EQUITY members have approved a three-year deal with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) covering pay and conditions for performers and stage management in the West End.

The agreement, which runs from April 2026 to April 2029, was agreed by 98 per cent of members, on a 75 per cent turnout.

Under the deal, minimum rates will rise by at least 13.5 per cent over three years, with improved holiday entitlement, family leave, scheduling guarantees and equality provisions.

Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming said: “For over a decade, Equity has sought to increase annual leave, reduce rehearsal weeks and improve work-life balance on the West End.

“Not only does this agreement achieve these objectives for the first time, but it also lifts minimum pay to a record high in real terms.”

SOLT co-chief executive Hannah Essex said the agreement delivers “meaningful improvements to pay and working conditions,” adding: “Even as average ticket prices remain below pre-pandemic levels in real terms, theatres have once again been excluded from targeted business rates relief.

“Government must now recognise the cumulative pressure on the sector.”