What they’re doing is It’s important for us to have a voice in the that fat was beautiful. creating a scene of these competitions. There are very wider world, in parliament, in business. I performed it in December, and the costume fell off me. I did few producers and promoters focused on developing Equity is that bridge between the fantasy it to Santa Baby, because it was a Christmas show. It’s just a really big shows. world of the art that we do and the real cheesy act now, it doesn’t mean as much as it did when I first This is a real worry for me, it means you have to world of litigation, documentation, created it. have less than five years’ experience to enter any insurance. Equity understands us of these competitions, you have to be considered a as artists, and understands that world Q You saw the internet take over your industry. How has that newcomer. So where does that leave our professional as well. affected it? Equity burlesque performers? Where can they Interested in getting involved in the Burlesque It’s a double-edged sword. We can reach audiences far and perform, when so many producers are going down Network? Join the conversation at:
Photography: XXXXXXX Photography: wide and connect with agencies and producers and people this route of paying nobody? www.facebook.com/burlesquenetworkuk
8 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk SUCCESS STORIES
Equity magazine EQUITY ON wins top award THE MARCH from the TUC EQUITY’S MAGAZINE HAS WON the Best Trade Union magazine prize at the TUC communication awards in July. EQUITY BANNERS have been waving at a This was a notable win as it takes number of demonstrations and rallies. place during the 150th anniversary On 12 May, the union’s members joined tens celebrations of the Trades Union of thousands of other to march for a “new deal for Congress. Equity’s magazine won the working people”. Taking part in the Trades Union award ahead of much larger unions Congress (TUC) rally, Equity delegates added their such as Unite, Unison and the NEU. voice to the call for a growing economy, a £10/hour The judges commented: “The minimum wage, the right to a voice at work, well- magazine oozes quality with funded public services that are free at the point of high production values, superb use, and “a society that roots out racism, sexism photography and bright and crisp and discrimination”. design. There’s a good balance On 10 June, Equity’s Women’s Committee led a between news and features, with cohort of delegates in Processions, a ‘participatory well-written articles addressing a artwork’ that marked the centenary of women’s really interesting mix of subjects. It’s suffrage. Equity activists attended the Health notably got the best diversity of any
Campaigns Together national demonstration on Phil Hartley union magazine.” 30 June, which sought to “celebrate and defend Matt Hood, Equity’s assistant a service many of us literally cant live without”: general secretary, said: “This is great the NHS. UNION AND ACTORS’ CENTRE news, particularly considering the size In July, LGBT+ members and allies marched of Equity’s communications team. As in in the Pride in London Parade and attended UK EMPOWER PERFORMERS so many areas, this union consistently Black Pride. punches above its weight.” Equity has won 13 communication IN AN ACT that reaffirmed a joint commitment to supporting performers, awards in the past seven years. Equity and the Actors Centre have signed a new partnership agreement. Together, the two organisations will spend the next years working on projects OLIVIA COLMAN APPLAUDS LOCAL that empower actors, and focusing particularly on mental health, self-development and equality. PARTIES ADOPTING OUR PLEDGES This includes a new initiative that will see the centre host monthly drop-in sessions, which will provide actors with a safe, confidential space to discuss bullying and IN THE RUN-UP to the capital’s local elections, live performance is part of multiple departments’ harassment in the workplace, or personal mental health concerns. Members will be Equity’s five London branches taught boroughs budgets; and to hold twice yearly trades council given the chance to have one-on-one discussions about these topics with Equity’s how to support the performing arts. The Local meetings for professionals working in the membership support assistant Addam Merali-Younger. Manifesto Pledges campaign lobbied hopeful creative industries. Former union President Malcolm Sinclair described how the union is “delighted councillors to adopt five zero-cost policies that Equity member Olivia Colman was a major to be entering into a new agreement and consolidating our relationship with the promote the live performance sector. supporter of the campaign. “In Peckham, Actors’ Centre. The union and our members were instrumental in the founding of the Seven local parties incorporated these policies where I live, local government support is vital Centre,” he explained, “and the need for the provision of high quality professional into their manifestos, including London Borough for the arts, just as it is across the country,” she development for actors has never been greater.” of Culture Waltham Forest’s Labour. explained. “But all too often, such support Creative producer of the Actors Centre Joel Fisher expressed similar excitement. “It In signing up to these pledges, they committed doesn’t extend to ensuring safe and fair has been great to work closely with Equity’s brilliant staff and Council to come up with to ensuring that all productions or events working conditions for the artists who live an agreement that reflects the strength of our relationship and the synergy between supported by the local authority pay their workers and work in these communities. These parties our goals,” he said. “We are really looking forward to rolling out some vital initiatives decent wages and to providing live performance are changing that – by signing up to these in the coming years.” spaces within the borough. Their manifestos also pledges, they are committing to sustainable Joel, Equity President Maureen Beattie and former Equity Councillor Abiola now promise to establish a Creative Enterprise terms and conditions for Equity members in Ogunbiyi (pictured above) launched the agreement formally on 25 June. Zone by 2022; to ensure money for professional London, and I applaud them for it.” To find out more about the drop-in sessions, see www.equity.org.uk/getting- Rex involved/events/2018/july/well-being-drop-in/
10 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 11 SUCCESS STORIES
CULTURAL VALUE Caption style NEW DIGITAL DAWN OF N. IRELAND FOR EQUITY
FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENTS OF FUNDING FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE RESEARCH, including member cuts from Arts Council Northern Ireland, Equity and workshops, surveys and analysis of web traffic data, a Theatre NI hosted a celebration of the country’s creative new approach was devised to put the information members industries and asked for investment into national arts valued most in an easier and more accessible design. and culture. The most requested item to improve by far was access On 4 June, more than 70 Equity members arrived at to the union’s rates and agreements. In the previous site, Belfast City Hall. They were joined by a wide range of members could only download the complete agreements employers from Northern Ireland’s theatre, film, TV, Equity General Secretary Christine Payne also gave a speech, and more than for film, theatre, TV etc. This was not ideal for the majority entertainment and circus sectors. MLAs, MPs and city 140 guests signed a large pledge card. By doing this, they committed to support of users who wanted an idea of the basic rates across the and local councillors from the Northern Ireland Alliance the growth and potential of Northern Ireland’s creative industries. various sectors of the industry they worked in. Party, the Ulster Unionists, the SDLP and Green Party also Christine signalled that at Equity’s 2019 Annual Representative Conference Now, a user-friendly interface will ask what sector attended, alongside representatives from InvestNI, local – which will be held in Belfast – she would call on politicians to make good on you want information on, what role you have in it and universities, NGOs, Arts Council NI, NI Screen and the their promises to support the sector. what employer agreement you are working on. As Creative Industries Federation. Commenting on the event, she said: “Committing to the arts and creativity well as the headline rates you can download the full Guests were addressed by Equity member and former pays off – this is a resilient sector and workforce that has the power to transform agreement if required, or contact a staff member for Belfast resident Simon Callow; Theatre NI executive director Northern Ireland’s economy. Across the UK as a whole the creative industries further information. Niamh Flanagan; Sinn Fein’s arts and culture spokesperson are now worth nearly £92bn and have grown by 44% since 2010. Northern “Many sites persist with a separate ‘members’ area’, but Sinead Ennis MLA; and DUP’s Gavin Robinson MP. Ireland deserves to share in this prosperity.” we have designed the whole site to be for members,” said Phil Pemberton, Equity’s head of communications. “It has three main sections that reflect what members told
