www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019

Why HMRC are getting out of control First union deal with Netflix Local casting campaign

WHY ACTIVISM MATTERS Kobna Holdbrook-Smith on the importance of Equity

EQUITY CONFERENCE ROBERT GLENISTER ON LOW PAY CAMPAIGN REPORT HIS TAX CASE RELAUNCHED INSURANCE? EQUITY MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019 IN THIS ISSUE 20 4 NEWS Equity’s fight with HMRC, union elections, EU Exclusive Professional Property Cover for copyright directive Equity members UPFRONT 7 Christine Payne, Equity General Secretary

UK/Europe or Worldwide MEET THE MEMBERSHIP cameras and ancillary equipment, PA, sound ,lighting, and mechanical effects equipment, portable computer 8 Kobna Holdbrook-Smith on the importance equipment, rigging equipment, tools, props, sets and costumes, musical instruments, make up and prosthetics. of the trade union

SUCCESS STORIES GET AN INSURANCE QUOTE AT FIRSTACTINSURANCE.CO.UK 10 Contract enforcement secures £11m from Hollywood Studios and Netflix agreement Tel 020 8686 5050 8 PRESIDENT MAUREEN BEATTIE First Act Insurance* is the preferred insurance intermediary to 15 Shape your industry by voting in our elections *First Act Insurance is a trading name of Hencilla Canworth Ltd Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference number 226263 PROFESSIONALLY PAID 16 Campaign relaunches with emphasis on small scale touring, immersive theatre & creative team First Act Insurance presents... 24 ROBERT GLENISTER 20 Robert reflects on the gruelling tax test case he led for Equity

CAMPAIGNS 24 Cast it here and #ProudToBeEquity

IN APPRECIATION 28 Remembering two former Councillors 30 CONFERENCE REPORT 30 Report from the 2019 Equity conference

HAVE YOUR SAY Key features include 36 Self-tape groups and supporting diversity • Competitive online quote and buy cover provided by HISCOX. YOUR EQUITY • Annual or short period cover available. Member offers 16 38 Equity staff profile: Marlene Curran, recruitment & retention organiser Tel 020 8686 5050 VISIT SHOWTIMEINSURANCE.CO.UK Branch notes Explore Northern Ireland 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 SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 3 FRONT OF HOUSE

IN BRIEF EQUITY UNDER ATTACK BY HMRC MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT IN Union members are being targeted by tax office in a move that could end self-employed status Stalking guidance STALKING IS A CRIMINAL MATTER and THE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS should be reported to the police. You EQUITY COMMITTEE ELECTIONS open on 5 June. Enclosed with this can also contact the National Stalking magazine you will find a booklet of election statements from the candidates, Helpline on 0808 802 0300. The union can a ballot paper and a prepaid envelope to send your votes back to us. Voting closes actively help in some circumstances and at noon on 12 July. we have created a guide that you can find We have three industrial committees — Screen & New Media, Stage and Variety, online here: Circus and Entertainers — with the authority to conduct negotiations. These EQUITY IS UNDER SIEGE in defending its www.equity.org.uk/bullying committees, made up of members with recent experience of relevant work, are at members against the ruthless approach of the forefront of improving pay and conditions for members. Supporting them are the tax authorities. A co-ordinated attack is five specialist committees — Audio, Dance, Singers, Stage Management and underway that could lead to entertainment Charity Poker Tournament Directors & Designers — all made up of members with recent working experience. professionals losing their self-employed THE ANNUAL EQUITY poker tournament There are also committees of members in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, status and the associated blow of causing was held on 5 May in London, with all four equality committees — Deaf and Disabled; LGBT+; Minority Ethnic; and producers to think again about investing in proceeds going to charity. This year the Women — and a Young Members’ Committee. the UK entertainment sector. event raised £1,206 for Mary’s Meals, Voting will also be possible online from 5 June. Some candidates have supplied The union recently lost a test tax case that which is enough to provide school meals video statements that will be available on our dedicated Youtube channel when was led by Robert Glenister, pictured, on for 87 children for a whole year. voting opens: https://bit.ly/2HGkmLW behalf of hundreds of members. It was a technical case regarding national insurance where the HMRC unethically exploited a Bullying article loophole that will now put Equity members THE SPRING 2019 issue of the magazine CLASS NETWORK LAUNCHED at risk of losing their homes. Robert Glenister contained an article regarding bullying VICKY MCCLURE, JULIE WALTERS AND JULIE HESMONDHALGH are backing called it “a cynical cash grab” and the and the ‘company culture’. Some the union’s new class networks that recently launched in Liverpool protracted case has led him to take members in the production alluded and London. The aim is to address working class representation in the medication for depression; read his views on to in the article have contacted Equity entertainment industry. page 20. Unfortunately this is just the to disagree with the version of events Grassroots interest in setting up the networks has been growing and beginning of an assault by HMRC that could described. Equity wants to emphasise that members are joining together to share experiences and to campaign with damage all our members. The tax office has it will listen to and support all members others around measures that will help to address the considerable barriers delivered draft guidance for the who believe they have been bullied. facing working class creative practitioners accessing work and making entertainment sector to Equity that is a You can contact the union via the progress in the sector. complete disaster and were it to be adopted Bullying and Harassment helpline on: These events have generated testimony and ideas that will be fed into would effectively mean the ending of 020 7670 0268. the Performers’ Alliance All-Party Parliamentary Group’s inquiry into the members’ self-employed status. class ceiling in the creative sector. At the launch in Liverpool, opened by Equity’s General Secretary Christine Payne Equity’s President, Maureen Beattie, Ricky Tomlinson called for working said: “If this new guidance becomes official Glasgow office move class performers to be given the chance to appear in the many TV shows engagers would have no choice but to put OUR GLASGOW OFFICE has now moved to and films that get made locally and Amy Stout shared her experiences of most of our members on to PAYE not just in its new location. If you want to pop in and the prohibitive cost of auditioning for drama schools. film or TV but also in theatre. All engagers see Lorne, Adam or Marlene here’s Stephanie Greer, Northern Area Councillor, who led the event said: would face spiralling costs and administrative the new address: “We just want to be treated fairly - to have the same opportunity to prove complications. HMRC are on the verge of Cambridge House ourselves as our wealthy counterparts do. Let me in the room - if I don’t get being out of control. They cannot – and must 4th Floor the job, fine - at least I was given a chance”. not – be allowed to try and overturn decades 8 Cambridge Street Paul Fleming, industrial organiser for theatre, added: “By being a new of consensus and precedent on tax status in Glasgow G2 3DZ point of access to the union’s democratic structures, as well as a dynamic the creative industries.” The union is All other contact details remain the same place to campaign for working class artists, this exciting, grassroots determined to fight back, read more about and can be found at the back of the initiative will keep & grow the voice of working class members at the heart this from Christine on page 7. STEWART PAUL magazine. of Equity’s work.” For further information, please email [email protected]

4 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 5 FRONT OF HOUSE UPFRONT

EU COPYRIGHT DIRECTIVE: NEXT STEPS Fighting for our future LAST MONTH, the Copyright Directive was formally endorsed by their material, rather than based on a flat rate. While Equity already If HMRC’s suggested guidelines for our sector are adopted it will have catastrophic consequences the Council of the European Union, clearing the final hurdle of its negotiates performers’ exclusive contractual rights to get secondary use for all our members and the entertainment industry as a whole. This is a fight we cannot afford to lose rocky path through the EU’s legislative process. and additional payments, this may provide some protection against The starting gun will soon be fired on a 24-month period by which time buyout contracts (where authors are forced to abandon all rights and EU countries must implement the new rules into domestic legislation; entitlements, before there is any way of assessing how well a programme whether the UK is required to do so depends on the nature of the UK’s will perform) and will assist with developing collective agreements in of national insurance including good guidance because it generally departure from the EU. areas without them. employers’ national insurance from preserved the current self-employed In any Brexit scenario, Equity will urge the UK Government to these members – members who tax status of our members while implement it, advocating for this legislation as we did throughout its Stephen Spence, Deputy General Secretary – Industrial and HMRC have always accepted are self- recognising their status as workers passage with The International Federation of Actors (FIA) and many other Organising, said: employed for tax. for employment rights. After months partners across the entertainment industry. “The passing of the directive by the European Parliament marks the They did this by exploiting a of delays by HMRC, on 5 April this This legislation marks a critical step forward for performers and end of four years of protracted tussle over its contents, which was loophole created by a conflict year we received their final draft of authors in getting fairer remuneration for use of their work – including nearly derailed completely by the big tech giants. While we inevitably between two sets of regulations – one the guidance and it was completely provisions for better contractual terms and transparency in royalty achieved less than we set out to achieve, we took some critical steps of which was a set of categorisation different from what had been agreed accounting. For example, the “principle of appropriate and forward for Equity members that we are determined to push regulations set up expressly to enable in September. proportionate remuneration” in Article 18, by which authors and forward with. our members to claim contributory The new guidance is a complete performers will be able to seek compensation for the exploitation “A long road lies ahead. As we’ve seen in the past, important benefits. We believe this approach bodge and a disaster. of their work, proportionate to the revenues generated by changes introduced at EU level can be considerably diluted to be totally unethical and contrary It gives lots of weight to factors by the time they are implemented into UK law. Equity will to the spirit and purpose of the that simply don’t apply to many of do its best to avoid this and will be lobbying hard with others legislation concerned. our members, such as the ability to to ensure that the UK implements the goals of the directive The case has caused great stress substitute or provide equipment, to recalibrate current protections in favour of to many of the members concerned and it totally omits the importance of IT IS A CRITICAL STEP performers and other rights-holders, to ensure – with some now at risk of losing their collaboration and the creative input of FORWARD IN GETTING members are properly remunerated from homes or being declared bankrupt. performers, which is so much a part online revenues that are generated from Christine Payne I really want to thank our member of the established consensus. FAIRER REMUNERATION the content on which they depend”. Robert Glenister for agreeing to be the If this new guidance becomes General Secretary lead in this test case. He put his head official, engagers would have no above the parapet on behalf of all the choice but to put most of you on to members concerned. Read about his PAYE – not just in film or TV but also The HMRC are wilfully undermining view of the case on page 20. in theatre – and all the advantages of the incredible success story of However, this is only part of what’s your dual status would be lost. the UK’s creative industries. Our been happening with HMRC – the All engagers would face industries made a record £100 effect of their approach is spreading spiralling costs and administrative billion contribution to the UK and – if we don’t stop it – it has the complications, which would put new economy in 2017, generating 5.5% of potential to affect all our members production at risk. HMRC are on the the UK economy, and accounting for and all those who provide work to the verge of being out of control, so – 1 in 11 jobs – more jobs than in the industry in TV, film, theatre, radio; what are we going to do about it? financial services. across the business. I am now making representations This success story is now under Since November 2017 our Tax across government about the attack by HMRC. Tax officials are and Welfare team have been working damage this guidance would have trying to demolish the consensus that closely with SOLT and UK Theatre on the industry and we have been was reached with the industry in a to try and agree new tax guidance in contact at the highest level with ruthless grab for revenue that appears for actors and performers, which HMRC. But we need the engagers to be driven by forces that do not includes other workers – stage to get on board – BBC, ITV, SKY, understand our sector. management, directors, designers Netflix – as well as trade associations We recently lost a Test Case in and choreographers and role players. like the BFI, BFC, PACT, SOLT, UK the Upper Tax Tribunal. This was This was intensive work, but by Theatre, and ITC. To change this a complicated case involving high September last year it looked like injustice we need their full support. Cast It Here is our new local casting campaign, find out more on page 24 profile Equity members that had we had achieved agreed wording There will be more lobbying in been going on since 2011. HMRC with HMRC and it just needed to be the weeks and months to come and are trying to recover large sums signed off by its legal team. It was we will need your support with this.

