Theatre Musician News & Stories

Exterior of the Theater Royal, Nottingham.

International Federation of Musicians Backs Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign

Musicians' Unions worldwide share their solidarity with Northern Ballet Sinfonia and call on Arts Council England to act urgently.

Published: 23 October 2023

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Executive Committee (EC) and Regional Committee (RC) Ballots are currently underway, asking MU members to elect representatives from the membership to represent then at Regional and Executive level. Ballots have been posted out and should be arriving shortly.

Published: 20 October 2023

Photo of the centre of Aberdeen, the City where this years 2023 SNP conference was held

Scottish First Minister Commits to Doubling Funding For Arts and Culture Over Next Five Years

The MU welcomes the news, which offers hope of a more secure future at a time when UK cultural institutions are struggling with rising costs and jobs. We look forward to further details on the proposals.

Published: 18 October 2023

Outside of The London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

Martyn Brabbins has resigned in protest at English National Opera’s plans to axe 19 posts in the orchestra and go part time.

Published: 17 October 2023

A crowd of people holding MU branded signs saying 'Fund the Arts', 'Save the ENO' and '#BehindEveryMusician' from a rally in 2022.

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

The English National Opera plans to axe 19 posts and employ the remaining musicians on part-time contracts.

Published: 13 October 2023

MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl, and MU Head of International Dave Webster hold up a sign outside the Royal Opera House reading

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Over 2000 people have backed the Royal Opera House orchestra’s campaign after a second day of action short of strike.

Published: 05 October 2023

Timpani player sits at a drum, hands visible only

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Musicians in Northern Ballet Sinfonia are campaigning to protect their touring work and keep Northern Ballet music live.

Published: 04 October 2023

Clarinet with close up of detached reed mouthpiece.

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

A new London exhibition shows how the dedication and passion of dentist Maurice Porter helped generations of brass and woodwind players perfect and resolve problems with their embouchure.

Published: 02 October 2023

Gold ballet shoes in half shadow on a wooden floor

Musicians’ Union Extremely Concerned as Funding Crisis Deepens at Northern Ballet

The MU has today expressed its concern at the situation that has arisen for their members in the Northern Ballet Sinfonia and for the Company of Northern Ballet (NB).

Published: 29 September 2023

A view of Edinburgh Old Town on a bright blue day

MU Concerned by Cuts to Creative Scotland Budget

The MU is concerned to learn that the Scottish Government has reinstated a £6.6m cut to the budget of Creative Scotland.

Published: 28 September 2023

Members of the Royal Opera House Orchestra dressed in their yellow #fairpay t-shirts handing leaflets to audience members as they arrive for the performance.

Support the Royal Opera House Orchestra: Sign the Petition

Sign the petition to support musicians in the Royal Opera House Orchestra, who are taking a second day of action short of strike.

Published: 28 September 2023

The Royal Opera House orchestra wearing yellow FairPay t-shirts outside of the entrance to the building.

Support Royal Opera House Musicians' Campaign for Fair Pay

Musicians are campaigning to have their pay restored to pre-pandemic levels at the Royal Opera House.

Published: 21 September 2023

Woman playing acoustic guitar at a table with male musician, paper and pen are on the table next to them.

First Ever UK Musicians’ Census Provides Unparalleled Insight into the Careers of the UK’s Musicians and Music Creators

The Musicians’ Census reveals UK musicians’ average annual income from music work is £20,700 – but nearly half earn under £14,000.

Published: 11 September 2023

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

MU Education Rep Sarah Tomlinson tells us why she decided to use the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme and why hearing health is important for everyone.

Published: 14 August 2023

Four wooden cubes with head symbols and a hand that is flipping one to reveal a lightbulb representing an idea.

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

Musician and MU London member Alice Angliss shares her first-hand experience of what Regional Committee meetings are, how they work and why they’re vital in giving support to members and the industry.

Published: 10 August 2023

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine opened MU Delegate Conference with a look at how work has changed in the last two years, and how the union is tackling the big challenges facing musicians.

Published: 02 August 2023

ENO leafleting action outside the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 22 July by the MU and Equity with the ENO orchestra and chorus.

MU Responds to Update on Future of the English National Opera

Arts Council England have announced a grant of £24 million for the English National Opera for April 2024 to March 2026, and an additional three years for it to establish a new base outside the capital. 