UNION CELEBRATES CIRCUS TUC conferences update WITH NEW NETWORK LAUNCH EQUITY DELEGATES HAVE BEEN tabling and supporting motions at TUC conferences across EQUITY’S NEW CIRCUS the country, securing support for causes close to NETWORK will launch on members’ hearts. 18 September. As part of Members and staff have been representing the union’s Year of Circus their union at the TUC LGBT+ Workers’ us they valued most in the information campaigns they have set up. Members celebrations, the network Conference, the TUC Disabled Workers’ they wanted from the union: At Work, can also add a shortcut to any page of the will give circus performers Conference, the ICTU Congress, STUC Congress Looking for Work and Getting involved.” website and it will appear in this menu. a chance to meet, discuss and Wales TUC Congress. issues facing their industry Equity’s motions covered a range of topics. and brainstorm solutions These included helping refugees and asylum THE MOST REQUESTED ITEM TO IMPROVE to these problems. seekers (specifically LGBT+ ones who have lost BY FAR WAS ACCESS TO THE UNION’S These ideas can then be fundamental legal protections due to Brexit) implemented by the union, and addressing a lack of opportunities for Welsh RATES AND AGREEMENTS ensuring better working talent at Welsh government-funded projects. conditions for members. Delegates lent support to our sister union’s Once a member logs in, they will be Members logging in for the first time, If you are interested in motions, including those which looked at able to access a drop down menu titled or after a long period without access, attending the network’s workers’ rights post-Brexit and reasonable ‘For Members’ which will have a direct please remember to enter your Equity inaugural meeting, or would adjustment passports. link to the Rates & Agreements and their membership number without the first like to find out more, email Public Liability Insurance certificate, plus letter, just the numbers. Any feedback
[email protected] Rex further links to their local branch and any please send to [email protected]
12 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 13 INTERVIEW
awn Hope had aspirations to be a performer from the age of three. “I wanted to be a ballerina. By the time I was five, because I was going on and on about it, my father got me this beautiful book for Christmas. He said ‘if you can Renewed find a black ballet dancer in there we’ll Dhelp you do it.’” Despite her dad’s pessimism, Dawn persevered. “At that age you don’t see the colour of skin, and so I said ‘my legs can do all of those things’. It just made me more determined.” She kept practising by herself, and was helped Hope by her church singer mother, a woman who was “never allowed to perform”. Dawn Hope is a founding member of Equity’s Change Network, At ten, Dawn went to stage school. At 16, after years of “bunking off” lessons to go to auditions, she was cast in a group that aims to ensure that the union hears and, crucially, the Black Mikado at Cambridge Theatre. Now, following a addresses the issues faced by black members career in movies, TV and stages across the country, she is in Stratford-upon-Avon rehearsing the Royal Shakespeare Company’s first ever musical, playing one of her heroes: WORDS LAURA GILBERT PHOTOGRAPHY PHIL ADAMS Joan Littlewood. Dawn has spent decades fulfilling her childhood dream. As she begins to think about “winding down”, she wishes to “give all my experiences and encouragement to people coming in” to the industry. Accordingly, she has got involved with Equity’s new initiative, the Change Network. “The Change Network is about ownership of how we, as
WHERE ARE THE BLACK CASTING DIRECTORS? THAT IS WHAT WE WANT TO KNOW
ethnic minority artists, educate the industry,” she explains. The new network seeks to connect the union’s black members, and offer them a space to discuss issues and find solutions to workplace issues. “Everything starts at casting,” Dawn points out. “Where are the black casting directors? That’s what we want to know. We are now looking into how people are funded to even go and learn this kind of trade, and how we can get casting directors to take on some interns.” When performers are recruited, they often encounter production teams who are not prepared for their complexions. “Lighting is another issue, which you can’t control unless you are working with Americans.” Harsh, white light takes away “the warmth in your colour”. For years, unable to alter tech, Dawn has used a yellow foundation powder. The costume department providing the wrong colour of tights can lead to artistes having purple, red, blue or green legs, as opposed to skin-coloured ones, as the lights react to the dye of the material. Although she applauds the Royal Shakespeare Company’s hair and
14 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 15 INTERVIEW
single job, it builds up, and we have to help each DAWN’S BELIEF IN THE other with our mental health area. People are starting to get paranoid. You can’t go into work like FUTURE IS GROUNDED IN that as an actor, because it will start spilling into THE CLEAR PROFITABILITY your performance.” OF BLACK ARTISTS’ WORK At the Change Network launch, “people were saying how sometimes you feel you’re ‘that girl’ when you say ‘sorry, that’s not my make-up colour’, or ‘sorry that’s not my hair type’. We just want to go in and do the work, but we want the other people to go ‘oh, we’ve hired three black people and they’re all different colours. That means make-up is going to be different, their hair is all different’.” Dawn believes that open conversations will help educate people, and throughout her career she has taught hair, make-up and wardrobe people best practice for black performers. She hopes “to get to a point where we can actually log this information”, so it is widely available and everyone can tap into it. Beyond these specific issues, Dawn wants to ensure that others can continue being artists for their whole careers. “Most of those who went before me went ‘I don’t want to be poor at 60 and renting in civvy street.’” They left the arts because it wasn’t paying, and they wanted to make money while they still could. Even Dawn’s mentor left the industry to go into banking. “They said to me at 16 ‘it will change in your life time’. Now I say to the others I’ve kept not just my big toe in the door, I’ve kept my whole foot in the door. I refused to let it close. Someone has got to jam it open now, wide, and it’s your generation that has got to do it. “Those in their 20s will do it because now we are talking, getting things in place. It won’t happen in my time. As an older actress how much more will they be able to give me? There is not that many older white actresses on stage, so why would I think as a black actress that’s going to be there? It’s not. Not now. Not my generation. The next.” Dawn’s belief in the future is grounded in the clear profitability of black artists’ work. “Change will happen. We spoke about how a lot of black make-up team, Dawn notes that they are exceptional, not the productions make great financing, whereas before norm. “This is the first time in my 50 years that I’ve not had we were told we weren’t financially viable. How to take care of me and my hair,” she says, explaining how this much money is Motown making? How much area can often be the source of anxiety. Performers are often money did RSC’s Hamlet make? A lot of big black given wigs that are “for white people”, with hair that doesn’t shows have made money. Ain’t Misbehavin’ was resembled their own. Black men find themselves in new towns where they got the money to first start doing up the trying to find a barber who will cut their hair right so they don’t Tricycle Theatre the first time round in 1994. end up with ingrown hairs. Dawn describes having to stop “We are viable. We need to stop talking about make-up artists from using hairspray that will literally break that myth of we are not viable, we are. Stop it. With her hair, which takes “years to grow back. We just can’t go from the National Theatre’s Amadeus, you see Lucian contract to contract with no hair”. [Msamati] in there playing that massive part. It These negative experiences can have a cumulative effect. “As came back because it was so phenomenal. It shows Kwame [Kwei-Armah] says, every time you feel anxious, every you can put one of us in a huge part like that.”
