Key facts
- Potential theatre strikes in London's West End have been averted.
- A tentative three-year agreement has been reached between the Equity union and the Society of London Theatre (SOLT).
- The agreement covers pay and working conditions for performers and stage management.
- The deal includes a minimum 13.5% increase to minimum rates over the three years (April 2026-April 2029).
- Improved holiday and family leave provisions and more flexible working arrangements are also part of the agreement.
Potential theatre strikes across London's West End this summer have been averted after union members reached a proposed agreement with The Society of London Theatre (SOLT). The tentative three-year agreement, running from April 2026 to April 2029, addresses pay and working conditions for performers and stage management.
An indicative ballot earlier this year saw 98% of Equity members support potential strikes, which risked a "summer of turbulence" and "dark" theatres. The agreement includes a minimum increase of 13.5% to minimum rates over the three years, alongside improved holiday and family leave provisions and more flexible working arrangements for producers.
Claire Walker, co-chief executive of SOLT, stated that the settlement balances the needs of performers and management, providing meaningful improvements and certainty through to 2029. The proposed agreement will now be put to approximately 3,000 Equity members for ratification via an online ballot, with Equity recommending acceptance. The deal is expected to take effect by the end of the month if ratified.