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Never Forget cast members fight proposed pay cuts

Published Friday 26 September 2008 at 16:35 by Lalayn Baluch

Cast members of West End musical Never Forget have clashed with the show’s producers over proposed new contracts, which would see them facing pay cuts when the production shifts to a smaller venue in November.

A source close to the show told The Stage that both ensemble members and principals have been asked to take “substantial” cuts. The cast could also be reduced in size when the musical transfers from the 1,150-seat Savoy to the 900-seat Lyric Theatre, with some performers having their contracts terminated early, even though they had signed up until April 2009. The source said the actions of the producers had made cast members feel “powerless”.

It is understood that a crisis meeting earlier this month, called by the production’s management to discuss the possibility of the new contracts, was cut short after performers turned up with their agents. A second meeting was held earlier this week, but it is understood that no resolution was reached.

Equity spokesman Martin Brown confirmed the cast members are in negotiations with the producers and said that the union is supporting performers and agents to fight the new contracts.

He said: “We will absolutely resist any attempt to cut our members’ pay and we are taking legal advice as we speak.”

Never Forget, which opened at the Savoy on May 7 following a national tour, is a jukebox musical based on the songs of Take That, written by Danny Brocklehurst and directed by Ed Curtis. The show is produced by Tristan Baker, Bronia Buchanan and Charlie Parsons Creative Ltd. A spokesman for the producers said: “We have a policy of not commenting on internal company matters.”

Meanwhile, agents for the performers said they could not comment on the negotiations.

This is not the first time that Never Forget has faced controversy. When plans for the production were first announced, Take That refused to endorse the show. Although record company EMI had licensed the band’s song for the production, the group insisted that the musical had nothing to do with them.

The new dispute happens as Equity is in negotiations with the Society of London Theatre for an improved minimum wage in the West End. Earlier this month, it was revealed that the union would ballot over strike action if theatre managers reject a final attempt by Equity to secure better pay.

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