16 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 17 NETWORK
lead to real, practical change in the form of industrial agreements. By understanding the problems experienced by our members, organisers can seek to rectify them by adding specific clauses to Equity contracts. At the end of the workshops, there was time for networking, which allowed those gathered to identify other areas of importance to discuss and take forward. Equity’s equality and diversity organiser Ian Manborde points to recent events to underscore the importance of this new network. “People believe that racism is no longer a problem in this industry, and they’re wrong,” he said. “Earlier this year, Equity responded to Quentin Letts’ review of The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich, where the reviewer saw fit to comment on Leo Wringer’s race. This is a prominent member of our union, and a well-respected, classically CHANGE trained actor, working in a Royal Shakespeare Company PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT RACISM IS NO LONGER NETWORK A PROBLEM IN THIS INDUSTRY, BUT THEY ARE WRONG
production. If he is subject to these remarks, who will be safe from them?” The union has a history of fighting to make the industry a better place for marginalised groups, whether through Equity’s Play Fair or Manifesto for Casting campaigns. Whereas these both looked at issues facing a range of groups, from minority ethnic members to those identifying as LGBT+, the Change Network is Equity’s first project focusing specifically and solely on black members. It is also the first network which brings together members from all stages of their career, and from a Equity’s Change Network launched in June to make sure black voices number of different professional specialisms. are heard, and amplified, by the union The conversations held here will shape the union, but the union also wishes to see this space shape members, creating a new cohort of activists who can play an active role in Equity’s equalities work. n 24 June, Equity launched the Change of talks and workshops. Kwame Kwei-Armah, the If you are a black member who wishes to be involved Network – a new initiative to ensure that artistic director of the Young Vic (and, as Dawn Hope in this new initiative, the union would like to hear from the union hears and, crucially, addresses underscores, “the only black person in Europe running you. Equity would specifically be interested in hearing the issues faced by black members. a theatre”) and Equity Councillor Emmanuel Kojo spoke what you believe the priorities of the Change Network O The new network provides a space for to the assembled members. should be. This could be anything from addressing access black members to discuss concerns unique to them. After a Q&A, four discussions were held to address to the industry, such as campaigning for more incidental In addition to connecting individuals and facilitating several key issues that had been identified by the union’s casting or researching a lack of black casting directors, conversations, the insights gained from this initative activists. These workshops looked at hair and make-up, to improving workplace conditions by tackling low pay will inform the union’s policy and work. integrated casting, the economic case for diversity and of black actors. Another network event will be held in The union has designed this initiative in response workers in non-performance roles and were chaired by the autumn. Interested members are advised to keep an to approaches from prominent activists who wanted Equity members Dawn Hope, Emmanuel Kojo, Linden eye out for forthcoming details, which will be publicised to make sure black voices were heard, and amplified, Walcott-Burton and Sophia Horrocks respectively. on the Equity website at www.equity.org.uk/getting- by the union. The network was launched with a day The ideas generated from these workshops can involved/events or contact [email protected] Mark Thomas
18 equity AUTUMNSUMMER 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 19 CONFERENCE REPORT
Clockwise: Guest speaker Tracy Brabin; Annie Bright leading thewomen’s suffrage celebration; President Maureen Beattie and General Secretary Christine Payne
115 REPRESENTATIVES GATHERED Malcolm bows out TO DEBATE ISSUES THAT WILL AFFECT THE INDUSTRY FOR THE COMING YEAR Former President Malcolm Sinclair presides over his last Equity Conference
quity’s annual representative conference easy stuff and implement them.” He reflected on how, as an (ARC) is the forum where Equity activists actor, he loves being part of a company and through Equity that get together and debate the issues which relationship was reflected in being part of a decision-making will affect the industry for the coming year. team. He also wanted to mention the key people who convinced Some 115 representatives from branches, him to get involved with the union. “I have to thank three women committees & annual general meetings without whom I would not be standing here today. Two of them gathered at the Ibis hotel in London on 20 have passed: Imogen Claire and Miriam Karlin. And it will be and 21 May and witnessed the last address as no surprise to you, that my final, heartfelt thanks must go to President by Malcolm Sinclair. Christine Payne.” He spoke about the upcoming range of topics up for debate, General Secretary Christine Payne led the standing ovation but added a note of caution, “It can be tempting to think the for Malcolm and paid tribute to him in her own address to Former President Malcolm E Sinclair receives his ovation, crucial part is the debate, the argument, the motions passed conference. She then reflected on the work being done this top, while delegates such as at ARC, but it is a temptation that must be resisted, to think year, “My, did we celebrate the Year of Variety last year and this Abiola Ogunbiyi, right, join that once these decisions have been made, the staff just do the year we are going to celebrate the Year of Circus,” she said. “Our the debate
20 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 21 CONFERENCE REPORT
Members vote to change industry Equity’s 2018 Conference carried 44 motions and here is the complete list
Motion 1: Establish a steering group to produce a best Dignity at Work policies applicable to Equity members practice guide and workshops on casting and working with Motion 24: Mount a campaign to abolish tuition fees for LGBT+ performers professional training courses Motion 2: Establish a steering group to increase Motion 25: Pursue efforts to fight for employment specialised pastoral care to BAME student actors in drama rights for all workers or employees schools and universities in conjunction with British Motion 26: Include a clause calling for consideration Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) to be given to local professional talent in claims for future Motion 3: Initiate a discussion within Equity on the negotiations for all our agreements issue of cultural appropriation in Variety, Circus and Motion 27: Collaborate with TUC, STUC and ICTU to Entertainment to develop an appropriate policy position campaign for a change in law to allow an employer to on this issue, which will then be circulated to all members. be pursued by the legal system without the need for an Motion 4: Consult and work with TUC Women’s identified worker to complain Committee, our members and relevant organisations re: Motion 28: Investigate the possibility of engagers sexualisation and objectification of women in music videos providing training, with a