Published: 27 July 2023

MU Executive Committe Vice Chair Andi Hopgood, stands and speaks from the mic while holding a small child.

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

MU Delegate Conference wraps up with motions on the Welsh language, future pandemic planning for musicians and the closure of rail ticket offices, with union members using the second day of MU Delegate Conference to vote on a very clear set of policy priorities.

Published: 26 July 2023

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Vote Yes to Potential Industrial Action

The members of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House have voted overwhelmingly in favour of potential strike action in a ballot that closed 17 July.

Published: 18 July 2023

The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum theatre in Covent Garden, the previous home of ENO.

Sign The Petition to Protect Jobs at English National Opera

Call on Ministers to provide more funding to support English National Opera and protect jobs in the orchestra, chorus and stage crews.

Published: 14 July 2023

Large cup of coffee on a table in a brightly lit coffee shop

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

We’ll be running free 30-minute advice sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee, Dumfries, Glasgow and Galashiels over the summer, with more dates to be announced for Skye, Inverness and Aberdeen in the Autumn.

Published: 04 July 2023

Close up of The Epstein Theatre sign in large gold lettering outside the venue in daytime.

Sign the Petition to Help Save Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

The Epstein Theatre closed Friday 30 June after Liverpool City Council announced it would be ending financial support. Members are encouraged to sign a petition to help save the historic venue.

Published: 30 June 2023

Liverpool Hood Street bus terminal at night, with long exposure of traffic trails/light of public transport.

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

The MU is asking members local to Liverpool to complete a short survey which will help organisers better understand the needs of public transport users, with an aim of providing convenient, safe and affordable links to local music venues.

Published: 21 June 2023

Black background with golden glitter and confetti to represent a celebration.

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

We look back on the Union’s rich history and the battles won and lost over the decades.

Published: 20 June 2023

The outside roof detail of the London Coliseum, home of The English National Opera.

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

The motion was passed on Thursday 8 June and called for Arts Council England to end its requirement for the English National Opera to establish a primary base out of London.

Published: 05 June 2023

A view panning over rooftops indicating dense housing in an area of Lewisham.

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

A classical musician who had to move out of her London flat following noise complaints has started a petition calling for clarification around music practice in relation to statutory nuisance laws, which the MU has followed up with a letter to Lewisham Council.

Published: 23 May 2023

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

MU delegate Tom Plater explores the impact of Government arts funding cuts on young people in this speech to TUC Young Workers’ Conference 2023.

Published: 18 April 2023

A Feldenkrais demonstration taking place, where the arm of a model skeleton is held up in the same pose as the arm of a demonstrating participant

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

The MU have been running Feldenkrais sessions for members over Zoom for a few years now, and in this article MU Member Michelle Saacks talks about her own Feldenkrais journey – from finding herself in a more functioning body, to the impact it’s had on her teaching.

Published: 14 April 2023

Silhouette of man sitting at sunset representing mindfulness.

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

Ben Haines is a regular at the MU’s free weekly Meditation sessions, which originally started during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the enormous impact it had on the mental health of our members. Here he shares why he’s been going ever since.

Published: 11 April 2023

Out of focus back of seated audience members head, watching a play on stage.

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

The Anything Doesn’t Go campaign aims to tackle anti-social behaviour in UK theatres, calling on venue management to take a more proactive approach via the new Charter.

Published: 11 April 2023

Linton Stephens talking into a microphone on a stand in front of a background of Musicians' Union banners.

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Chair of the MU Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee Linton Stephens discusses what we can do to make our industry more inclusive through recognising art as an ever-changing response to the world around us.

Published: 05 April 2023

A non-binary person using a laptop at work.

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

The TUC will be running a launch event for their new Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network on 29 April, following a Congress motion which was carried at the TUC LGBT+ Conference on supporting trans and non-binary workers.

Published: 27 March 2023

A group of co-workers of varying genders having a meeting.

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

The workshop, led by Saskhia Menendez is free to attend and will run online, covering real lived experience on what it means to be Transgender in the Music Industry and educating on better Allyship.

Published: 27 March 2023

Birmingham UK Skyline. Market, St Martins Church, Rotunder and The Bullring.

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

Create change in the Musicians’ Union, in your sector or in the wider music industry - submit a motion to MU Delegate Conference.

Published: 21 March 2023

BBC Maida Vale studios- a historical and iconic music recording studios in West London.

