MU/UK Theatre Rate increases from 1 April 2019

The following rate increases will apply from 1 April 2019 for musicians working under the Musicians’ Union’s (MU) agreement with UK Theatre.

Published: 29 March 2019 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:29 PM

Commercial 8 show week

Basic: £616.69

Sunday working: £57.30

Pension Contribution increases to 3% (formerly 2.5%) for both Manager and Musician Up to 2 instruments: £18.50; 3 Instruments: £20.35; 4 Instruments: £23.40.

More details on Commercial 8 show rates

Subsidised 8 show week

Basic: £556.23

Sunday Working: £ 57.30

Pension Contribution increases to 3% (formerly 2.5%) for both Manager and Musician Up to 2 instruments: £16.69; 3 Instruments: £18.36; 4 Instruments: £21.11.

More details on Subsidised 8 show rates

Other

Touring Allowance and Subsistence increase in line with Equity agreement and will be confirmed pending their negotiations which take place in March 2019.

Current rates are Subsistence £167.00 Touring Allowance £250.00.

Details on increases for commercial 12 show rates

Details on increases for subsidised 12 show rates

See all news

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

Get public liability insurance for musicians
Access expert legal support
Be represented in your profession
Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Continue reading

Members and staff marching in the parade waving M U flags, the large bright yellow banner, and wearing t-shirts. Many others are behind them marching in the road.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2026

Join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, 17–19 July in Dorset. Celebrate trade unionism with thousands of members and supporters, enjoy panels, workshops and live music, and take part in the famous banner march through the village.

Published: 19 June 2026

Four people, including MU Assistant General Secretary Matt Wanstall and Andy Burnham, holding signs saying

MU Congratulates Andy Burnham on Makerfield By-Election Success

The MU joined fellow affiliated trade unions in backing Andy Burnham's successful Makerfield by-election campaign, reflecting a longstanding working relationship.

Published: 19 June 2026

A record being played with a graphic of blue computer code placed over the image.

MU Shares Solidarity with American Federation of Musicians in Artificial Intelligence Court Case

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl has written to the American Federation of Musicians (AfM) – our US counterpart – in solidarity as they take Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group to court.

Published: 18 June 2026

MU members and street performers sranding on the pitch together in front of a microphone.

Westminster Buskers Say Goodbye for the Summer With a ‘Big Busk’

This Monday saw the buskers of Westminster come together for a community ‘Big Busk’ to say goodbye to the last viable amplified busking pitch before it closes for summer events in Trafalgar Square.

Published: 17 June 2026

Young Black college-age woman, sat at a kitchen table with headphones on, looking at a laptop screen in concentration, next to a stack of books and notes.

What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?

MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explores what the government's reform of level 3 technical qualifications could mean for music education, including its impact on access, progression and existing courses.

Published: 16 June 2026

All news and features

Cookies on Musicians' Union

Popular searches