counselling perspective, for Motion 5: Inform membership about variety branches stage management and company managers Clockwise: Delegates vote, and the benefits of joining them Motion 29: Create a Campaign of Recognitionand Red Sarah makes her point and the union’s highest award, Honorary Motion 6: Support Save Stage Lighting campaign improve overall profile among the nations and at national Life Membership, went to Malcolm Motion 7: Ensure all relevant industrial claims include a and local levels Sinclair, Frances Rifkin and Chris Barltrop clause with a view to standardisation of a royalty arrangement Motion 30: Consult with publically-funded bodies Motion 8: Take specific actions to address dangerous/ Motion 33: Subscription rates up 3.1% from January 2019 unsanitary backstage conditions Motions 34, 35 and 36: Put rule changes to Rules 3, 22, Professionally Made Professionally Paid campaign is producing Equity. One of the lesser known of these is storytellers and Eltjo pay for our members where in the past they would not have de Vries from Bristol and West General Branch proposed an Motion 9: Create a Theatre in Education [TIE] campaign, 36, 37, 40 and 46 to a referendum achieved any pay at all, and we are stepping up our efforts on Equity network for storytellers, he said: “Their work is frequently similar to Professionally Made Professionally Paid Motion 37: Implement changes to Rules 28 and 4 equality monitoring in the industry by working with PACT [the misrepresented as spoken word, improvisation, stand-up comedy Motion 10: Encourage job opportunities to be referred Motion 40: Research, test and develop video producers’ association for film and TV].” She concluded her or book reading, none of which describes their process or their to as an Equity/non-Equity contract. Investigate the use of conferencing of union committees and working groups speech by lifting up the poster for the union’s creating Safe Space performance.” The creation of a network was agreed and the union trademarks to protect Equity phrases Motion 41: Create a new complaints structure campaign: “Please give a commitment today to get this safe committed to visiting the two main storytelling festivals, Festival at Motion 11: Explore setting up a Storytellers’ Network Motion 42: Consider workloads of Recorded Media staff space poster up in any working space you are in.” the Edge in Shropshire and Beyond the Border in Cardiff. Motion 12: Ensure Equity has a visible recruitment Motion 43: Review mileage rates for activists The first motion of the day came from the Lesbian, Gay, Backstage conditions were also on the agenda with Actor presence at storytelling festivals, while also exploring Motion 44: Address Branch Fund Fee with a view to Bisexual and Transgender + Committee. Committee member Daniel Page, from the West and South West London Branch recruitment possibilities increasing it Rose Collis spoke about the need to set up a steering group to talking particularly about regional theatre, observing: “Money is Motion 13: Look at best practice and the implications of Motion 45: Make as much information possible address the inequalities surrounding LGBT+ casting. “Practical being spent on these theatres, but it always ends up being front- actions are needed to avoid inaccurate, offensive or misleading of-house and not backstage.” The chair of the Deaf and Disabled exit-interview forms or processes available to members prior to Equity Council meetings stereotyping throughout the industry when LGBT+ roles are Members Committee, Phoebe Kemp, expanded the issue by Motion 14 : Investigate increased resources for the Motion 48: Lobby Ofcom to have the expenditure of being created and cast.” This was passed unanimously and adding that disabled members, “can’t even get into half the creation and production of audio-visual and audio media front-of-camera talent included in their definition of where another lively discussion ensued following the proposal from theatres in the country”. Motion 16: Consider means of informing whole a television production comes from the Variety, Circus and Entertainers Committee on cultural Other notable motions that were passed concerned training for membership early in future branding initatives Motion 49: Launch a campaign to defend the Radio appropriation. Red Sarah explained that: “Cultural appropriation stage managers on workplace harassment and bullying, addressing Motion 18: Consider commissioning eco-friendly Equity- Drama Company is when somebody takes something from another less dominant the working conditions of members in Theatre in Education branded ‘keep-cups’ Motion 50: Create Contract and Agreement Templates or oppressed culture and uses it without reference, respect or productions, performers involved in newly created or devised work Motion 19: Hold 2022 ARC in Yorkshire for the voiceover industry understanding of the culture’s history or traditions. The more deserving a share of the royalties and a demand for Netflix and Motion 21: Appeal to the UK government, along with Motion 51: Devise an effective strategy to get PACT to marginalised group doesn’t get a say while their heritage is Amazon to fund bursaries to support emerging acting talent. deployed by someone in a position of greater privilege for fun The guest speaker at the conference was Equity member and representation to EU, regarding freedom of movement for ensure its independent profuction companies fully comply or fashion or, in the worst instances, for profit, drawing upon Labour MP Tracy Brabin. She spoke movingly about the real risk of entertainment industry workers. with PACT/Equity TV and Film Agreements stereotypes to do so.” Members agreed to work on a policy parents being forced out of the industry because of a lack of financial Motion 22: Challenge employers and casting Motion 53: Lobby regional screen and talent agencies regarding cultural appropriation. security. She said: “Think about the talent we lose when women take professionals to justify engaging non-disabled performers to expand opportunities for supporting artists Delegates during the two days at conference debated issues a step back because it’s in the best interests of the family.” in roles portraying D/deaf and Disabled characters Motion 54: Investigate and address the difficulties and affecting the wide range of professions that are represented by Next year’s conference will take place in Belfast. Motion 23: Encourage employers to ensure they have opportunities of New Media work
22 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 23 PRESIDENTIAL OPINIONS The Evelyn Norris Trust Was established in 1968 to provide financial support for members of the The power of our community theatrical and concert professions who are in We will reach out in new ways to harness the strength of our community and fight those out to exploit us need of rest, recovery or a recuperative holiday.
If you’ve recently suffered an illness, or needed medical treatment and think a short We live in what are euphemistically because he could only do a little.” If we convalescent break Maureen Beattie described as “interesting” times, want to change things for the better, we would aid recovery, or if you’ve do we not? need to wake up and make an effort. been suffering from ill health Equity President The great god, Mammon, has well This starts with me as President; and need to ‘recharge your and truly descended upon us and with the two vice presidents and the batteries’ then you should how much something is worth in honorary treasurer; with the General apply for funding.