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Since the BBC announced cuts to its employed Performing Groups last Tuesday, significant public and industry support has been expressed for the BBC Singers and the three affected BBC orchestras: the BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Philharmonic.

Published: 16 March 2023

Black and white image of Jon Hart on stage from behind facing crowd.

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, award-winning acoustic artist and MU member Jon Hart shares his experiences of breaking through conformity, and explains how although career success may come and go, music as true self-representation is always a constant.

Published: 16 March 2023

Hand holding the red dispatch box outside Downing Street ahead of revealing the budget in the House of Commons.

MU Achieves Budget Success on Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief

Theatre and Orchestra tax relief will be maintained at current levels for another two years.

Published: 15 March 2023

Theatre sign written in stained glass on a theatre front in the West End

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Now that the percentage of female players in the West End has reached a record high of 27%, we’re reflecting on how vital it is that every union member working in the West End feels represented on the Committee.

Published: 14 March 2023

Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023

Help the Musicians’ Union help every musician: take the Musicians’ Census 2023 and enter a prize draw to win a £300 One4All gift card.

Published: 08 March 2023

Hands holding musical instruments. Left to right, drum sticks, record, maracas, symbol and acoustic guitar.

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians

As LGBT+ History Month UK comes to an end, The MU and Come Play with Me (CPWM) would like to reaffirm our commitment to creating an industry and society where all LGBTQ+ people can live and work without fear of violence or discrimination.

Published: 02 March 2023

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Theatre News

International Federation of Musicians Backs Keep Northern Ballet Music Live Campaign

Members to Receive Ballot Papers Imminently

Scottish First Minister Commits to Doubling Funding For Arts and Culture Over Next Five Years

ENO Music Director Resigns Over Plans to Axe Musicians

MU Hits Back at English National Opera Plans to Axe Jobs and Go Part-Time

Royal Opera House Orchestra Pay Petition Passes 2000 Signatures

Sign the Petition to Keep Northern Ballet Music Live

Embouchure Exhibition: Celebrating the Story of One Dentist and His Pioneering Work With Wind and Brass Players

Musicians’ Union Extremely Concerned as Funding Crisis Deepens at Northern Ballet

MU Concerned by Cuts to Creative Scotland Budget

Support the Royal Opera House Orchestra: Sign the Petition

Support Royal Opera House Musicians' Campaign for Fair Pay

First Ever UK Musicians’ Census Provides Unparalleled Insight into the Careers of the UK’s Musicians and Music Creators

Sarah Tomlinson: “I Wish I’d Used the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme Years Ago”

Member’s Voice: Alice Angliss on Why She Attends MU Regional Committee Meetings

“The MU Couldn’t Function Without You” - Chair of the Executive Committee Alex Gascoine Addresses MU Delegate Conference

MU Responds to Update on Future of the English National Opera

Wrapping Up MU Delegate Conference 2023: Motions, Updates and Celebrations

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Vote Yes to Potential Industrial Action

Sign The Petition to Protect Jobs at English National Opera

New Series of MU 1-2-1 Advice Sessions Released Across Scotland

Sign the Petition to Help Save Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre

MU Supports Liverpool’s ‘Bring Back Night Buses’ Campaign and Survey

The MU’s 130th Anniversary

Motion To Save The English National Opera Passed at London Assembly

Musician Calls for the Protection For the Right to Play Musical Instruments

Impact of Arts Council England Cuts on Young Workers Raised at TUC Young Workers’ Conference

Michelle Saacks: Why I go the MU’s free Feldenkrais sessions

Ben Haines: How Skills From The MU’s Meditation Sessions Transformed My Playing

BECTU Launch Safer Theatres Charter

An Inclusive Workplace is Characterised by Affirmative Action

Trade Unions for Trans Rights Network Launch Event Announced by TUC

LIVE to Run Inclusion & Education Workshop for International Trans Day of Visibility

Shape What the MU Does For You Over the Next Two Years: Submit a Motion to MU Delegate Conference

Petition to Save the BBC Singers Reaches 120,000 Signatures

Square Peg in a Round Hole: Jon Hart on Navigating the Industry as a Neurodivergent Musician

MU Achieves Budget Success on Orchestra and Theatre Tax Relief

Number of Women in West End Bands at Record High

Less than 24 hours left to take the Musicians’ Census 2023

The MU and Come Play With Me Strive to Improve Landscape for LGBTQ+ Musicians