6 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 7 INTERVIEW

Meet the membership

PERHAPS THE ORIGINAL KOBNA HOLDBROOK-SMITH ACTIVISM IS FORMING OR Actor Kobna Holdbrook-Smith talks about winning an Olivier award, supporting JOINING A UNION ERA 50:50 and the importance of the union

Q You’ve just won an Olivier Award for your [Mark], Terry [Michelle], Wong [Benedict], Kwei- rather than know it beyond dispute. Basic ways of portrayal of Ike in Tina; the Tina Turner Musical, Armah, Amuka-Bird, Turner [Lindsay], Gough, making active changes are becoming the norm and it which was your first Musical Theatre role. How did Warren and Lloyd [Adrienne and Phyllida], Whishaw, seems people increasingly want changes of all sorts, you find making the leap into Musical Theatre? Kaluuya, Ahmed [Rizwan], Niles, Noble [Cecilia], but don’t feel that can always be left to randoms to I felt totally enhanced by my year in a musical. The Heap [Mark] and tucker green. And tucker green figure out. Perhaps the original activism is forming or stigma about musical theatre is sort of about shine again, because she’s that special. And August Wilson joining a union. over depth but that’s breeze. The work is taxing even though he’s not a Brit. That was too long an and complicated. But maybe it’s a victim of its own answer. Don’t @ me. Q Equity Committee Elections are coming up excellence because musicals are usually so enjoyable. – what would you say to people unsure about And also because the best professionals in any Q You wore an ERA 50:50 campaign ring to the whether to vote? industry make their work look easy. Olivier Awards. What’s the campaign about, and If they don’t vote they might not even read this! I’d why do you support it? say: “You know that you are your union, right?” Q Before playing Ike you’d mainly played good E. R. A. Stands for Equal Representation for Actresses. Real talk, Equity is not perfect. Fine. But guys – has the experience made you want to play They advocate for 50:50 gender-balanced approaches how can it be? By people joining it and more damaged characters? across our work in the industry – casting, directing, engaging with it. What other choice Ha. I’m definitely all about the bad guys, now. I think programming and staffing. ‘Statistical frequency’ could there possibly be? there’s more detail to feed on. Or perhaps I’m just in shouldn’t and doesn’t indicate human value but, in love with detail. Kinder, friendlier characters seem to this case, it’s a damn fine starting point. I support the have fewer obstacles to play against. Wait. Maybe I’m campaign because it’s [very] right. The benefits of playing them too plainly! patriarchy and supremacism are narrow and false ones. Q Have you got any upcoming projects you are particularly excited about? Q You’ve recently spoken in response to The Nothing I can talk about yet but then I’m completely Stage’s report on diversity in the West End. Have clear. Literally nothing for the latter half of the year. you noticed much change over the course of So I can wait for something extra specially phat. your career? I honestly don’t feel qualified to make Q Have you seen anything recently that has really pronouncements... but... I have heard changes stuck with you? made in rhetoric and policy and outlook but the real I’ve been out of the loop for a year, so really haven’t world shifts seem too slow in coming. I’m truly glad seen much but... the recent film Mary Queen of Scots conversations are happening, though. But they are was very lovely, and I was lucky enough to catch all literally just air until people also act. Downstate at the National. Both very ‘adhesive’. Q As well as supporting ERA campaign you Q Who’s been an inspiration in your career? have in the past been a member of Equity’s So very many people. Just for this, just for Screen and New Media Committee and Vice now, just citing Brits, here is a massive list Chair of The Act For Change Project. Have of people whose work I’ve stanned and/or you experienced an increase in activism in bitten outright: Henry [Sir Lenworth], Hunter the industry in the last few years?

[Kathryn], Ejiofor, Oyelowo, Varla, Rylance The short answer is ‘yes’ but I only sense that STEWART PAUL PHOTOGRAPHY:

8 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk SUCCESS STORIES

Almost 200 people gathered to put faces to voices CLARENCE DERWENT AWARDS THIS YEAR’S winners of the Clarence Derwent awards are Michelle Fairley for her portrayal of Cassius in Julius Caesar at the Bridge and Irfan Shamji for three performances: as Harry, in the Mayfly at the Orange Tree in Richmond, John in One for Sorrow at the Royal Court and Luke in Dance Nation at the Almeida. The Awards were presented in February at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London. The Clarence Derwent Awards are given annually by Equity for the best individual AUDIOBOOKS EVENT GETS THE INDUSTRY CONNECTED male and female performances in a SHUTTERSTOCK supporting role for work done during the EQUITY ORGANISED another by almost 200 people. It was a and everyone really enjoyed and roof, and how lucky to have so previous year on a London stage. audiobooks event sponsored by great opportunity for the industry appreciated the night bringing the many chums from work, lovely to The UK awards date back to 1948 and Audible bringing together to get together and for members industry together. Member re-connect, and even connect face FIRST EVER UNION have an illustrious history of rewarding producers, publishers, readers, to network and have the chance Penelope Rawlins said: “A massive to face with folk one knows so some of the most respected names in agents and authors in March. It to catch up with those who do this thank you to you for Thursday well through email! A reminder of AGREEMENT WITH British theatre – including familiar names was held at the BFI Stephen Street type of work. This work can be evening. It was so lovely to see so how lucky we are to do what we such as Sir Ian McKellen, Timothy West and Kitchen & Bar and was attended quite a solitary existence at times many work friends under one do, thank you so much.” Dame Judi Dench – but also many other STREAMING GIANT actors whose contributions to British EQUITY HAS negotiated the first media department said: “We are theatre is most highly prized by their peers. direct union agreement with delighted that after months of The judges were producer Thelma Holt, Netflix. This agreement is a side letter negotiations we have signed off on critics Kate Bassett, Susannah Clapp, and to the Pact Television Agreement the first ever agreement with a leading Matt Trueman, plus Equity vice president and covers all productions made by streaming platform. This ensures Ian Barritt and director Jonathan Munby. EQUITY BURLESQUE NETWORK LAUNCH Netflix for exclusive use for the Netflix that members will be protected. We Equity also takes this opportunity to EQUITY FORMALLY launched its thing about burlesque to them and platform. The streaming giant wants worked closely with Equity’s Screen & present its student and young member Burlesque Network on 24 April with an something that needs to be improved. to make more productions here in the New Media Committee along with our bursaries. The four bursaries are worth event at Guild House organised by Variety, By far the most common theme that UK and it is believed they are close to colleagues in the agent community.” £500 each. The Student bursaries went to Circus and Entertainers Councillor Red emerged that performers liked about the securing a 10-year deal to lease space at This is a three-year agreement with Elizabeth Hammerton, studying at LAMDA, Sarah and variety organiser Michael Day. art form was the freedom of artistic Pinewood Studios. a minimum weekly fee of £715, which and Vincent Rosec studying at East 15. The The event was structured so that there could expression and autonomy. Rates of pay John Barclay, head of the recorded allows for three months use on the Young Member Bursaries went to Jonny be group discussions, educational were identified as a big issue which platform and then there are additional Grundy, a circus artist, and Constance presentations as well as networking. The prompted the biggest discussion. percentages to cover either a period Wookey, who is using the money to take a group discussion covered some of the Above: Variety Organiser Mike Day with the founders The Network will build on previous work of 10 years or 15 years of availability show to the Fringe. pertinent issues affecting burlesque of the new Burlesque Network that Equity has done with burlesque such as NETFLIX WANTS on Netflix. The minimum rates will be performers such as recognition and the dispute in Camden about licensing of increased by 2% for each year during understanding of the art form, diversity, burlesque and a similar issue in Hebden TO MAKE MORE the three-year term. social media, professional standards and Bridge as well as the development of Discussions are continuing with rates. There were presentations from Holli standard contracts. The Network will now PRODUCTIONS Netflix to deal with issues around Mae Johnson on marketing and branding; look at tackling some of the issues affecting HERE IN THE UK exclusivity provisions for leading roles. Tempest Rose on how to produce and make the industry that were raised and it is Equity is also in conversation with a opportunities; Wildvixen on culture and intended that further meetings outside range of new streaming platforms who legends and Goodtime Mama Jojo (Jo King) London will be arranged in the future. also wish to produce in the UK. on her career in the industry. Burlesque practitioners wishing to get The topics for the group discussions involved with the Network should contact were identified at the meeting when Michael Day on [email protected] for The Clarence Derwent winners with Maureen Beattie members were asked to state the best more information.