dollars, sterling or yen appears to Secretary and the staff; and with the For information on have become the only measure that Council and the committees. We need how to apply you can either contact matters. Elected and non-elected to get out there and engage with the [email protected]. leaders the world over are increasingly members of this wonderful union. We ring us on 0207 831 1926 brazen about looking after their need to find new and dynamic ways or visit our website own interests and those of their peer to communicate. We must harness the www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk groups, with little or no regard for power of the community if we are to where you can follow the link to the those less fortunate than themselves. triumph in the challenges ahead. Evelyn Norris Trust and download an application. In many areas of our own industry the The D/deaf and disabled shareholder is God, and the multi- community within our union faces www.equitycharitabletrust.org.uk national conglomerates have smelled particular challenges. At this year’s the blood of a beleaguered, stressed ARC a motion from the Deaf and RTF Equity half Page.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2018 13:41 Page 1 and vulnerable workforce and are Disabled Committee urging Equity moving in for the kill. to challenge employers and casting The EBacc – the combination of professionals to justify the practice of subjects that the government thinks engaging non-disabled performers 8Do you work on stage, backstage, front of is important for young people to in roles portraying D/deaf and study at GCSE – contains no arts disabled characters was passed house, on camera, behind camera? 3 subjects at all, and no one with any unanimously. I recently recorded a real political power seems to give radio series with Sam Barnard, an much of a toss whether the arts survive actor with Down’s Syndrome, who was 8Are you unable to work due to illness or injury?3 or not. Neither do they seem to be playing a character who has Down’s much concerned about the lack of Syndrome. The authenticity of Sam’s opportunities for young people from performance was electrifying. And Are you in financial difficulties?3 lower income families. Maybe I’m Sarah Gordy (the first woman with 8 wrong, maybe they do care and they’re Down’s Syndrome to be awarded an just keeping it a secret. Interesting MBE) was superb in the play Jellyfish If you have answered yes to all these times? Parlous and scary! at The Bush Theatre. Her character, 7% of eligible Equity members Kelly, was based on Sarah – a fiesty, questions call The Royal Theatrical Fund. voted in our recent elections. 7%!! witty, sexy woman who has Down’s There are countries where people Syndrome. One of her co-stars, Nicky The Royal Theatrical Fund is here to help all who have would lay down their lives to take Priest, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, worked professionally in the World of Entertainment. part in a democratic election played a character with autism. He such as ours, not to mention the was brilliantly funny and moving in Contact us on: 0207 836 3322 [email protected] right to unionise. I know that not the role. Maybe, just maybe, these everyone is able to give the same particular barriers are beginning to 11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR amount of time to activism, but crumble just a little. www.trtf.com 3 The the words of Edmund Burke spring Aarrgghh!! I bet I’ve used too many All applications are treated in the to mind: “Nobody made a greater words now, but I need to say just one oyal mistake than he who did nothing more thing – Malcolm Sinclair ROCKS!! Robert strictest confidence. Lindsay Theatrical Reg Charity No 222080 President Fund www.equity.org.uk R CAMPAIGNS CAMPAIGNS
Safe Spaces VOICE FOR CREATIVE WORKERS Women suffering IS NEEDED IN ANY BREXIT DEAL pension inequality Arts organisations across the UK are embracing Equity’s Safe Spaces campaign Members are urged to arrange a meeting with their MP EQUITY IS SUPPORTING Women and put forward Equity’s five key demands Against State Pension Inequality THE UNION’S SAFE SPACES CAMPAIGN way.’” The artistic director sees this as “great in (WASPI) in its fight against the fiscal seeks to empower members to two ways”. Firstly, it is practically educative, THE IMPACT OF BREXIT on the holiday pay) are safeguarded. injustice caused to female challenge and report sexual harassment. and secondly it demonstrates how entertainment industry will Equity calls on the government to union members. It does this through distributing posters “someone junior to me feels empowered necessarily be wide-reaching. Equity include a voice for creative workers in WASPI was established in 2015 to and postcards promoting the union’s to call me up on a point, where in the past is campaigning to prevent this impact its Brexit negotiations, and to make help women who have been affected harassment helpline to workplaces across they may have felt they took their job from also being devastating. use of the industry’s unions. by a delay to their state pension age. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and security into their hands by doing so.” The union’s Council has agreed on The campaign follows two years In many circumstances, these delays Wales. The union has also urged productions Other high-profile theatres to adopt five clear objectives, which Equity will of lobbying work, which has seen were introduced without adequate to read a Safe Spaces statement at the Safe Spaces practices include Donmar pursue through its policy work. These the union work with MPs, Peers, the notice. This in turn has resulted beginning of the project, which reaffirms all Warehouse and the Old Coliseum, who are include opposing the imposition of a TUC, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, in financial hardship for many participants’ commitment to respecting and joined by casting resource Spotlight. hard border in Ireland; campaigning Unions 21 and other unions. individuals. supporting one another. To find out more about on free movement for workers; and Members are asked to go to the If you are a woman born on or after Rufus Norris, Artistic Director of the Safe Spaces, see: vocally opposing a No Deal Brexit Equity website, read the union’s 6 April 1951, and have been hurt by National Theatre, described the campaign www.equity.org.uk/ that would ruin members’ careers, briefing on this subject, and arrange a the 1995 or 2011 Pensions Act, Equity as “a clear way of stating from the outset the getting-involved/ incomes and ability to provide for their meeting with their local MP or MEP to urges you to make a formal complaint way in which we intend to see work being campaigns/safe- loved ones. In addition, Equity will discuss their Brexit concerns and tell to the Department of Work and made, and of saying what we stand for and spaces fight to ensure lost Creative Industries them about Equity’s five key demands. Pensions (DWP). what we can’t stand for”. funding from the EU is matched and For more information about the To find out more about how you When asked how he believed guaranteed by the UK government. union’s Brexit work, and how to get may have been effected, and how to the National Theatre’s adoption of The union will also join the TUC and involved, see: www.equity.org.uk/ contact the DWP, see: www.equity.org. the campaign will influence other others to ensure workers’ employment getting-involved/campaigns/brexit- uk/news/2018/june/equity-supports- organisations, Rufus said: “I hope that we rights (including rights to rest and seat-at-the-table waspi-campaign help make this become standard practice. It’s about what is the new normal. We don’t have time to take a generation to get to grips with these issues; it’s got to happen now.” THE EQUITY COUNCIL HAS AGREED “As an artist I’ve tried throughout FIVE CLEAR CAMPAIGNING my career to have my own version OBJECTIVES ON BREXIT: of a safe space in my rehearsal rooms. 1) Fighting to ensure lost Creative What you’ve got to do is walk the walk, Industries funding from the EU is and make sure that people are all looking matched and guaranteed by the UK each other in the eye from the offset. As a government. leader of the organisation it’s particularly 2) Campaigning on free movement for beholden on me and all of the other leaders workers - an essential right for our to make our position really clear, and to lead members. on that front.” 3) Joining with the TUC and others to Rufus believes a shift has begun to occur ensure that workers’ employment within the industry. “There have been rights including hard fought for instances already where one or two people rights to rest and holiday pay are have said to me ‘be aware that when you safeguarded. did/said that it could be perceived in this 4) Vocal opposition to a NO DEAL BREXIT that would devastate members’ careers, incomes and ability to provide for loved ones.
Rufus Norris, Artistic Director of the National 5) Opposing the imposition of a hard Theatre, supports Equity’s campaign border on the island of Ireland.
