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

Some of the biggest West End shows could be forced to temporarily close during a “summer of turbulence” in London after union members voted to move towards strike action over a dispute about pay and conditions. An indicative ballot held by the performing arts union, Equity, was overwhelmingly backed by its membership: 98% voted yes to potential strikes. The result means the union now has the right to have a statutory ballot on taking industrial action. A recent report on British theatre found that demand for live performance had never been higher . Last year, 37 million people attended shows around the UK and more than 17 million did so in the West End. Despite the record audiences, theatre producers are facing financial challenges after the costs of production doubled in a decade . Ticket prices in London remain much lower than on Broadway . The general secretary of Equity, Paul W Fleming, said: “The West End has had a very successful three years. Our members want to share in that success and they’re tired of antiquated working conditions. They really have snapped.” Equity and the Society of London Theatre (Solt) have been negotiating their multiyear agreement since December 2025, but have come to an impasse over pay, holidays and how injuries caused while performing are handled. The union has proposed a 7% pay increase for its members every year for the next three. It is also pushing for better holiday and incapacity pay if a worker is injured on a production. …