10 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 11 SUCCESS STORIES

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG Equity annual MEMBERS exchange meeting AT THE END of 2018 Equity’s Young EQUITY AND ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION Members’ Committee successfully applied (AEA) met in London in April for the annual for just under £5,000 from the union’s face-to-face review of the Exchange Unknown Funds to run a series of events in Agreement between the two unions. The collaboration with The Mono Box, a London- Exchange Agreement is codified n the based not-for-profit collaborative network immigration regulations of both countries. that caters for actors and theatre-makers, As part of the meeting in London, Equity founded by actor Joan Iyiola and movement officers and officials hosted our American director Polly Bennett. colleagues at the Olivier Awards Ceremony Polly and Joan worked with Jessica at the Royal Albert Hall. Bastick-Vines, Vice-Chair of the Young From left to right: Emily Francis (ERA 50:50), Steven Kavuma (The Diversity School), Cherrelle Skeete The meeting between the unions was Members’ Committee, to devise Creative (Blacktress), Joan Iyiola (The Mono Box), Jessica Bastick-Vines (Equity YMC), Tom Ross-Williams (The CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT Advocacy Academy), Victoria Emslie (ERA 50:50) followed by the annual Exchange discussion Acts, which Joan describes as “an essential with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) programme celebrating power and practice Equity members and fellow creative – a process that will continue now that SECURES £11M FROM and the Broadway League representing UK for theatre makers from all disciplines. workers looking for new ways to engage Creative Acts is over. As Polly explains, “we and US producers. The collaboration between The Mono Box with the union, recruiting new people into are keen to build on the conversations and HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS As well as reviewing Exchanges between and Equity’s YMC attracted a wide range membership and encouraging existing ideas exposed by Creative Acts to make the West End and Broadway the four of contributions from our leading industry members into activity. Jessica said: “We sure we work in response to what people organisations examined other Exchanges, professionals, and created a focal point for wanted to give space for young members are experiencing in and need from the International Status applications over the activism and empowerment across London, to share their views on the world, to industry today.” EQUITY HAS been working closely to announce that we have recently year and the potential implications of Brexit Cardiff and Manchester. The industry has discover how interchangeable our skills You can find out more about The Mono with two major studios to recover initiated a new round of audits across the on Exchange arrangements. In addition benefitted greatly from this exploration.” are as creatives and activists, to open Box on their website: www.themonobox. record amounts in royalties for performers major studios. the unions reminded engagers that stage Thanks to Creative Acts, the Young conversations, and give tools to take co.uk, where you can also read blogs from who have worked on Equity film and Equity’s in-house Distribution Services management are eligible to be included in Members’ Committee has met new young forward into action to affect change” Creative Acts participants. television contracts. Through the union’s paid out more than £24 million in royalties Exchange applications and underlined why contract enforcement role, Equity ensures to more than 19,000 performers in the first diversity is an important principle within the that all royalty payments are calculated in 18 months of operating. Advice and FAQs Exchange agreement process. Equity wins case for magician accordance with the formulae set out in on Royalties are available in the “At Work” The next face-to-face will be held in New Equity’s collectively bargained agreements section of our website, including a newly York in June 2020. WHEN MAGICIAN Simon work that summer for a fee of he turned to his union Equity Bascombe, Equity’s North – ensuring that performers share in the launched online service offering support West learnt that he had nearly £4000. However, the job for help. East Regional Organiser. “We Photo l-r: Christine Payne, General Secretary, Maureen gross receipts realised from the sale or with Royalties and Contract Enforcement Beattie, President, Mary McColl, Executive Director been accepted to perform on was abruptly cancelled as the “Simon’s case is sought payment of his fee licence of a production. Equity scrutinises queries. These developments and AEA, Stephen Spence, Deputy for the General board a cruise ship in 2017, he cruise ship decided they no unfortunately one of many but eventually had to take Secretary, Ira Mont, AEA Vice President, Kate Shindle, reporting, identifies deficiencies, and recoveries would not be conceivable in the AEA President & Geraldine Fitzgerald, Equity member was absolutely delighted. longer wanted a magician to that we see,” said Dominic the matter to the small makes challenges on our members’ absence of a powerful union representing “I was thrilled because perform. claims court.” behalves. performers’ collective rights. Please I really wanted to get into That left the problem of At the hearing in Skipton These efforts with two studios alone support us in our aim to achieve 100% performing in the cruise Simon’s contract. County Court, the judge ruled resulted in a pay-out, via Equity’s membership on film and television sets by industry as I had heard so “I was upset about the GIGS CAN BE in Simon’s favour and he was Distribution Services, of an incredible £11 speaking with your fellow performers many good things about the cancellation of the contract awarded his full fee. million in Equity royalties, plus late about the value and importance of being experience,” he said. as I had obviously had to plan CANCELLED AT “This is a great example payment penalties. Productions involved part of Equity. That stint on a cruise ship in my other work and family life SHORT NOTICE of how contracts protect our included Outlander (pictured). The stronger our membership and 2017 led to an offer of further around the months I was due members,” said Bascombe. Additionally, thanks to ongoing dialogue, profile in the industry, the better we are work in 2018 through well- to be away,” he said. “It was to SO A CONTRACT “Many lose out on their fees the relevant studios and payroll companies positioned to bargain with the major known talent agency PEEL be an extensive period of my when performances are have tailored their systems to ensure studios and television companies to entertainment. time doing the job.” IS VITAL cancelled at the last minute. future compliance with Equity achieve and enforce fair compensation for He signed the contract When PEEL refused to pay Having a contract in place methodology. Finally, we are also pleased the exploitation of performers’ work. in early 2018 and was set to Simon for the late cancellation, is vital.”

12 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 13 SUCCESS STORIES

Union takes action for models EQUITY HAS STEPPED IN to protect models’ fees after the collapse of a modelling agency. In January 2017 FM London Model Management (FMMA) went into voluntary liquidation owing large sums of money to models. It was subsequently discovered that there

Games are an increasing source was a risk to models’ fees of employment for our members as they could be treated as part of the general funds to be distributed to FMMA’s creditors rather WOMEN IN GAMES LEVEL UP than being ring-fenced as money held on trust for IN CELEBRATION OF the models. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S This resulted in DAY, 8 March, Equity’s lengthy correspondence Women’s Committee and with the liquidators and Screen & New Media almost 12 months of Committee co-hosted Equity’s legal proceedings. On 10 first Women and Games event. May 2019, the High Court The afternoon featured a made an order concerning panel of some of the top women how the money should in the UK games industry, be distributed. The including Dr Jo Twist, CEO of court accepted the main UKIE (the UK games trade arguments of Equity’s organisation), and legal team had advanced, representatives from BAFTA, resulting in the most Creative Assembly, and OMUK. favourable outcome that The event was a great could be expected. success, with productive As a result of the court discussions around some of the order, those models who industry’s most pressing issues, have yet to make claims including the challenges faced by to the liquidators for the women working in the sector. fees owing to them, must Equity looks forward to building now do so by 4pm 28 on this and strengthening our June 2019. For further involvement with the games information on the case industry, which is an increasing and how to claim you can source of work for our members. contact Equity’s Legal For more info email: Officer Martin Kenny on [email protected] [email protected]

14 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk PRESIDENTIAL OPINIONS Vote for the industry you want There are lots of ways to support Equity, but voting is a key part of being a member of a trade union

T the time of writing this rape” a female Labour MP and states column the nominations that “feminism is a cancer”, or, or, for those wishing to or… it impacts on all of us and our stand for one of Equity’s rights. The work of our equalities Acommittees are about to close. committees in particular does not It’s too late now for me to use this happen in an Equity bubble only chance to speak directly to the whole affecting the lives of our members membership of the union (or at least when they are working within our those who read our multi-award industry, but has implications winning magazine!) to encourage, wherever the communities they cajole, beg you to stand, but it’s not serve exist. too late for me to encourage, cajole and beg you to VOTE!! The members who win places Members who win places on each of our committees will on our committees will be making incredibly important be making decisions decisions about your livelihood - how you put bread on your table - so about your livelihood wouldn’t you like to make sure they are people you approve of? IN FEBRUARY this year we had an I know I’ve banged on about this event to celebrate one year on since before and no doubt will again, but the launch of our Agenda for Change at the risk of sounding like a broken and Safe Spaces campaign. That record here’s something Michelle very same Labour MP mentioned Obama said at a recent event to above, Jess Phillips, was one of publicise her autobiography – “It’s our fantastic speakers and she time for us to roll up our sleeves and, praised Equity for the work if we are not happy with the state of we have been doing towards things, then in democracies we have eradicating bullying and votes. We have to pay attention and we harassment from our industry. have to be engaged and we can’t take I don’t have any data as yet, our rights and liberties for granted.” although there are plans for Many of the battles Equity’s a member-wide survey on activists and staff are engaged in are this subject, but it seems ongoing and we cannot afford to take to me that our campaign our eyes off the ball. and the affirmation that Our membership in all its glorious goes along with it (see the diversity is a microcosm of the wider Safe Spaces page in the diary) world outside of our union, and are becoming more and more when the Sultan of Brunei introduces widespread and are making a very new laws mandating the stoning real difference. Of course there is to death of gay people, or Donald much still to do and we must remain Trump announces that transgender ever vigilant, but for me this is a people are now banned from serving great example of Equity staff and in the armed forces of the US, or a activists working together to affect Maureen Beattie UKIP candidate refuses to apologise real change for the better and it fills Equity President for saying that he “wouldn’t even me with pride. VOTE!!

www.equity.org.uk CAMPAIGN PROFESSIONALLY

PROFESSIONALLYMADE

Our low and no PAIDpay campaign relaunches with an emphasis on small scale tours, immersive theatre and the creative team

QUITY launched our Professionally Made, Professionally Paid campaign in 2014, bringing together all of the efforts we had made over the years on tackling low and no pay in the entertainment industry. In the five years since then, the work we have done to enforce members’ rights to statutory minima such the National Minimum Wage, holiday pay and other entitlements, alongside the

