Theatre News, Features and Articles for Musicians | The MU

Photograph of what appears to be an empty theatre pit set up for musicians, with a drum, double bass and electronic keyboard set out.

Unions Call for Exemption for Socially Distanced Theatre

Together with Equity and Bectu, the MU is calling on the government to exempt theatre productions from the Tier 3 regulations and to allow them to open to socially distanced audiences.

Photograph of a musician playing a guitar, the heavy blue light means we can't clearly see the performer.

Performing Arts Guidance for New Tier System in England Released

The Government has updated and published its guidance on working safely during Coronavirus in the Performing Arts – and we have updated our guidance on how this relates to musicians accordingly.

The Winter Covid-19 Plan and its Impact on Musicians

On Monday 23 November the Prime Minister confirmed that national restrictions in England will come to an end on Wednesday 2 December.

Photograph of an empty stage, looking out from the back towards where the audience would be, with bright lights shining down.

Figures Reveal UK Music Industry’s Pre-Covid £5.8bn Boost to Economy

UK Music’s annual Music By Numbers report reveals the £5.8bn boost to the economy before Covid-19’s catastrophic blow – and renewed calls for Government action to protect the industry.

Photograph of a musician, we can't see their face but they are holding a microphone with plastic gloves on, and have a surgical mask on their face.

Guidance on Continuing to Rehearse During England’s Lockdown

We’ve had confirmation from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) that rehearsals can continue, provided that the band or individual is working.

Young woman dancing at a festival, back view

Socially Distanced Theatre and Live Music Could Return to Scotland in September

Some outdoor live events in Scotland will be able to return with physical distancing, enhanced hygiene measures and restricted numbers from Monday 24 August.

Our Survey Results Highlight a Growing Threat to Theatre Musicians’ Livelihoods

The results of our survey of theatre musicians across the UK has confirmed the increasing financial hardship that our world-famous musical theatre industry will face in the coming months.

Photo of a microphone on an empty stage, under a spotlight

An Open Letter to Theatre and Performance Makers

Organisations from across the UK released an open letter earlier this week, addressed to all the freelance and self-employed workers involved in theatre.

Over Three-Quarters of Theatre Musicians Face Hardship if Unable to Work Until September

We surveyed our members who work in theatre, and discovered that over 77% of those that responded felt they were likely to be in financial hardship if they aren’t able to return to work until September.

Photograph of audience of theatre goers watching a play.

Advice for Members in Response to Closure of West End and Regional Theatres

Now that the government are advising against mass gatherings of people, UK Theatre and SOLT have taken the decision to close venues across the UK.

Photo of baggage being loaded into a place

Change in Flybe’s Musical Instruments on Planes Policy

The MU was disappointed to learn that Flybe’s Musical Instrument Policy has recently been updated, to the detriment of musicians travelling with their instruments.

MU/UK Theatre agreement

Following the agreement being implemented in 2018 for a 3 year period.

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.

5 Tips for Booking Disabled Music Artists

Attitude Is Everything, the disability-led charity improving deaf and disabled people’s access to live music, shares its five tips for booking disabled artists.

24-Hour Helpline for Theatre Professionals Launched

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have launched Theatre Helpline, a free phone and email service to support theatre professionals with any issue affecting their health and wellbeing.

The Musical Theatre Kit

In this blog, Neil Crossley examines the difficulties often met in the creation of musicals, and how the Musical Theatre Kit serves to meet a real need.

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