Some West End shows could go dark' as Equity members back possible strikes

An indicative ballot by Equity, the performing arts union, received overwhelming support for potential strike action, with 98% voting yes. The vote grants the union the right to request a statutory ballot on taking industrial action. Live performance demand remains high, with 37 million people attending shows across the UK in 2025 and more than 17 million choosing the West End. Despite strong attendance, production costs have doubled over a decade, and London ticket prices remain lower than Broadway. Equity and the Society of London Theatre have been negotiating a multi-year agreement since December 2025 but reached an impasse over pay, holidays, and injury treatment. Equity proposes 7% annual pay increases for three years and improved holiday and incapacity pay for injured workers. Industrial action, if it occurs, would target major weekend shows rather than shutting down the entire West End.

"A recent report into British theatre found that demand for live performance had never been higher, with 37 million people attending shows around the UK in 2025 and more than 17 million opting for the West End. Despite the record number of people attending shows, theatre producers are facing financial challenges with the cost of production doubling in a decade. Ticket prices in London, meanwhile, remain much lower than on Broadway."

Read at www.theguardian.com