continuing efforts we’ve made to bring new venues, TIM BRADFORD BY ILLUSTRATIONS

16 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 17 CAMPAIGN

producers and other engagers onto Equity agreements has know exist on the fringe and beyond. People who have a real working understanding of the genre.” resulted in more than £3m worth of payments being delivered In a 2018 survey of those who have worked on a Professionally Current Equity Fringe Agreements apply to performers and into the pockets of members and fellow industry professionals. Made, Professionally Paid job since the campaign was launched, stage managers, but not to creative team members. This is That’s no small achievement. members identified the areas they wanted to see us expand because performers and stage managers are classified as workers Our campaign is a prime example of how Equity’s organising into. Firstly, there is a strong demand for the union to do more for the purposes of employment rights, and are therefore entitled work can deliver real, tangible change for professionals in on encouraging minimum standards on small scale tours. As to the National Minimum Wage and holiday pay. Creative team our industries. Across the UK, members have enthusiastically Equity Stage Management Councillor Adam Burns explains, members, by contrast, tend to more often be genuinely self- embraced this work and delivered real “Small scale tours have been hot beds of employed – and are therefore excluded from the range of rights results in partnership with Equity Officials, exploitation for Equity members for too long. afforded to workers. That being said, a third priority for the whether by supporting staff to identify Issues such as excessive driving hours, non- campaign’s next stage will be the establishment of a Creative engagers who should be using a union payment of the National Minimum Wage and Team Fringe Agreement. Robbie Butler, a lighting designer who agreement and facilitating conversations serious health and safety breaches are all too sits on Equity’s Creative Team Committee has already begun between them and the union, or by resisting common.” This can (and must) change, and working on this in conjunction with Equity staff. He explains: unpaid work, or in conversations with fellow as Equity member Melissa Stanton points “A fringe agreement for the creative team is important because professionals about why what we do matters out, would be positive for the engagers it sets a baseline of acceptable working standards in the area and how working together means we can and audiences too: “union contracts are of our industry where exploitation is most likely to occur. It deliver the changes we so badly need. so important for everyone involved. The acts as an educational guide to emerging producers and artists We wouldn’t have achieved what we’ve audience will never get the performance they alike as it sets out the basic minimum they should be expecting done were it not for individual members deserve if the company have not had any of one another in professional environments. We need to be and Equity branches working together to proper rest, or food. Producers who take care careful however and recognise that the fringe is not exclusively drive this through. Collectively, we can be of their team will ultimately be protecting a playground for emerging talent. Many theatres and companies proud of what we’ve achieved so far – proud their own investment and reputation. It just thrive there and are commercially successful. We need to ensure of the contribution we have made to the makes good business sense.” they’re paying proper rates and not the bare minimum.” wider conversations happening in our industries about what good terms and MEMBERS HAVE NOTHER area members LTHOUGH it is right to say that these three priorities conditions look like, and how paying have identified as a priority represent a new direction for Professionally Made, people for the work they do is a vital part ENTHUSIASTICALLY is immersive theatre. We’ve Professionally Paid, it’s also true that in many ways of ensuring that performers and creative EMBRACED THIS CAMPAIGN established a new Network for this work represents the expansion and continuation workers can access long-term, fulfilling membersA working in immersive theatre, ofA what we’ve done before. The purpose of trade unions is the and sustainable careers in their chosen who are sharing their experiences of promotion, protection and extension of workers’ rights, and in profession. bad practice in a sector dominated by Equity’s 90th year we’re doing the work we’ve always done to producers with limited wider industry change our industries for the better. That work will continue, HIS is not to say that achieving the experience. Equity member Charlotte and will develop and expand as the industries we work in and National Minimum Wage should Newton John works in immersive theatre the activities of the engagers develop and expand. Through this be the limit of our aspirations regularly, and says “The immersive sector campaign and our wider organising work we have achieved a – far from it. Over the five years is a fairly new form of theatre, and as such, great deal because we have worked together in the pursuit of ProfessionallyT Made, Professionally Paid doesn’t always get treated in the right common goals and positive change. As Brecht said, “because has existed, we have worked with engagers way. Safety is a big issue. As performers, things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are.” to improve the rates of pay they offer as we are right in the thick of things in a way The union’s job is to change those things – and together, their companies and productions grow. we never usually are when on stage, and we’ll do just that. We are clear that our members and their because you are inviting in an audience fellow professionals deserve to be paid to play and leave their inhibitions at the far in excess of statutory minima. But door, we are vulnerable. Too many shows the reality of the industries we work in – have alcohol available and that coupled How you can be involved with the continual pressures of funding, with close proximity to the audience can If you want to join our Immersive Theatre Network, misunderstandings about employment leave performers exposed to many forms email [email protected] status, and proliferation of so-called of abuse.” Through the Network, we are There are surveys on immersive theatre & small ‘opportunities’ – mean there are real looking at common issues members scale tours live on the Equity website. Fill them in if challenges in securing even these most experience with the aim of making you’ve worked in either sector, and encourage your basic of workers’ rights. improvements across the board. As fellow professionals to do so. Ultimately, this campaign is an ongoing Charlotte says “immersive theatre needs its Creative Team? Please keep an eye out for the details process, not a one-off event – and it’s now own set of standards drawn up by Equity of two open meetings on fringe contracts in the time for us to move this work forward, to and people who have been doing it since Summer, and email [email protected] if you’d expand the union’s campaigning priorities its inception. And I mean the performers like to be involved in this work. and continue to tackle the real issues we and creative team, not the producers.

18 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 19 INTERVIEW

I’M A JOBBING ACTOR THAT IS AT IT’S REAL RISK OF LOSING BEEN A HIS HOME CYNICAL CASH GRAB Robert Glenister represented a large group of Equity members in a protracted, technical tax case that is proving to be the first of a sustained attack by HMRC

PHOTOGRAPHY PAUL STUART

The HMRC have remorselessly pursued me and many other members for hundreds of thousands of pounds on a case which all sides agree is a highly technical interpretation of national insurance rules. I don’t earn millions, I’m a jobbing actor with a bit of profile but I’m now (like many others) at real risk of losing my home. This case has put me under enormous pressure resulting in my being prescribed medication for depression and it has become clear to me that HMRC are potentially targeting a great many in the entertainment industry: my case is just the beginning.

In 2004 my wife and I were advised to set up a company to handle our financial affairs as two self- employed people doing two different jobs. I challenged the idea at the time wanting reassurance that this was legitimate practice and was duly told by my then accountant that it was. The stress of the I trusted this advice along with many other members who were advised case caused Robert similarly and like them set up a limited company in good faith to simplify to pass out during a performance of our financial affairs, not to seek unfair advantage. → Glengarry Glen Ross

20 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 21 INTERVIEW

I first became aware of HMRC’s investigation in 2010. A number of high profile members and their representatives met at Equity to discuss the issue. The HMRC SHOULD ACT LIKE potential losses were a shock, but the explanation of how technical HMRC’s argument was, caused some of us to believe that it was unlikely to come to much. HMRC has our industry A GOVERNMENT firmly in its sights DEPARTMENT, NOT At that stage it was agreed by both HMRC and Equity that a test case should IT HAS BECOME CLEAR to Equity that HMRC A BUNCH OF GANGSTERS be selected to take to 1st tier tax tribunal. are targeting the entertainment industry and However after some considerable time (I’m talking years not months, and bear this case is just one part of a concerted attack. in mind that HMRC are legally entitled to charge interest at 3% on all deemed This case involved the alleged non-payment payments going back in this case, to 2004) the tax authorities decided that the of Class 1 national insurance. The dispute case selected didn’t suit them and that another should be chosen. Again, after revolved around the use of the Categorisation another ridiculous wait my company was selected by HMRC to be the test case of Earners Regulations (“Cat Regs”) to impose and having discussed with Equity I agreed, knowing that if we lost it would a Class 1 NIC liability under the Intermediaries be my name that appeared in the media probably under the banner of ‘TV legislation for those operating through Conman Tax Avoider’(guess what, we did and it was). The test case process personal service companies in the period prior meant that I was effectively representing 60 if not hundreds of members with to 2014 when the Cat Regs were repealed in so similar financial set ups to mine who would be pursued for many thousands of far as they applied to entertainers. The dispute pounds, as they now have been or will be shortly. has been litigated through the mechanism of an informal test case in the Tax Tribunal The union is aware of unwell, elderly performers who are having to deal and, following an appeal, reached the Upper with huge bills from HMRC at the end of their careers after paying their Tax Tribunal on 11 March with many other dues all their working lives. performers awaiting the outcome of the lead Why are HMRC pursuing this case and others that Equity are working on with case. Judgement was released on 9 April and such extraordinary zeal, while at the same time letting some of the largest the judges found in favour of HMRC’s argument. and wealthiest companies and individuals get away with not paying their The sums involved are very considerable fair share? It’s because we are an easy and vulnerable target or as my now indeed and apart from the financial penalty accountant says, “low hanging fruit”. members stand to suffer potentially huge reputational damage. I have never sat down with a tax official in nine years; I want an explanation Equity has throughout backed our members from the horse’s mouth as to why they are taking such an aggressive approach. in challenging the approach of HMRC to this case The unregulated power and anonymity of those attempting to ruin us is worrying and we continue to believe that it runs contrary to say the least. Do individual tax inspectors get a cut of whatever monies he or she to the spirit of what was agreed with HMRC manages to claw back? Just a thought. and DCMS. Parliament never intended the Cat Regs to do anything other than assist low paid The psychological effects that this whole enquiry has had on those targeted entertainers access contributory benefits. individuals must be considered. As Equity’s General Secretary Christine Payne As I mentioned, I am on medication for depression and now also for high said: “HMRC have exploited a loophole created blood pressure having passed out during a performance of Glen Garry Glen by a conflict between two sets of regulations Ross in 2017 not long after we lost the first tier tribunal. I believe that both of - one of which was a set of categorisation these conditions are a direct result of HMRC ‘s actions. I’m delighted that the regulations set up expressly to enable our importance of mental health well-being is being recognised in our industry members to claim contributory benefits. We and in wider society, but is clearly not part of the tax-man’s agenda though believe this approach to be totally unethical they maintain (of course) that it is! and contrary to the spirit and purpose of the legislation concerned. My case, and therefore that of many others has come to its conclusion, “We were absolutely right to fight this case legally at least. However, there is still I believe a strong moral and ethical because we knew what the consequences of argument to be had. HMRC’s approach could be - the case has caused I’m grateful that Equity stepped up to defend the group of members affected great stress to many of the members concerned by the test case, but it is clear that this is just the start of a cynical and particularly to Robert Glenister for agreeing to unprincipled cash grab.Our industry is one of this country’s great success be the lead in this test case.We know it’s been stories and this government, such as it is, needs to wake up and take control incredibly stressful at times, especially with the of HMRC, regulate it and ensure that it behaves in a manner that befits its distortions about the case in the press.” status as a government department, rather than that of a bunch of boorish gangsters seemingly intent on making people’s lives a misery.

22 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 23 CAMPAIGNS

Member-led casting AGENDA campaign launches FOR

CHANGE Clockwise from the far WE ARE RELAUNCHING our campaign to highlight the benefits of left: Labour MP Jess local casting. This is a member-led campaign, with members from IN FEBRUARY, the one year Phillips, Helen Vine, all the Nations and Regions having their own specific experiences anniversary of Equity’s Sameena Zehra to bring to the table. landmark report into Tribunal in sexual harassment We spoke to Ian McElhinney to find out about the benefits Game sexual harassment in the cases from three months to of Thrones has brought to Northern Ireland: “Overall there were entertainment industry, we six months and, again, the around half a dozen hosted an event to reflect on the safe spaces, while LGBT+ government has promised major parts and probably progress made and challenges Committee chair Giovanni further consultation on this. another twenty parts cast ahead. Bienne, Deaf and Disabled Equity has worked with from local talent, so the Maureen Beattie, Equity Committee member Natalie employers and casting province has done pretty President, chaired the event and Amber and comedian Sameena featuring David Tennant and professionals on new sets of well out of it. speakers included Jess Phillips Zehra all provided insight into Rosalie Craig was unveiled principles and guidance for “The knock-on effect MP, member of the Women different perspectives of the at the event and is available sexual harassment and bullying. is that a lot of other & Equalities Parliamentary problem. online. Maureen Beattie said: “We productions are coming Committee whose report on Following Equity’s are striving to make our sector in now - and there’s more Sexual Harassment in the Positive news includes: evidence that Non-Disclosure one that is leading the way in being shot here - they’re workplace has helped to shift The successful launch Agreements can intimidate best practice. We believe there just looking at the talent base available and seeing if anybody is Government thinking, and of Equity’s Safe Spaces workers from pursuing sexual has been a shift in perception suitable. It’s a case of, well there is a talent pool here, so let’s actress Helen Vine, who won campaign that aims to tackle harassment claims, even among our members. In look at it. a claim of sexual harassment the fear of reporting harassment where they cannot legally be recognising bad behaviour and “Historically it used to be that if they came to Ireland to cast they with Equity’s help and gave a and bullying and includes a enforced, the government harassment for what it is, and in would go to Dublin. So if you were an Irish-based actor you were powerful testimony about her dedicated helpline - 020 7670 accepts this and has promised a our resolve as an industry not having to go to Dublin to be seen. That at least has gone. We now experiences. Stage manager 0268. Productions have been consultation on their use. to tolerate it, and that you will have a strong casting agents here who has been pretty influential Jess Richards spoke about the encouraged to read a Safe Equity has lobbied hard to be believed if you come forward in building up the visibility of the talent base. There’s a lot more work the National Theatre of Spaces statement before work increase the window of being and Equity will have your back possibility that you can be cast and be living here, and not have to Scotland is doing to encourage begins. A video of the statement able to take an Employment when you do.” move from here in order to do so. “The entertainment business is the new major industry. Lots more productions are coming in here than was the case historically. If you’d said twenty years ago there’d be a film industry IN MARCH, VIRGIN TRAINS posted a at The Oscars and other similar awards in Belfast people would have laughed. Even when we were making Virgin Trains competition on social media offering ceremonies are in fact compensated Troubles stuff we went away.” members of the public the chance to for the work. More fundamentally, you Equity will be providing materials to branches to take to local become the voice of their new toilets. are tax payer subsidised, multimillion venues or studios, put up on noticeboards or whatever the voice ‘prize’ What was presented as a ‘fun competition’ pound train company – not, in fact, an branch members feel will work best in their specific area. This is swiftly caused outcry among Equity entertainment industry awards ceremony. a campaign where members, particularly those who work in This attempt at comparison is at best local expertise is at the voice over/audio industry. ill-judged, at worst offensive, and again FILM IS THE the centre of both the Writing to the Managing Director of underscores the company’s lack of NEW MAJOR campaigning and the Virgin Trains, Equity General Secretary understanding or appreciation for the INDUSTRY IN campaign itself. Christine Payne pointed out, “Your entertainment industries.” You can find more social media team have argued that if Following the letter Virgin Trains NORTHERN information and people were offered the opportunity to agreed to a meeting where a constructive IRELAND campaign materials at present the Oscars they would not ask for and satisfactory discussion was had. We www.equity.org.uk/ payment. This argument is egregious in recieved assurances that any future voice cast-it-here the extreme, not least because presenters work would be paid at industry rates. →

