skip to main content

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.

Published: 18 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:30 PM
Photo of an empty stage
Over half of the theatre musicians surveyed were not eligible for the Government’s Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS). Photo credit: Shutterstock

The initial results of our survey painted a concerning picture for the UK’s Theatre industry.

A quarter of those musicians surveyed, answered that they were in immediate financial hardship – with that number tripling when asked if they felt they would be in financial hardship later in the year if they aren’t able to return to work.

The survey also revealed that 83% of respondents whose work has been postponed due to COVID-19 have not been given a restart date.

Over half of the theatre musicians surveyed expressed that they are not eligible for the Government’s Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) – pointing to the need for urgent change to protect all musicians.

Take action now

It’s not just theatre musicians who look likely to fall through the cracks of government support, more than a third of musicians are likely to miss out on Government support, according to our research.

Ask the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to protect all self-employed workers, and ensure no musician is left behind.

You can use our template letter if you're not sure what to say. Remember to include how you are affected too. Personal stories make all the difference.

Write to Rishi now, see our advice on how.

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

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025
A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Read more about Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players