London performers feel unsafe
Nearly a third of London’s nighttime performers say they feel less safe at work, according to a new survey — and Equity is pushing for formal worker representation on the Mayor’s Nightlife Taskforce. (standard.co.uk). Even so, the city’s spring club calendar remains busy this week with shows from Avalon Emerson to 2manydjs, underscoring demand amid rising safety and policy debates. (standard.co.uk)
London performers responding to Equity’s survey reported average annual earnings of £12,411 from performing work after expenses, with 98% saying pay has not kept up with the cost of living. (equity.org.uk) Equity launched a London Nightlife Network at Underbelly Boulevard Soho on 31 March to organise performers across cabaret, drag, comedy, DJing and other nightlife roles and to campaign on pay and conditions. (equity.org.uk) The union has formally challenged the Nightlife Taskforce’s composition, saying the group was “made up almost entirely of industry bosses” and that that absence of workforce representation left gaps in the Taskforce report published in January. (equity.org.uk) City Hall lists Cameron Leslie (fabric) as Taskforce chair and names members including Nadine Noor, Nathanael Williams, Alice Hoffmann‑Fuller, Kate Nicholls and Mike Kill among its industry and sector representatives. (london.gov.uk) The Taskforce report draws on the views of nearly 3,000 Londoners, sets out 23 recommendations across 10 priority areas and proposes an independent Nightlife Commission backed by a £300,000 GLA commitment to launch later in 2026. (ucl.ac.uk) High‑profile shows are still scheduled this week — Avalon Emerson at Islington Assembly Hall on April 2 and 2ManyDJs at KOKO in early April — underscoring continuing audience demand even as performers and policymakers clash over safety and representation. ( )