24 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 25 CAMPAIGNS

Thank you to all the members who have taken part in the #MyCardMyUnion campaign

My Card My Union THIS YEAR sees the 90th anniversary of the union, and in February we launched the #MyCardMyUnion campaign to celebrate. As well as releasing portraits of some of our high-profile members holding giant Equity cards we asked members to show their solidarity with their union by posting a selfie to Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with their membership card and include the hashtags #MyCardMyUnion and #ProudToBeEquity. It’s been a huge success so far – our biggest social media campaign to date – and we’re carrying on the campaign, with more portraits being released every Monday for the rest of the year and images from the campaign being used on posters, leaflets and all kinds of other places. Here’s just a small selection of photos members posted, and a few sent in by members not on social media too, such as Jessica Spencer, recipient of the 1948 Clarence Derwent award, who just turned 100.

26 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 27 IN APPRECIATION MICHAEL AMY CUNNINGHAM SHAW Equity’s Honorary Treasurer Bryn Evans remembers An Equity Variety Councillor from 1994 - 1996, his predecessor, who passed away earlier this year Amy passed away last year at the age of 90

MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM was AMY STARTED LIFE in Bolton and she was able to resume a Welsh actor who worked in until her father died in 1931. some singing work. This was repertory companies around the Her mother Susan decided to often at benefit concerts and UK and for the Welsh Theatre move to Halifax to be nearer for charities. Company based in Cardiff. family and negotiate the In 1974 Amy gained her He also played a season with depression. Equity card, which allowed the company at the Pitlochry A scholarship to attend her to branch out into TV Festival Theatre in Scotland. Princess Mary High School and advertising work. Her Michael was elected to the gave Amy a sound education, experience in clerical work Welsh National Committee in opportunities to play netball also helped in her being 1977 and served as Chair of that and led her into clerical work. voted as secretary for Equity. Committee from 1987. He was After the War she married Amy’s most interesting, first elected to Equity Council Willey Habergham when he ongoing and satisfying role as Councillor for Wales in 1990 left the RAF. was that of Dame Thora Hird’s and served continuously for 20 Amy had become stunt woman in Last of the years until 2010. involved with Forest Cottage Summer Wine. Other credits Michael was Honorary Community Centre Drama include: In Loving Memory, Treasurer of Equity from EQUITY Group and the RAFA Coronation Street, Heartbeat, July 1998 to December 2003. pantomimes at the Halifax Albion Market, City Central, His five and a half years as OWES HIM A Playhouse. Amy began Emmerdale, Juliet Bravo and Honorary Treasurer were a TREMENDOUS singing on the Northern Club Crimewatch and many others difficult time for Equity; in most Circuit and was in instant including photo shoots and years expenditure outstripped DEBT OF demand. Her rise to fame advertising. She was the face income, leading to an operating was suddenly halted when of Manchester Buses for a deficit. This was not down to GRATITUDE she suffered severe injuries number of years. Michael in any way; he had in a car accident, which left Amy leaves three children, inherited a Union that was her technically dead for 5 six grandchildren, six great extremely reluctant to increase this particular nettle. Equity days in1961. Her indomitable grandchildren and one subscription rates for its owes him a tremendous debt spirit saw her through an great, great grandchild. members. One of Michael’s last of gratitude. It was entirely unexpected recovery. Support Some of these are involved acts as Honorary Treasurer was appropriate therefore that he from clubland comrades and in pantomime, shows and to persuade his fellow Officers was awarded Honorary Life friends helped her recovery singing. to embrace a strategy that Membership for his services to would increase the minimum the Union. subscription rate from £66 to After standing down as £80 and then a year later to £90. Honorary Treasurer, Michael As his successor, my first task in continued to serve on Council HER February 2004 was to present and on the Financial Stability this strategy to Equity Council Working Party until his INDOMITABLE for its approval. retirement in 2010. He was an SPIRIT The fact that subscription outstanding Councillor whose revenue is now properly contributions to debate were SAW HER recognised as the core funding always well argued. He was of the Union flows from respected and much loved by THROUGH Michael’s willingness to grasp his colleagues.

28 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk In 1882, the great actor manager Sir Henry Irving founded the Actors’ Benevolent Fund The Ralph and Meriel Richardson with a promise to help actors, Foundation was established by actresses and stage managers Lady Meriel Richardson in 1998 experiencing hardship due to to relieve the need, hardship or accident, illness or old age. distress of established British actors and actresses.

Information and Application form online: The Ralph and Meriel Richardson Foundation Over a century If you are in need of support please visit our or by post: later, the Fund website, or call us to find remains true to out about how the Fund 5, Stratford Place, London W1C might be able to help you. that promise. All enquiries are treated 1AX. in the strictest confidence.

020 7836 6378 actorsbenevolentfund.co.uk

RTF Equity half Page.qxp_Layout 1 15/06/2018 13:41 Page 1 Registered charity number 206524

8Do you work on stage, backstage, front of house, on camera, behind camera? 3 8Are you unable to work due to illness or injury?3 8Are you in financial difficulties?3

If you have answered yes to all these questions call The Royal Theatrical Fund. The Royal Theatrical Fund is here to help all who have worked professionally in the World of Entertainment.

Contact us on: 0207 836 3322 [email protected] 11 Garrick Street, London WC2E 9AR www.trtf.com 3 The All applications are treated in the oyal Robert strictest confidence. Lindsay Theatrical Reg Charity No 222080 President RFund www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 29 CONFERENCE REPORT

Members vote to change industry Equity’s 2019 Conference carried 47 motions and here is the complete list

Motion 1: Ensure accessible communication methods are used Motion 2: Initiate urgent discussions to tackle discrimination against BAME performers Motion 3: Conduct an audit of LGBT+ theatre companies/venues/ production companies Motion 4: Conduct an inquiry into members’ experiences of Equity General Secretary Christine Payne told inappropriate behaviour at auditions/interviews representatives about the HMRC’s attack on the industry Motion 6: Initiate a sustained campaign to unionise members of the variety profession Motion 7: Redouble efforts to publicise to singers that Equity is their union Motion 8: Raise awareness of the tipping point streaming services are creating for residual payments Motion 9: Create a Low Budget Film Agreement, similar to the Fringe Theatre Agreement Motion 11: Mount a campaign to secure adequate funding for drama on BBC Radio Motion 12: Subscription rates up by 3.03% from January 2020 Pádraig Murray, President of Irish Motion 13: Put to a referendum changes Rule 3 Equity, was the Equity President Maureen Beattie opened the conference Motion 15: Put to a referendum changes to Rule 15 guest speaker by reading the union’s Safe Spaces statement Motion 16: Agree a change to Rule 28 Motion 18: Establish a working party to fully review the format of QUITY’S annual representative by Equity President Maureen Beattie. the ARC conference (ARC) is the forum She began by reading the Safe Spaces Motion 19: Examine further the GDPR “lawful basis for where Equity activists from statement that was created as part of the processing” criteria branches, committees and Annual union’s Creating Safe Spaces campaign. Motion 20: Give serious thought to Equity’s GDPR policy Belfast GeneralE Meetings get together and debate She went on to discuss the importance of the issues that will affect the industry for good mental health in the entertainment Motion 21: Investigate reinstating the circulation of online joining the coming year. business and the difficult realities that codes to non-members often lie behind “a happy, successful Motion 23: Ask First Act Insurance for monthly direct debits to be opens its It took place on 18-20 May at the Europa surface”. possible for add-on insurances Hotel in the very welcoming city of Belfast. Equity’s General Secretary Christine Motion 25: Investigate how the Union has arrived at a position in The ARC always has it social aspects, where Payne was next to the podium and briefly which democratic parity is not afforded to all members members can informally network together, outlined the good news for the union: Motion 27: Place the local branch opt-out tick box in the welcome and the main event for this is the traditional a membership that continues to grow pack rather than the application form Sunday evening dinner. This year an extra and is now at a record high, improved arms to Motion 28: Increase communication between the Council and trip to Belfast’s famous Dockers Club agreements and millions of pounds paid branches when a motion is opposed was arranged on the Saturday night and to members through the union’s new representatives thoroughly enjoyed their distribution service. Motion 30: Make maintenance of the CTA central to Equity’s evening in the legendary variety venue. However, she spent the main part of arguments in the current political uncertainty Equity The serious business of debating the her speech detailing the bad news of how Motion 31: Appeal to the govt. to safeguard members rights to motions to improve the entertainment HMRC is targeting Equity members. She short term EU contracts and provide UK-based EU nationals with Union conference discussed issues including industry began on Saturday, with the said: “Tax officials are trying to demolish a hard copy proof of Settled Status casting, education and cross-border co-operation Conference opening with a speech the consensus that was reached with the → Motion 32: Make every effort to safeguard the residency rights →