26 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 27 COMMENT
IN MEMORIAM GET IN TOUCH Have you got something to say about your experience of Equity With regret it is recorded that since or the contents of the magazine? We want to hear from you. the publication of the last edition of Please email or write to the editor via the contact information below: Equity magazine we have learned of Have your say The Editor, Guild House. Upper St Martin’s Lane London WC2H 9EG the deaths of the following members: Email: [email protected] Web: www.equity.org.uk @EquityUK Jamie Adair, Geraldine Addison, Simeon Andrews, Patrick Ashcroft, Elaine Banham, Dick Beard, Alex Beckett, Derek Booth, Remember your first of a shoot. The text and exercises [email protected]. Theatre’s Girls’ Club also thirds, sixths and octaves, as I shoot? will be enlivened by examples, by Please make it clear in your response Project do now. Brilliant. I used to listen to Colette Brosset, Bob Bura, Pamela Charles, We have been commissioned by quotations and by reminiscences. Is that we have permission to use your Did you stay at the Theatre Girls’ him in Educating Archie on the radio Ronald Chesney, Patricia Clapton, Ruth Bloomsbury Methuen to write a there something you wish you had anecdote (though there may not Club at 59 Greek Street, Soho, before in the 50s. Crane, Kay D’Arcy, Beth Davidson-Houston, handbook of screen acting exercises known when setting out onto a film be room for all contributions!) and its closure in 1973? I still have those recordings on Baz Davies, Victoria De Los Ángeles, James aimed at students, tutors and or TV shoot for the first time? Have indicate if you would prefer your If so, would you be willing to reel to reel tape. I sent Ronald Dodding, Kay Dotrice, Glynn Edwards, R workshop leaders. you a (brief) anecdote (humorous, name to be withheld. Many thanks. share your memories? The Theatre copies. He in return sent to me five We are hoping the book will insightful, embarrassing) that you Roger Wooster (UK Equity Girls’ Club was set up in 1915 as a chromatic harmonicas that were Lee Ermey, Johnny Fantastica, Colette be a friendly introduction to the would like to share in the pages of member) hostel for young female dancers, made for him by Hohner’s. Fleuriot, Ruth Ford, Richard Fox, Cornelia art of screen acting and to the the book? Paul Conway (Irish Equity actors and singers, the idea being to I owe Ronald Chesney a lot with his Frances, Irene Gawne, Eunice Gayson, Alan professional protocols that are part If so, please contact us at member) keep them safe from the perils that inspiration and dedication. Gibbs, David Gold, Grandpa T Smith, Leslie beset the young and innocent (and In 1954 I first met Ronald at the also to make sure they had regular Coventry Theatre and turned pro Grantham, Michael Green, Irene Hamilton, meals). By 1973 this all seemed a in 1957. Denise Harland, Mollie Hartley-Milburn, SOCIAL COMMENT bit old fashioned. This and funding The Monarchs asked me to join Frank Hobi, Jazzer Jeyes, Arthur Johnson, problems brought an end to the them in 1961. After a few years I left Audrey Kaye, Mike Kelly, Gillian Kerrod, Club as it had been known for the act to continue with my solo Josie Kidd, Margot Kidder, Vassili Lambrinos, For Mental Health Old tickets Video games nearly 60 years. work. During a summer season Awareness Week, we One distraction technique I use is to Losing myself in a beautiful video game. We, that is Deborah Lavin and in Jersey I met Pauline. We have Tanaquil Le Clercq, Bunny May, Monty asked members to scrunch up old tickets. In winter I have @RJBayley Catherine Howe, both stayed in the been married 50 years this year and Maynard, Mary McAlpine, Mark McBride, share their best stress- them inside my gloves. The tactile Theatre Girls’ Club in the late 1960s have been in some of this country’s David Miller, Elaine Mitchell, Francisco busting tips. Here are sensation coupled with counting Speak out and life has led us into historical biggest shows. Moncion, Albert Moses, Attilio Ortolani, a few of the best we breaths through the nose helps me stop Putting the world to rights with your research. We’re writing a book about We toured with Danny La Rue received: stress from escalating into anxiety. friends! Speak out don’t hold it inside! the Club - and what went before and and Ronald and his wife came to William R.J. Perrie, Anthony Poole, Vince @umbongowings @_josephdewey came after at 59 Greek Street. the Ashcroft Theatre to see us after Powell, Janet Reed, Michael J Reynolds, Creativity We would love to hear from Equity the show they came backstage and Jessie Royce Landis, Amy Shaw, Norma Creativity. Lose yourself in something Mindfulness Schedule members who lived or stayed at the his wife said to me that Ronald Shebbeare, Pamela Sholto, Grania Smith, creative, whether it be writing, painting, My current top tip is also learning As a freelancer, you have to set your Theatre Girls’ Club, or know anyone was all nostalgic so I took that as a Margaret Stredder, John Stride, Astrid pottery, etc. Anything to focus positive #mindfulness which I am doing with own time and hours. Set your working who did. And we’re happy to answer compliment. He stopped Pauline energy into something that has come this free online course https://www. hours, don’t answer emails or phone any questions you might have. many years ago to write scripts with Varnay, Vera-Ellen, Stan Welch, Bay White, out of you. Not only joyous and good for futurelearn.com/courses/mindfulness- out of work hours, and take time to More information about the Ronald Wolfe on the Buses and the Dale Winton, Iva Withers, Lucy Woolley stress, but for personal growth too. And wellbeing-performance … but I’d be know what you need to work effectively. project can be found at http:// Rag Trade etc. etc. In some cases it may be possible that another don’t be afraid to try something new. glad of more Mindfulness tips! @maxdorey deborahlavin.co.uk/category/projects Six years ago I portrayed Ronald member may have used the same or a similar name @DavidRichey @CopelandDan Please contact us: Catherine or in a show called Re-educating Archie subsequent to the passing of the above members Make a list Deborah at [email protected] at Eastbourne with the original Banana One great thing Writing a list of things I want to do in the or [email protected] Archie Andrews. For audition stress, a colleague once told As a family we make a point of each future and places I want to go, things to Catherine Howe and Deborah Thanks to Ronald I’ve had a very me “eat a banana”. It sounds weird, but saying one great thing about the day eg look forward to. Always helps me and Lavin good career and invested well. We it really works. Couldn’t tell you how, but the weather, petting a dog, someone brings up my positivity! have a few properties and also a it does. telling a silly joke. @georgibessey Ronald Chesney holiday home in Florida which we @DGLaity @Cromerty Ronald Chesney left us a few weeks go out to Dec, Jan, Feb, March every ago. Larry Anker, Tommy Reilly, year not performing. Max Gelaray were good harmonica Ronnie – God Bless and thank you. players but Ronald was the best. He David Conway would not only play single notes but
8 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 29 YOUR EQUITY
MEET THE EQUITY TEAM
