West End Performers Ratify New Contract with 13.5% Pay Rise

Equity members have voted overwhelmingly (98% in favor, 75% turnout) to accept a three-year agreement with the Society of London Theatre, covering West End performers and stage managers from April 2026 to April 2029. The deal includes minimum rate increases of at least 13.5% over three years, improved holiday entitlement (additional two days), enhanced family leave (two extra weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, doubled paternity leave), new guaranteed minimum payments for fight captains and social media representatives, and a clause ensuring appropriate wigs, hair, and make-up expertise for diverse ethnicities and cultures. It also strengthens equality and inclusion provisions, improves notice and scheduling guarantees, simplifies tour planning, and provides greater certainty for both sides. Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming called it a historic achievement after a decade of seeking better work-life balance and record-high real-term minimum pay. SOLT co-chief executive Hannah Essex acknowledged the meaningful improvements but stressed that rising costs, higher employers' National Insurance, and lack of business rates relief continue to strain theatres, urging government policy support.