30 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 31 CONFERENCE REPORT

and employment security of members Motion 33: Repeat Council’s previous statement that Remain is in the professional interests of members Motion 34: Continue to work closely with Irish Equity to nurture cross-border cooperation Motion 35: Join forces with non-party political organisations campaigning against Universal Credit Motion 36: Provide funds, support and signposting when members find themselves homeless Motion 37: Advocate for the inclusion of creative arts subjects in all education systems Motion 38: Campaign for the inclusion and essential nature of the arts within the national curriculum Motion 39: Lobby the Secretary of State for NI to gain commitment that ACNI will be better resourced Stephen Spence, Motion 41: Establish a UK-wide member-led Nations and Regional Deputy for the General Secretary, Production & Casting campaign in 2019 spoke about the Motion 42: Support the merger of the NI Variety Branch into the union’s success in NI General Branch live performance and Giovanni Bienne, chair of the union’s LGBT+ Committee recorded media Motion 43: Engage in dialogue with clubs and promoters who do not prioritise guaranteed professional fees for performers Motion 45: Ensure all Equity contracts make provision for industry in a ruthless grab for revenue that every suggested proposal was agreed by appropriate changing/toilet facilities appears to be driven by forces that do not the representatives, over the course of Motion 46: Lobby the govt. to make TTR only available to understand our sector.” Read more from the Conference 47 motions were passed. producers using a union agreement Christine on this issue on page 7. These also included a motion from the Motions on Equality, Diversity and Liverpool and District General Branch Motion 47: Clarify the status of members in relation to workplace pensions Inclusion were then taken and Dan Edge asking Equity to “promote the essential from the Deaf and Disabled Members nature of arts in the curriculum” so that, Motion 48: Advise panto producers of Equity agreements and Committee took to the podium to ask as branch chair Martin Williams said, the rates of pay the union to review how accessible its industry does not “become a playground Motion 49: Establish industry standard definitions for the communications are, which was passed. of the rich”. Emma Manton from the Stage responsibilities of Assistant, Resident and Associate Directors As was the motion from the Minority Committee proposed their successful Motion 50: Call symposia on protecting creative team members Ethnic Members Committee that motion concerning commercial touring working in fringe theatre requested “urgent discussions to tackle producers not being allowed to benefit Abigail Matthews from the Women’s Committee, Assistant General Secretary Matt Hood spoke about the Motion 51: Campaign to secure best practice for the engagement the blatant structural discrimination from theatre tax relief unless they are above, and Councillor Dawn Hope, below industry not showing the proper respect to Equity members of dance artists in museums and galleries that blocks genuine career using union contracts. progression” for BAME Meanwhile Red Sarah spoke Equity since the early 1980s and has the awarding of the union’s highest prize Motion 52: Redouble efforts in actively promoting the #ProfessionallyMadeProfessionallyPaid campaign members. Abigail Matthews about the Thames Variety Branch been President for the past eight years. - Honorary Life Membership. This year from the Women’s motion on backstage facilities at He emphasised how work in Ireland two recipients were chosen: John Gillett, a Motion 53: Campaign to address the parlous state of some Committee spoke about events and the “shocking lack happens, and flows, across the border to member for 48 years, a tireless campaigner north-west regional producing theatres their motion concerning of respect shown to variety the great benefit of everyone. “It is more and chair of the North East General Motion 54: Affirm the rights of members to play-act, pretend, auditions and interviews. performers”. important than ever that we continue our Branch. Unfortunately he could not attend make-believe in theatres and places of entertainment The motion said it “can be One of the highlights of the close relationship with Equity UK as we conference so the Council will present his Motion 55: Investigate US Equity’s labs agreement and further one of the most vulnerable Conference was the address both face the uncertainty of Brexit,” he award at an upcoming meeting. conclusions industrially and exploited aspects of our by Equity’s guest speaker said. “The things we are achieving and Roxanne James, secretary of the Emergency motion: Interpret and use Articles 18, 19, 20 and 22 of members’ working lives” Pádraig Murray, President aspire to achieve are not done alone. In Northern Ireland Variety Branch for more the EU Copyright Directive in future negotiations and requested an inquiry of Irish Equity. Pádraig just the past 12 months we have held two than 20 years was there to collect her into performers’ audition is an actor and he has successful events together with Equity UK. award, see the picture on page 40. She has Emergency motion: Lobby the Welsh and Westminster govts in defence of members indicted by the Turkish government experiences among other worked in both Ireland This is very much a family - our union, been an active Equity member for 28 years measures, this was passed and the UK. He has your union and the international unions.” and kept the variety branch alive through unanimously. Although not been a member of Irish A regular element of the conference is turbulent times in Belfast.

32 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk The next ARC will take place in London. SUMMER 2019 equity 33 ACCOUNTS

Basis of Summarisation In our opinion, the accompanying summary financial The summary accounts comprise the summary statement statements are consistent, in all material respects, with the of comprehensive income and the summary statement of audited financial statements on the basis described on financial position. These include the key figures from the full page 1. Summary Statement of Comprehensive Income annual accounts which were approved by equity council on STATEMENT 29 January 2019. Summary Financial Statements 2018 2017 The summary financial statements do not contain all the The full annual accounts are available online at disclosures required by United Kingdom Accounting Total income 8,031,698 7,413,951 OF EQUITY www.equity.org.uk. Requests for paper copies of the full Standards and applicable law. Reading the summary Total expenditure 7,745,591 7,244,714 accounts should be sent to [email protected] financial statements and the auditor’s report thereon, therefore, is not a substitute for reading the audited financial COUNCIL’S The independent auditor, BDO LLP, has issued an statements and the auditor’s report thereon. The summary Operating surplus before pension adjustments 286,107 169,237 unqualified opinion on the full financial accounts for the financial statements and the audited financial statements do years ended 31 December 2018 and 2017. not reflect the effects of events that occurred subsequent to pension adjustments -223,000 -260,000 the date of our report on the audited financial statements. investment gain / (loss) -1,538,290 1,031,755 RESPONSIBILITIES The summary accounts do not constitute the full financial tax credit / (charge) 252,152 -7,115 statements for the financial years ended 31 December 2018 The Audited Financial Statements and Our Report actuarial gain / (loss) on the pension scheme -1,618,000 1,574,000 and 2017 but represents extracts from them. These extracts Thereon FOR THE do not provide as full an understanding of the financial We expressed an unmodified audit opinion on the audited performance and affairs of the union as the full annual financial statements for year ended 31 December 2018 and Total comprehensive income/ accounts. 2017. (expense) for the year -£2,841,031 £2,507,877 SUMMARY The headings and amounts reported in the summary Executive Council’s Responsibility for the Summary accounts agree with the corresponding headings and Financial Statements amounts reported in the full annual accounts. The Executive Council are responsible for the preparation of Summary Statement of Financial Position ACCOUNTS the summary financial statements as described fully in the Statement of Equity Council’s Responsibilities on page 1. 2018 2017 Equity Council is responsible for preparing Report of the Honorary Treasurer on the summary accounts on the basis the Summary Accounts Auditor’s Responsibility Tangible fixed assets 7,778,422 7,269,025 In 2018 our total Income increased by 8.33% to £8,031,698 Our responsibility is to express an opinion on whether the Investments 13,239,549 15,285,570 described in the “basis of summarisation”. and our total Expenditure rose by 6.91% to £7,745,591. summary financial statements are consistent, in all material Current assets 25,465,430 19,951,303 The summary accounts are intended to be The difference between these two figures - Income and respects, with the audited financial statements based on Current liabilities -26,276,701 -20,919,859 Expenditure - leads to an operating surplus, before pension our procedures, which were conducted in accordance with Provision for liabilities -744,562 -998,870 consistent with the full annual accounts. liability, of £286,107. International Standard on Auditing (ISA) 810 (revised) - Contained within these figures, our subscription income Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. rose by 5.36% to £5,556,406 and our income related to Net assets excluding pension liability 19,462,138 20,587,169 members and other performers increased by 23.63% to Use of our report £1,688,465. Equity’s distribution services, previously This statement is made solely to the members, as a body in Pension liability -7,848,000 -6,132,000 undertaken by BECS on our behalf, distributed a total of accordance with the terms of our engagement. Our work £8,829,154 to performers. has been undertaken so that we might state to the Executive As at 31 December 2018, our membership figures had risen Council those matters we have agreed to state to them in Funds employed £11,614,138 £14,455,169 to 45,575 and our Net Assets stood at £11,614,138. Equity’s this statement and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent financial position therefore remains strong and I commend permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility these summary accounts to you. to anyone other than the Executive Council as a body, for our work, for this statement, or for the opinions we have formed.

Report of the Independent Auditor to the Members of Equity BDO LLP Opinion Statutory Auditor The summary financial statements, which comprise the London summary Statement of Comprehensive Income and the 07-Feb-19 summary Statement of Financial Position, are derived from the audited financial statements of Equity for the year ended BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in 31 December 2018. England and Wales (with registered number OC305127)

34 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 35 COMMENT

IN MEMORIAM GET IN TOUCH Have you got something to say about your experience of Equity With regret it is recorded that since the or the contents of the magazine? We want to hear from you. publication of the last edition of Equity Please email or write to the editor via the contact information below: magazine we have learned of the deaths Have your say The Editor, Guild House. Upper St Martin’s Lane London WC2H 9EG of the following members: Email: [email protected] Web: www.equity.org.uk @EquityUK