SPECIAL Q What were you doing before you and discuss with them. Membership offers OFFER joined Equity? Having an Equity official on set Equity membership entitles you to a wide variety of discounts, I had a part time job as a Young Carers also sends a good message to the Activities worker for a chairty – a really management and producers who know from photos to the Phoenix club; see below for a selection. lovely job organising fun activities such as the union is active in our workplaces. Go online for a full list: www.equity.org.uk/discounts drama workshops and days out for young carers who had parents or siblings who Q Why did you want to join Equity? they had to care for at home. I grew up attending trade union demos Alexander Technique Ping pong and hearing all about unions from my Individual lessons at Gilbert Street, near Ping Pong is offering Equity members eating Birkbeck Q Can you describe your current role? Dad, who was a firefighter and an FBU Bond St, London. 30% discount to members. at their dim sum restaurants 15% off their Equity members recieve 10% off all The main purpose of my job is to visit (Fire Brigades Union) rep for around Thirty years of teaching performers; total bill. www.pingpongdimsum.com accredited Birkbeck courses. When workplaces in film, TV and audio and 25 years. I saw from a young age how supporting improved poise and confidence, completing online enrollment, you will be meet the Equity members working important the union movement was, preventing backache and vocal strain. Photography asked if you wish to use the Union Learn there to make sure they are happy and especially during a long strike period For info phone Kate Kelly 0845 3479389 HCK Photography is offering Equity discount, and will then have 28 days to Name safe, and to meet potential members in 2002. I grew up seeing that such a lot www.alexandertec.net members headshots/publicity shots for £95, prove your eligibility. You can do this by of the union to encourage them to join. of pride and strength came from being a saving of £155. For more information getting in contact with Louise Grainger at JOB TITLE: Equity has a huge amount of muscle in a union member. After university, I was Cinema tickets contact Kit at: 020 7112 8499. [email protected] Recruitment & retention organiser the industry, but having more members looking for full time work which would Discounted tickets when showing Equity www.hckphotography.co.uk/equityoffer STARTED AT EQUITY: 2010 makes us even stronger. put my Drama degree to good use. A job card: Queens FilmTheatre Belfast, Scotland-based photographer Stage newspaper I also make sure our members have a came up at Equity, and it seemed like the OUTSIDE OF WORK: Binge-watching Pictureville Bradford, Watershed Bristol, Aly Wight is offering a 10% discount off Equity members can have 10% off any contact to speak to while on set to raise perfect fit for me – a balance of a lot of my TV boxsets, baking and watching Cinema 3 Canterbury, Robert Burns Centre headshots and location shots to members, subscription to The Stage. This is available issues with if there are any. interests and passions! stand-up comedy Film Theatre Dumfries, Edinburgh Filmhouse, see www.alywight.com on print, digital and web-only editions. Go to Film and TV visits are really different Hull Screen, Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy, the website: CONTACT: to theatre ones because there isn’t a Q What union activity are you most Showroom Sheffield, NFT. Phoenix artist club subscriptions.thestage.co.uk [email protected] scheduled meeting, and I sometimes only excited about? Equity members save 50% on annual and select the version you require. get about two minutes with a member Currently I am most excited about Pineapple dance membership at this award-winning, Remember to include the code EQUI in before they are called back on set, so they working on Equity’s Games Campaign. studios private members’ club and licensed bar for the Promotional Code box. can be quite tricky to navigate. We are doing ground-breaking work in the Equity members get £75 off annual professionals in the entertainment industry In general, though, our members love industry, which currently does not have membership to Pineapple Dance Studios and their guests, open Mon-Sat 10am- Travelodge seeing us on set. I get a warm welcome any union agreements or recognition. We in Covent Garden, London (usually costs 2.30am (last entry 1am). Dinner served in Travelodge offer 5% discount on and there is always stuff for me to inform are striving to change that! £200). Additional benefits of membership the Brasserie until 9.30pm. Sunday open 12 bookings through its Business Account include 25% off all full-price clothing at noon-1.30am. “London’s best kept secret” Service. To register set up an account, go to the Pineapple store opposite the studio (The Independent). Annual membership www.travelodge.co.uk Click on the Login/ in Covent Garden. Members can visit the is £200 reduced to £100 for paid-up Equity Sign up button on the top right of the menu. studios at any time for classes or to meet members. Phone the club during the day to Choose Business and then follow the Sign Up friends and colleagues. Two photographs join. Located beneath the Phoenix Theatre, 1 steps quoting Equity as the Business name. are required. Claim in person with your Phoenix Street, Charing Cross Road, London Equity card at Pineapple Dance Studios, WC2H 8BU. Tel 020 7836 1077 Q-Park 7 Langley Street, London WC2H 9JA. www.phoenixartistclub.com Equity and Q-Park have teamed up to provide Tel 020 7836 4004. Equity members with discounted parking www.pineapple.uk.com Rex restaurants in London and other major cities.The rates Chris Corbin and Jeremy King are keen represent a 15% discount across the day with Hair removal supporters of the theatre and they have a special flat rate of £6 for London parking Pulsar-permanent hair removal and skin arranged for all members to receive 10% off from 6pm to 2am. To take advantage of the treatments. Pigmentation, spots, photo- any bill at their London restaurants. These Equity discount you need to pre-book your rejuvenation and more. IPL-intense pulsed are: The Wolseley, The Delaunay, The Counter parking. Follow this link to do this: light therapy. More advanced than laser: at The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and Colbert. www.equity.org.uk/parking never shave again. For men and women – all See the Rex Restaurant website: www.rexra. skin and hair types. 10-20% discount for com. for details of the different eateries. The Equity members. Minimum fee applies to offer is for an Equity member and up to five Please note: Equity does not endorse house visits. Contact Dr Succar on guests (i.e. six people in total). You need to the third-party services provided in 020 8848 8288 or www.natura.org.uk show a valid Equity card as proof when you these membership offers. They are made arrive at the restaurant. available on the request of the vendors.
30 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 31 BRANCH FOCUS SCOTLAND month (excl. August), 8pm. The Headstocks Hotel, 38 London Road, Manchester M1 2PF East of Scotland General NG6 8SF Contact: Clive Bumstead, 07815 951 Contact: Yvonne Joseph, Date of next meeting: September 798, [email protected] [email protected] date TBC. Contact: Catriona Joss, Merseyside Variety [email protected] NORTH EAST Date of next meeting: Second Monday of Scotland Variety Humberside Variety each month, 7pm. Adelphi Hotel, Ranelagh St, Date of next meeting: 5 September, 6.30pm. Date of next meeting: 3 Sept, 7.30pm. Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5UL Contact: Chris Venue TBC. Contact: Linda Rifkind, l.rifkind@ Henry Vernone Court, Pier Street, Hull HU1 Dale (Chair), 07703 301621 btinternet.com 1UZ Contact: Christie Clifford, [email protected] SOUTH EAST N.IRELAND Leeds & Region General Brighton & Sussex General Northern Ireland General Date of meeting: TBC. Contact: Ben Addis, Date of next meeting: Second Saturday Date of next meeting: 3 September. Venue 07775 726868, [email protected] of the month, 10.30am. Friends Meeting TBC. Contact: Vicky Blades, North East Variety House, Ship St, Brighton. [email protected] Date of meeting: Last Tuesday of the Month Contact: Chris Webb, 07973 465154 (excl. Dec), 7.30pm. Alberta Social Club, Railway East Anglia Variety LONDON Street, Tyne & Wear Contact: Steve McGuire, Next meeting: TBC. The Canary Club, North & East London General 0120 723 8258, [email protected] Thorpe Road, Norwich Contact: Peachy Next meeting: Every second Sat of the N&W Yorkshire Variety Mead, [email protected] month (excl. Aug), 10.30am. The Park Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Valerie Essex General Theatre, Finsbury Park Contact: Karen Jean Mann, 0113 285 3848, val@mrstipsy. Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Stephen Singer, [email protected] co.uk Moriaty, [email protected] North West London General Sheffield General Branch Home Counties West General Date of next meeting: Branch picnic 5 Aug, Next meeting: 23 July, 7pm. Adelphi Room, Date of next meeting: TBC, usually 7:30pm at 2pm. By the bandstand in Golders Hill Park. Crucible Theatre, SheffieldContact: Liam South Hill Park Arts Centre RG12 7PA Contact: All members and their family and friends Gerrard [email protected] welcome. Contact: Elise Harris, elise@ [email protected] Kent General eliseharris.com South Yorkshire Variety Date of next meeting: 8 September, 11am. South & SE London General Next meeting: TBC Contact: The Alexander Centre, 15-17 Preston Street, Next meeting: TBC Contact: Paul Valentine, [email protected] Faversham Contact: Marie Kelly, 07703 207 [email protected] North Lancs & Cumbria 878, [email protected] FOCUS ON Thames Variety General Oxfordshire General Date of next meeting: Second Monday Next meeting: TBC Contact: Chris Harlow, Date of next meeting: 5 Sept, 7.30pm. of the month (excl. Aug), 7pm. The Actors [email protected] Friends Meeting House, 42 St Giles, Centre, 1A Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP NE of England General Oxford OX1 3LW WALES Contact: Nick Putz, 020 8808 3802, nickputz@ Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Steve Contact: [email protected] Shelli Dawn and the Welsh National gmail.com McGuire, [email protected] The Welsh National Committee and branches have been Committee West & SW London General SOUTH WEST championing local members and the Welsh language Next meeting: TBC Contact: Larner, NORTH WEST Bristol & West General [email protected] Blackpool Variety Date of next meeting: Check branch website WALES Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of the for meeting dates and venues. Contact: Cardiff & S. Wales General MIDLANDS month, 1pm. Blackpool Cricket Club, Stanley [email protected] THE WELSH National Committee and non-members. Date of next meeting: Third Thursday of Birmingham Variety Park FY3 9EQ Contact: Denis Askham, Devon & Cornwall General provided input into Equity’s evidence The Cardiff and South Wales General month (excl. Aug), 7pm. The Sherman Date of next meeting: 19 Sept, 7.30pm. The [email protected] Next meeting: Charity Summer Social 12 for the Ofcom consultation into the Branch held their first bilingual meeting Theatre, Cardiff CF24 4YEContact: Philip Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Gtr Manchester & Region Aug, 2pm. The Orchard Cafe, definitions for Regional Broadcasting, when they welcomed Gethin Scourfield Rapier, [email protected] Lane, Birmingham B312SF Contact: Alec Next meeting: TBC Contact: David Cockayne, Abbotskerswell, near Newton Abbot, TQ12 which will be critical for Equity’s Cast it from S4C and Chair of Arts Council of North Wales General Powell, 07831 115448 07951 093 745, 5NT. Contact: Jeremy Friday, Here campaign. Wales, Phil George. The North Wales Next Meeting: TBC Birmingham & West Midlands [email protected] [email protected] The committee also debated the General Branch continues to develop Contact: [email protected] General Isle of Man General Dorset General Review of S4C ‘Building an S4C for links following the branch reopening, South Wales Variety Date of next meeting: TBC. The Wellington Date of next meeting: TBC. The Archibald Next meeting: TBC Contact: chris-gallarus@ the Future’, and will soon be working Meanwhile, the South Wales Variety Date of next meeting: First Tuesday Real Ale House, Birmingham. Contact: Knox, Onchan Contact: [email protected] hotmail.co.uk with the Equity Council, and the Branch held a successful fundraising of month (excl. July and Aug), 7.30pm. Tyn-y- David Edgar, [email protected] Liverpool & District General West of England Variety Cardiff Office, to review what bilingual show to promote Equity and raise Twr Tavern, Baglan SA12 8AU Contact: Shelli Coventry & Leicester Variety Next meeting: 5 Sept, 6.30pm. Everyman Date of meeting: Second Monday materials are available for members money for local causes. Dawn, 01685 812779 Date of next meeting: 16 Sept, 8pm. Venue Theatre, 5-11 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH of every month (excl. bank holidays, June, TBC Contact: Sheila Payne, Contact: Stephanie Greer, equityliverpool@ July, Aug and Dec), 7.45pm. Inn on the Green, [email protected] gmail.com 2 Filton Road, Bristol BS7 0PA Contact: Mary EQUITY BRANCHES are your local meeting place to discuss the industry, share insights East Midlands Variety Manchester & District Variety Lane, 07900 848003 and influence the direction of the union. Find your local branch at www.equity.org.uk/branches Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of the Date of next meeting: 21 Aug, 8pm. Monroe’s [email protected]
32 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 33 CONTACT EQUITY
Subscription Enquiries 020 7670 0207 Head Office: Guild House HARASSMENT & BULLYING REPORTING LINE 020 7670 0268 Upper St Martin’s Lane TAX & WELFARE RIGHTS HELPLINE 020 7670 0223 London WC2H 9EG EQUITY DISTRIBUTION TEAM [email protected] Tel: 020 7379 6000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.equity.org.uk
EQUITY OFFICERS: Malcolm Sinclair: President Ian Barritt: Vice President Maureen Beattie: Vice President Bryn Evans: Honorary Treasurer Trustees: Judi Dench, Roy Hudd, Ian McKellen, Timothy West, Penelope Wilton, Johnny Worthy
Equity Staff South East office Telephone: To call a member of Equity’s head office dial020 7379 6000 Jamie Briers South East Organiser and at the prompt press the asterix and dial the three figure extension in Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG brackets after the relevant name below. TEL: 020 7670 0229 EMAIL: [email protected]
Email: To email a member of Equity’s head office type the initial and Scotland and Northern Ireland office surname in lower case with no spaces followed by @equity.org.uk Lorne Boswell Scotland and Northern Ireland Adam Adnyana Organisers Equity, 114 Union Street, Glasgow G1 3QQ General Secretary’s Dept TEL: 0141 248 2472 EMAIL: [email protected] Christine Payne General Secretary (155) [email protected] Louise McMullan Department head, Policy Development Officer & Assistant to General Secretary (160) North West office: Duncan Smith Head of Finance (130) Paul Liversey North West Organiser Ian Manborde Equalities & Diversity Organiser (173) Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL Stephen Spence Deputy for the General Secretary, TEL: 0161 244 5995 EMAIL: [email protected] Industrial and Organising (133) North East office: Live Performance Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL Hilary Hadley Head of Live Performance Department (136) TEL: 0161 244 5995 EMAIL: [email protected] Mike Day Variety Organiser (135) Paul Fleming Industrial Organiser, Theatre (138) Wales and South West office Emmanuel de Lange West End Organiser (137) Simon Curtis Wales & South West Organiser Equity, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA Recorded Media TEL: 029 2039 7971 EMAIL: [email protected] John Barclay Head of Film, TV , Radio and New Media (146) [email protected] Claire Hood TV Organiser (152) Laura Messenger Films & Contract Enforcement Organiser (149) Midlands office: Cathy Sweet BBC TV & Audio Organiser(153) Ian Bayes Midlands Organiser Tim Gale TV & Radio Commercials Organiser (145) Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG TEL: 020 7670 0232 EMAIL: [email protected] Communications & Members Support Matt Hood Assistant General Secretary (168) Equity Magazine Editorial Phil Pemberton Head of Communications, Department head (111) Phil Pemberton TEL: 020 7670 0211 Louise Grainger Marketing and Training Officer (114) EMAIL: [email protected] Alan Lean Tax and Welfare Rights Officer (157) Emma Cotton Tax & Welfare Rights Organiser (151) Equity Magazine Printing Martin Kenny Legal Officer (125) Jeremy Littlestone at Prority TEL: 07384 468044 EMAIL: [email protected]
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34 equity AUTUMN 2018 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk AUTUMN 2018 equity 35 break a leg?
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