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.
Government announcements following new Covid variant discovery
You will be aware that government announced some changes on Saturday that are due to come into effect tomorrow (Tuesday 30 November) at 4am – there is no further detail on these yet. We will update when we know the implications for our sector, and the Boards of both SOLT and UK Theatre will be discussing what messaging around “See It Safely” should happen going forward. We will be sending out more information as we receive it in the coming days.
West End theatres to dim lights in memory of Stephen Sondheim – SOLT Members’ Exclusive
Following the sad news of the passing of Stephen Sondheim, we are asking West End theatres to dim their lights for 2 minutes at 7pm tonight, in his memory.
Julian Bird Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said:
‘The theatre world is a smaller place tonight after the passing of Stephen Sondheim. His legacy of extraordinary shows and songs will live on for many generations to come – but now, we pay tribute to his outstanding contribution to our theatres and celebrate his talent.’
A book of condolence has been opened by Cameron Mackintosh at his Sondheim Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue where flowers have started to be left by fans for the late Stephen Sondheim.
Official London Theatre’s New Year Sale – SOLT Members’ Exclusive
Over 39k tickets have been sold so far in the priority booking period for Mastercard customers. Sales are currently up on 2019.
General on-sale is next Tuesday (7 December) at 10am. We will be celebrating with a takeover of the Piccadilly Lights at dusk which will feature images from the Rankin project. This will be a moment to truly mark theatre being #BackOnStage. There will be a photo call and press opportunities with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Rankin and representatives from a number of shows.
If you have any questions regarding the New Year Sale, please get in touch with richard@soltukt.co.uk.
Performance by Rankin Update
This Friday (3 December) Rankin will be photographing Beverley Knight and Janie Dee, as part of the Performance by Rankin project. The public are invited to watch the shoot, and they can donate £10 or more to our chosen charities to win the chance of being photographed by Rankin himself on the day. Places for the event can be booked here.
The Performance by Rankin book has launched, and we have copies available at our office to purchase at the pre-order price of £25. If you’d like to order any, please get in touch with kayley@soltukt.co.uk. All proceeds go towards the Theatre Artists Fund and the Mayor’s youth homelessness charities. You can see a couple of photos of the book here.
Discover! Creative Careers launches in Scotland – Scotland Only
An award-winning, industry-led initiative is launching in Scotland with a creative careers week, taking place Monday 29 November – Friday 3 December 2021. Scottish employers can support throughout the week by signposting to resources, share career insights of your businesses, employees, apprentices and opportunities using the hashtags #DiscoverCreativeCareers #NoWrongPath #DYWVirtual
More info in the communications toolkit here.
Job Opportunity – Marketing and Communications Assistant at Sadler’s Wells
Sadler’s Wells is hiring a new Marketing and Communications Assistant. The successful candidate will act as the administrative backbone for the newly formed Marketing and Communications department. You will coordinate the department’s activities, supporting the team with achieving their aims and targets and working with a wide range of stakeholders. If you are highly organised, thrive among a fast-paced and varied workload, and enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, this role is for you!
Find out more here. Closing date for applications is 8th December.
USEFUL RESOURCESCoronavirus 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
- Theatre Helpline
- TheatreSupport.Info
- Wellbeing resources webpage
- Mental health and wellbeing webinars (TheatreMeansBusiness.info)
Jobs & careers in the sector
- Industry jobs – UK Theatre & SOLT
- Inclusive Recruitment Guide