Tricia Hawkins peacefully in hospital on 31 December. National Diversity Saunders, Dawn French and Keith to know one another socially as well John Gordon Ash, Robert Ashby, June Barrie, Richard Tricia Hawkins was a long t member of She was my friend for 50 years and Awards Allen, I was the first ever person as professionally, so that when those Bond, Paula Bott, Gordon Bowker, Terence Brown, Equity. She was a talented performer made me a better person. She touched I feel very humbled and honoured to of colour and Queer non binary last minute auditions came along Graham W Bryant, Jennie Buckman, Olga Cammilleri, but never did the work to fulfil her so many lives and I would like the have been nominated for the lifetime personality on British Television. As a we would have a group we could call Seymour Cassel, Michael Chandler, Harold Clurman, Ian potential and few people will have heard Equity Journal to mark her passing in Achievers award at this year’s National high profile, rather unique artist in the on, knowing we could create a scene Cognito, Greg Cook, Mary Daly, Raymond Dalziel, of her. recognition that rank and file members Diversity Awards. I have been in show 80s that cut quite a dash, my persona together at the drop of a hat. By word Sidonie Darrell, Magenta Devine, Carmen Duncan, However, life is more than work and can also be exceptional people who business for over forty years and an played a huge part in the debate of mouth, a small group of experienced Buddy Elias, Gerald English, Ethel Ennis, Diana Fairfax, she was a loyal, loving and gifted wife, make an incredibly positive contribution Equity member since 1978. regards diversity in the arts and in actors from different genres came Morris Farhi, Albert Finney, Bruno Ganz, Paula Gareya, sister, aunt, great-aunt and friend. She to society. RIP Trish, you deserve it, and I As a star of Channel 4 television’s highlighting the inequalities of race, together. We set up a Whatsapp group Patricia Garwood, Nigel Genis, Clinton Greyn, Doug achieved so much despite COPD and IBS will try to live up to your memory. groundbreaking The Comic Strip non gender conformity and disability. to connect quickly, share resources Gritton, Jeremy Hardy, Alick Hayes, Katherine but couldn’t face another year and died Diana Hampson Presents alongside Rik Mayal, Jennifer I am glad that my presence has helped and celebrate our successes, naming Helmond, Del Henney, Victor Hochhauser, Michael Hope to encourage the justified scrutiny ourselves C.A.S.T. (Connecting Actors (aka Albie Keen), Peter Hughes, Paul J. Hughson, Clive associated with questions of social for Self-Tapes). Hurst, James Ingram, Anfield Iron, Jill James, Paul mobility and class in an industry that That was just a year ago. In that James-Scott, Zofia Kalińska, Sylvia Kay, Alan Kay, seems to be all about Archetypes and time we’ve established a group of six Edward Kelsey, Gypsie Kemp, Carla Lehmann, Karl SOCIAL COMMENT possessing the correct social currency, actors who are available for self- Liebl, Barbara Lincoln, Wilma Lipp, Julia Lockwood, which I have never possessed. taping, and meet regularly together. Sam MacCready, Andrew MacLachlan, Tania Mallett, How glad and grateful then About once every couple of months, Peter Mander, Liza Martin, Orlando Martins, Dorothy The #MyCardMyUnion think) and have been backed up by Injury am I to be a member of a brilliant sometimes more often, we share our Masuka, Bronco McLoughlin, Serge Merlin, Jeanne campaign prompted them throughout my working life. 2018 ended not quite the way I had union that has totally understood skills on and off camera, including Mockford, June Monkhouse, George Charles Mossman, brilliant stories and Happy 90th to our union which stands planned. Equity have been unbelievable my intersections and stood by me directing, setting up the shot and Nina Mulhall, Brian Nissen, Bill O’Connor, Peggy O’Shea, lovely words from for inclusivity, diversity & fairness. It helping me through my injury - don’t throughout my entire career. I’ve had basic editing. Each get together has Robert Page, Muriel Pavlow, Leonard Pearcey, Luke members. Here are just champions our work at home & across know what I’d have done without them. to fight as a working class, non white, a different focus, and is hosted by a Perry, Johnny Pierce, Richard Poore, Sandy Ratcliff, a few examples: borders. Proud to be equity.. Happy 90th @EquityUK. May you long pink proletariat person that a so-called different member of the group. David Rayner, Nadja Regin, Lee Reynolds, George @j_merrells prevail. liberal glittering industry was prepared What has been most important Rick-James, Shane Rimmer, Ruth Roberts, Peggy Proud @karaalberts to use, abuse and then marginalise, of all to me, is the increasing sense of Salmon, Edna Savage, Margaret Scott, Carole Shelley, My trade union Equity is 90 this year and Gig Economy and then to price the likes of me out of being part of an on-going, supportive Jon Skolmen, Carolyn Soutar, Denny Spence, I’m proud to be part of its fight for Acting is the original gig economy job so Polish the craft the written artistic landscape. and personal group, which meets face Stromboli, Graham Sutton, Clive Swift, Jeffrey Talbot, better, fairer and more equal pay and it was always great to know my union In my 18 years as an actor @EquityUK I feel so indebted to Equity and its to face. It has given me the chance to Michael Thomas, Marshall Thomson, Kenneth Tyllsen, conditions, safe workplaces and for had my back. Happy 90th @EquityUK ! has provided guidance and fought my absence of prejudice and judgement find my “tribe” within an unfamiliar Patricia Varley, Hans Von Borsody, Scott Walker, investment in the arts. @TracyBrabin corner when I needed them most. Their in fighting my corner and playing a city. Online networks can fulfil a need, Georgina Ward, Geoffrey Webb, Frances Wells @IanMcKellen support has enabled me to continue huge role in making the entertainment but only up to a point. It has been the Robertson, Margot Werner, Brian West, Jan Whiteley, Only as strong as doing what I love. #ThankYouEquity industry work for everyone regardless small group and personal interaction Mark York, Peter Zander Break a leg our members @KieronAttwood of class, creed, colour, sexual which has made the real difference 30 years ago, taking the theatrical phrase Equity is 90 this year! orientation and gender identities. for me – having help available at “break a leg” a bit too literally, I had an I’ve been a proud member since 1992 Supportive Lanah P short notice for auditions when it’s accident at work. British Equity was there and they’ve always had my back, not I’m #ProudtobeEquity they helped me needed, and also having the chance to help. least since my transition in 2003. As a get money I was owed from a rotten Self-Tape support to give mutual support. Initiating @hughbon union we are only as strong as our company some years back & were very Nailing self-tapes can be tricky, small clusters of actors meeting to members. If you’re not a member YOU supportive & reassuring. Happy 90th and acting can be an isolating and support one another, for self-taping Inclusivity SHOULD BE! birthday discouraging business, wherever in particular, can deepen a sense of I joined @EquityUK around 1990 (I @rebeccaroot1969 @Nik Wood-Jones you live. I came to live in Sheffield a community. Small, active clusters of little over two years ago, and knew actors, like C.A.S.T, may be one of the In some cases it may be possible that another member no other actors. What I wanted was ways we can foster that. may have used the same or a similar name subsequent to the passing of the above members to have a small group who could get Lisa Armytage

36 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 37 YOUR EQUITY

MEET THE EQUITY TEAM

SPECIAL What did you do before you joined Equity? an employer who doesn’t recognise a Membership offers OFFER I was a Civil Servant working for Jobcentre Trade Union.” Both my Granda and my Equity membership entitles you to a wide variety of discounts, Plus in various different roles. Regardless of Dad were shop stewards for the Transport the job title the main aim was identify and and General Workers Union during their from photos to the Phoenix club; see below for a selection. overcome the barriers long-term unemployed time working for Goodyear Tyre factory. Go online for a full list: www.equity.org.uk/discounts people faced to ultimately assist them gain Both were instrumental in a dispute over a sustainable employment. shorter working week which resulted in a 13-week strike. The dispute was won by the Alexander Technique Ping Pong is offering Equity members eating Can you describe your current role? workers. My Granda also spearheaded a Individual lessons at Gilbert Street, near at their dim sum restaurants 15% off their I serve members in all areas of Scotland and campaign to have a Social Club for workers. Bond St, London. 30% discount to members. total bill. www.pingpongdimsum.com Sheffield Theatres Northern Ireland. A major part of my job is The factory closed in 1979 but the club is Thirty years of teaching performers; Sheffield General Branch has negotiated a meeting our members face to face in cast still going strong! supporting improved poise and confidence, Photography huge 50% off the price of tickets on-the-day Marlene Curran visits for TV, film and theatre productions. When I started work for Jobcentre Plus preventing backache and vocal strain. HCK Photography is offering Equity for Sheffield Theatres’ own productions. My role requires flexibility to make sure I immediately joined PCS Union and later For info phone Kate Kelly 0845 3479389 members headshots/publicity shots for £95, Touring productions from independent JOB TITLE: Recruitment & Retention I work my visits around the needs of the went on to become a union representative. www.alexandertec.net a saving of £155. For more information companies are not included. This applies Organiser for Scotland and N. Ireland production, but also persistence. Sometimes When the job with Equity came up, I couldn’t contact Kit at: 020 7112 8499. across all its theatres: the Crucible, Lyceum STARTED AT EQUITY: June 2010 this means standing for long periods in the think of a better way to build on my union Cinema tickets www.hckphotography.co.uk/equityoffer and Studio: www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk OUTSIDE OF WORK? I have an 11-year lovely Scottish weather to make sure we experience . It’s earned me the status of Discounted tickets when showing Equity Scotland-based photographer daughter and a 3-year-old dog who check in when members are working! It is all favourite Grandchild, just don’t tell the others! card: Queens FilmTheatre Belfast, Pictureville Aly Wight is offering a 10% discount off Stage newspaper keep me on my toes with their activities worth it if you can look at a cast list and see Bradford, Watershed Bristol, Cinema 3 headshots and location shots to members, Equity members can have 10% off any and busy social lives! When not running that membership is 100%. Which union activities are you most Canterbury, Robert Burns Centre Film see www.alywight.com subscription to The Stage. This is available around after them I like reading crime I also support our National Committees excited about? Theatre Dumfries, Edinburgh Filmhouse, Hull on print, digital and web-only editions. Go to thrillers even if I then have to triple check and Branches to help them grow membership We set up a drop in helpdesk at the Edinburgh Screen, Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy, NFT. Phoenix Artist Club the website: the locks before sleeping! Binge watching and their events. Fringe and conduct cast visits throughout the Equity members save 50% on annual subscriptions.thestage.co.uk TV boxsets, I see it as supporting and whole festival. It’s good to be part of a team Pineapple dance membership at this award-winning, and select the version you require. researching our members! Why did you join Equity? that ensures members can access help and studios private members’ club and licensed bar for Remember to include the code EQUI in CONTACT: [email protected] My Granda always said “Never work for support at an important time in their careers. Equity members get £75 off annual professionals in the entertainment industry the Promotional Code box. membership to Pineapple Dance Studios and their guests, open Mon-Sat 10am- in Covent Garden, London (usually costs 2.30am (last entry 1am). Dinner served in Travelodge £200). Additional benefits of membership the Brasserie until 9.30pm. Sunday open 12 Travelodge offer 5% discount on include 25% off all full-price clothing at noon-1.30am. “London’s best kept secret” bookings through its Business Account the Pineapple store opposite the studio (The Independent). Annual membership Service. To register set up an account, go to in Covent Garden. Members can visit the is £200 reduced to £100 for paid-up Equity www.travelodge.co.uk Click on the Login/ studios at any time for classes or to meet members. Phone the club during the day to Sign up button on the top right of the menu. friends and colleagues. Two photographs join. Located beneath the Phoenix Theatre, 1 Choose Business and then follow the Sign Up are required. Claim in person with your Phoenix Street, Charing Cross Road, London steps quoting Equity as the Business name. Equity card at Pineapple Dance Studios, WC2H 8BU. Tel 020 7836 1077 7 Langley Street, London WC2H 9JA. www.phoenixartistclub.com Q-Park Tel 020 7836 4004. Equity and Q-Park have teamed up to provide www.pineapple.uk.com Rex restaurants Equity members with discounted parking Chris Corbin and Jeremy King are keen in London and other major cities. The rates Hair removal supporters of the theatre and they have represent a 20% discount across the day, or a Pulsar-permanent hair removal and skin arranged for all members to receive 10% off special product that gives 9 hours of parking treatments. Pigmentation, spots, photo- any bill at their London restaurants. These for £7. To take advantage of the Equity rejuvenation and more. IPL-intense pulsed are: The Wolseley, The Delaunay, The Counter discount you need to pre-book your parking. light therapy. More advanced than laser: at The Delaunay, Brasserie Zédel and Colbert. Follow this link to do this: never shave again. For men and women – all See the Rex Restaurant website: www.rexra. www.equity.org.uk/parking 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 three house visits. guests (i.e. four people in total). You need to Please note: Equity does not endorse Contact Dr Succar on show a valid Equity card as proof when you the third-party services provided in 020 8848 8288 or www.natura.org.uk arrive at the restaurant. these membership offers. They are made Ping Pong available on the request of the vendors.

