Newcastle Theatre Royal snubs own workers for Robin Hood Panto

Despite social distancing measures closing most theatres since March, Newcastle Theatre Royal has decided to hire an external company to provide front of house staff for the upcoming Robin Hood panto, rather than using its existing casual workers.

Head of Bectu, Philippa Childs, said:

“Bectu is shocked to learn that Newcastle Theatre Royal has snubbed its own front of house staff for panto season in favour of an external company, Showsec. This is a real stab in the back for hard working, loyal staff who were relieved at the prospect of having work in the run up to Christmas.

“Given the ‘tight budget and timescale‘ cited by the Theatre Royal’s CEO, one would think it makes sense to hire regular workers, some of whom have worked there for over 20 years and know the theatre like the back of their hand. Moreover, it is our understanding that Showsec staff are paid at over £18 an hour – that’s twice as much as the regular front of house staff.”

“Christmas is the season of goodwill, yet the Theatre Royal have denied their low paid Front of House staff a rare opportunity of paid work during this pandemic. Robin Hood is famous for supporting the poor in society, the moral of the story seems to have been lost on Newcastle Theatre Royal.”