Equity members have begun a new tribunal against Cambridge Shakespeare Festival after being treated as unpaid volunteers rather than workers despite the festival losing its previous case.
The judge found that the actors were subject to a “high degree of control” by the operator of Cambridge Shakespeare Festival, Dr David Crilly. This included working “extremely long days”, six-day weeks, and being made to leaflet as well as being expected to be off book ideally by Day 1.
You can support members working at Cambridge Shakespeare Festival by signing this petition calling on the Festival and its director, Dr Crilly, to end this wage theft, and respect our members and professional performers by complying with employment law.
Sign the petitionCommenting Regional Official Iain Croker said “It is disappointing that despite Cambridge Shakespeare Festival losing this high profile case, Dr Crilly appears to ignore the Judge’s ruling and carry on regardless.
"Our members are professionals and expect to be paid as such; it is not a professional credit if it is not paid. I fear for the future of the festival if they continue to ignore the law and urge them to pay their performers a fair wage in line with other outdoor theatre producers.
Several concerned members have already emailed Equity after withdrawing from this year’s auditions.
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