38 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 39 BRANCH FOCUS

welcome. Contact: Mary Lane, 07900 848003, Next meeting: Second Saturday of every NE of England General [email protected] month, 10.30am. The Park Theatre, Finsbury Date of next meeting: TBC - Please follow Park Contact: north-east-london-general- ‘Equity NE Branch’ on FB & Twitter for updates WALES [email protected] Contact: north-east-england-general- Cardiff & S. Wales General North West London General [email protected] Date of next meeting: 2nd Wednesday of Date of next meeting: 6 July, 11.30am. Royal North East Variety every month, 7.30pm. Chapter Arts Centre, Central School of Speech and Drama Contact: Date of meeting: Last Tuesday of every Cardiff Contact: cardiff-general-branch@ north-west-london-general-branch@equity. month (excl. Dec), 7.30pm. Alberta Social Club, equity.org.uk org.uk Railway Street, Tyne & Wear Contact: Steve North Wales General South & SE London General McGuire, 0120 723 8258, north-east-variety- Next meeting: TBC Contact: north-wales- Next meeting: 2nd Monday of the month, [email protected] [email protected] 7pm, Upstairs at the Young Vic Contact: south- N&W Yorkshire Variety South Wales Variety south-east-london-general-branch@equity. Date of next meeting: Third Monday of every Next meeting: 4 June, 7.30pm, TYN Y TWR org.uk month, 7.30pm. George 4th Pub, 770, Bradford TAVERN, SA12 8AU Contact: south-wales-vari- Thames Variety Road, Birkenshaw. BD11 2AH Contact: Valerie [email protected] Date of next meeting: 2nd Monday of the Jean Mann, 07778 450 759, north-west-yorks- month (excl. August), 2pm. Guild House, [email protected] SOUTH EAST WC2H 9EG Contact: Nick Putz, 020 8808 3802, Sheffield General Brighton & Sussex General [email protected] Next meeting: 1 July, 7pm. Adelphi Room, Date of next meeting: 2nd Saturday of the West & SW London General Crucible Theatre, SheffieldContact: sheffield- month, 10.30am. Friends Meeting House, Next meeting: 12 June, 7pm. Seven Dials [email protected] Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AF unless otherwise Club, 42 Earlham St, WC2H 9LA Contact: west- South Yorkshire Variety advertised Contact: brighton-general- south-west-london-general-branch@equity. Next meeting: TBC Contact: Anthony [email protected] org.uk Blakesley, 07816 963 400, south-yorks-variety- N.IRELAND East Anglia Variety [email protected] Northern Ireland General Next meeting: 2nd Monday of the month, MIDLANDS Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: 7:30pm. The Canary Club, Thorpe Road, Birmingham Variety NORTH WEST [email protected] Norwich Contact: east-anglia-variety- Date of next meeting: 26 June, 7.30pm. The Blackpool Variety Northern Ireland Variety [email protected] Austin Sports and Social Club, President Suite, Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Essex General 30 Tessall Lane, Birmingham B31 2SF Contact: every month, 1pm. Blackpool Cricket Club, [email protected] Date of next meeting: 7 Sept, 10.30 for 11am, Alec Powell, 07831 115448, birmingham- Stanley Park FY3 9EQ Contact: Denis Askham, FOCUS ON The Link, Trinity Methodist Church, Rainsford [email protected] [email protected] SOUTH WEST Road, Chelmsford Contact: essex-general- Birmingham & West Midlands Gtr Manchester & Region Bristol & West General [email protected] General Next meeting: 31 July, TBC Contact: Date of next meeting: For all info on meet Home Counties West General Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: [email protected] N. IRELAND ups and gatherings, please register to receive Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: home- [email protected] Isle of Man General newsletter and check website. Contact: [email protected] Coventry & Leicester Variety Date of next meeting: 18 June, 6.30pm, The Northern Ireland branches are merging, and offer local [email protected] Kent General Date of next meeting: 16 Sept, Stoke Private Archibald Know Inn, Onchan, Isle of Man members support in a variety of ways Devon & Cornwall General Date of next meeting: 8 June, 11am. The Members Club, 7 Stoke Green CV3 1FP Contact: isle-of-man-general-branch@equity. Next meeting: 30 June, 2pm. Fringe Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Cantebury, Kent Contact: coventry-leicester-variety-branch@ org.uk Theatrefest, Barnstaple. Details online shortly. CT1 2AS Contact: kentgeneralbranch01@ equity.org.uk Liverpool & District General THE NORTHERN IRELAND General Branch on the NEROPA casting tool and the Contact: devon-cornwall-general-branch@ gmail.com, 07703 207 878 East Midlands Variety Next meeting: 5 June, 6.30pm. Unity Theatre, is a valuable forum for members to impact of Brexit. The Branch held picnics equity.org.uk Oxfordshire General Date of next meeting: First Tuesday of Liverpool, L1 9BG Contact: liverpool-general- engage with key industry contacts and to and cabaret nights as part of the year’s Dorset General Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: the month, 8pm. The Headstocks NG6 8SF [email protected] meet fellow creative arts professionals. social activities. Next meeting: 3rd Thursday of the month, [email protected] Contact: Clive Bumstead, 07815 951 798, east- Manchester & District Variety In the last year, the Branch has The NI Branch campaigning activity 7pm, Wessex FM, Poundbry House, DT1 [email protected] Date of next meeting: 18 June, 8pm. Monroe’s hosted mental health support events includes support for local casting, 2PGContact: dorset-general-branch@equity. SCOTLAND Hotel, 38 London Road, Manchester M1 2PF and welcomed guest speakers from demanding an increase in funding org.uk East of Scotland General NORTH EAST Contact: Yvonne Joseph, 0161 792 2035, the British Association for Performing and resources for the arts in Northern West of England Variety Date of next meeting: 5 June 7:30pm, Humberside Variety [email protected] Arts Medicine (BAPAM), the BBC NI Ireland and marching in solidarity with Date of meeting: 2nd Monday of every Festival Theatre Contact: Torya Winters, east- Date of next meeting: 1 July, 1.30pm. The Merseyside Variety Commissioning team and Rose Bruford fellow ICTU unions for marriage equality. month, excl. bank holidays. Summer break [email protected] Railway Club, 723 Westborough, Scarborough Date of next meeting: 2nd Monday of every College. Members were also involved in We look forward to seeing you at one until 9 Sept. Somerville Club, Somerville Scotland Variety YO11 1TN Contact: Christie Clifford, 01482 month, 7pm. Adelphi Hotel, Ranelagh St,

organising and participating in seminars of our branch meetings! Road, Bristol. Completely accessible venue. All SHUTTERSTOCK Date of next meeting: TBC Contact: Linda 848031, humberside-variety-branch@equity. Liverpool, Merseyside L3 5UL Contact: Chris Rifkind, 0141 639 6969, scotland-variety- org.uk Dale , 07703 301621, merseyside-variety- [email protected] Leeds & Region General [email protected] Date of meeting: June, to be arranged North Lancs & Cumbria General EQUITY BRANCHES are your local meeting place to discuss the industry, share insights and influence the direction LONDON Contact: Pete Keal, 01422 885 211, leeds- Next meeting: TBC Contact: north-lancs- of the union. Find your local branch at www.equity.org.uk/branches North & East London General [email protected] [email protected]

40 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 41 CONTACT EQUITY

Subscription Enquiries 020 7670 0207 Head Office: Guild House HARASSMENT & BULLYING REPORTING LINE 020 7670 0268 Upper St Martin’s Lane Listen TAX & WELFARE RIGHTS HELPLINE 020 7670 0223 London WC2H 9EG to the EQUITY DISTRIBUTION TEAM [email protected] Tel: 020 7379 6000 Email: [email protected] magazine Web: www.equity.org.uk

EQUITY OFFICERS: Maureen Beattie: President Ian Barritt: Vice President If you or a fellow member have Julia Carson Sims: Vice President Bryn Evans: Honorary Treasurer Trustees: Judi Dench, Roy Hudd, Malcolm Sinclair, Timothy West, Penelope Wilton, Johnny Worthy difficulty in reading printed material the Equity magazine is also available Equity Staff South East office as an audio file or cassette tape. 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] To receive it, please contact the Equity team via: 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 [email protected] Adam Adnyana Organisers Equity, Cambridge House, 8 Cambridge Street, General Secretary’s Dept Glasgow G2 3DZ Christine Payne General Secretary (155) TEL: 0141 248 2472 EMAIL: [email protected] Louise McMullan Department head, Policy Development Officer [email protected] & Assistant to General Secretary (160) Duncan Smith Head of Finance (130) North West office: Ian Manborde Equalities & Diversity Organiser (173) Paul Liversey North West Organiser Stephen Spence Deputy for the General Secretary, Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL Industrial and Organising (133) TEL: 0161 244 5995 EMAIL: [email protected]

Live Performance North East office: Hilary Hadley Head of Live Performance Department (136) Dominic Bascombe North East Organiser Mike Day Variety Organiser (135) Express Networks, 1 George Leigh Street, Manchester M4 5DL Paul Fleming Industrial Organiser, Theatre (138) TEL: 0161 244 5995 EMAIL: [email protected] Emmanuel de Lange West End Organiser (137) Wales and South West office Recorded Media Simon Curtis Wales & South West Organiser John Barclay Head of Film, TV , Radio and New Media (146) Equity, Transport House, 1 Cathedral Road, Cardiff CF11 9HA Claire Hood TV Organiser (152) TEL: 029 2039 7971 EMAIL: [email protected] Laura Messenger Films & Contract Enforcement Organiser (149) [email protected] Cathy Sweet BBC TV & Audio Organiser(153) Tim Gale TV & Radio Commercials Organiser (145) Midlands office: Ian Bayes Midlands Organiser Communications & Members Support Equity, Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H 9EG Matt Hood Assistant General Secretary (168) TEL: 020 7670 0232 EMAIL: [email protected] Phil Pemberton Head of Communications, Department head (111) Louise Grainger Marketing, Events and Training (114) Equity Magazine Editorial Alan Lean Tax and Welfare Rights Officer (157) Phil Pemberton TEL: 020 7670 0211 Emma Cotton Tax & Welfare Rights Organiser (151) EMAIL: [email protected] Martin Kenny Legal Officer (125) Equity Magazine print & design Print: Jeremy Littlestone at Prority TEL: 07384 468044 EMAIL: [email protected] Design: Studio Frank wearefrank.co.uk

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42 equity SUMMER 2019 www.equity.org.uk www.equity.org.uk SUMMER 2019 equity 43