The below correspondence is posted here by kind permission from the Society of London Theatre
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is an organisation that works with and on behalf of their Members to champion theatre and the performing arts.
Brexit & Touring – Take to Twitter today
As you know we flagged the Parliamentary petition to Seek Europe-wide Visa-free work permit for touring professionals and artists. The petition now has over 280,000 signatures. Ahead of its debate this afternoon, we attended a parliamentary briefing on the petition. It was clarified that this petition is about theatre too and includes offstage talent.
The organisers of the petition have asked for anyone involved in touring to join in the debate online:
- Use the hashtag #CarryonTouring
- Tag your MP
- Highlight the main issues for the theatre industry or your business
- Tag @HoCPetitions
Unfortunately, there is no speaker list for the debate today as the list can change. However, email your MP as a follow-up from today’s debate. As a reminder of some of the main issues, take a look at the letter the Theatre APPG sent to government last week. You’ll be able to watch online on the UK Parliament YouTube channel.
Impact of COVID on the West End – Letter to Oliver Dowden
Following our joint letter to DCMS, spearheaded by HOLBA, the letter secured coverage in the Financial Times and EG.
Lobbying
We have published this week’s Performing Arts in Politics – A look ahead which members can view by logging on to the advocacy page on the SOLT or UK Theatre websites. If you are pressed for time, we recommend focusing on the following two things:
- Write to your MP / AM / MSP / theatre friendly Lords and ask them if they will ask a Parliamentary Question or table a debate on the impact of Brexit on the theatre sector.
- If you are a charity respond to the Public Accounts Committee: Government support for charities. You can submit evidence until Monday 8 March 2021.
Industry press moment – 16 March
16 March, the anniversary of UK theatres closing, will be a moment where the press spotlight is on the theatre industry. This presents an opportunity to own that moment, highlight where we were then and now as a sector, and what we need in order to be able to reopen. We are working on a joined-up industry approach to mark the anniversary.
A key focus will be on the Theatre Artists Fund, as while theatres remain closed we need to continue to highlight the plight of theatre and live arts workers who have fallen through the cracks of support schemes. We will be using the hashtag #FirstInLastOut and pushing a call to action to support the Theatre Artists Fund. We have a number of big names involved in this social campaign, including Eddie Redmayne and Maxine Peake. We will soon be sharing a simple toolkit with everyone, with details of how you can get involved in the different aspects of the campaign around 16 March.
Terrorism threat level lowered to Substantial
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has lowered the threat level to Substantial – meaning an attack is likely. The decision to lower the assessment from Severe – meaning an attack is highly likely – was announced by the Home Secretary today.
The public should continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the police.
REMINDER – Upcoming Webinars
You can still book your place for next week’s webinars by clicking on the relevant session below:
- Marketing, Ticketing and Press Webinar – Thursday 18 February at 12pm-1pm. To register, please click here.
- Webinar for Freelancers, Self-employed, Casting and Agents –Thursday 18 February at 4pm-5pm. To register, please click here.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Coronavirus Recovery Guidance
- Coronavirus Recovery Updates and Guidance – for SOLT Members
- Coronavirus Recovery Updates and Guidance – for UK Theatre Members
- Media Briefing Notes
- See It Safely Toolkit
- Working Safely During Coronavirus – Guidance
- Coronavirus Government Guidance Library
Wellbeing and mental health support for you and your staff