Is the proposed pay rise for actors good for the profession?

Theatre companies outside of London could be greatly affected by a bid for a 14% increase in fees for actors.

Course director of the BA Honours Acting degree at Bournemouth Arts Institute, Doug Cockle, has mixed views over whether the proposed pay raises are good or bad for his students and the acting profession. He said:
"As an actor the pay raises in regions outside of London could be fantastic as it's hard enough to make a living, there are more opportunities outside London at the moment, with so many regional and touring production companies."

Equity, the only Trade Union to represent artists from across the entire spectrum of arts and entertainment, has entered negotiations with theatre managers and producers in a bid to secure an improved minimum weekly wage of £400 for actors outside of London. There are currently no paid production companies in Dorset but local theatres rely on touring companies, who could be greatly affected by the changes.

Trained professional actor Mr Cockle, voiced concerns that from a producer's perspective this will certainly add pressure. He said: "It may lead to fewer productions, or more productions in the regions with fewer actors, which would ultimately have a knock of effect on actors as it could become more competitive."

A welcome and farewell to Riverdance

Hundreds packed into the BIC to watch Riverdance on their ‘farewell for the very last time tour!’

The performance centres on Irish dancing and solo, choral, and instrumental traditional Irish music. Yet there was also a slice of other cultures as well including Spanish, and American. Ancient mystic, choral arrangements echoed throughout ‘The Windsor Hall’, as lines of over twenty people tapped highly complex synchronised rhythms. The choreography was flawless, as spins, leaps and phenomenal footwork drew gasps of genuine disbelief from a close to sell out audience.

The set was minimalistic, with just a large background screen projecting various mystic images, and an impressive smoke and lighting display. Most of the images displayed matched the tone of the music well but one poorly drawn image of countryside hills looked alarmingly close to something out of ‘Postman Pat’.

The most surprising thing about the performance was the integration of Spanish, and Jazz dance, which was quite unexpected and seem a little out of place. Clever musical arrangements did attempt to combat this issue by intertwining the Spanish guiar music, and jazz with traditional Irish melodies. Yet despite this, and a musical style narration employed between songs and dances, it was difficult to establish a clear plot to an entertaining performance. An ambiguous plot didn’t take the shine off away from a truly incredible dancing display which really would have to be seen live to truly appreciate.

The finale ultimo, was an extravaganza of some of the most impossible dance routines accompanied by revolving colourful lighting. Although tickets were pricey, you certainly get what you pay for; an evening of world class entertainment from true performers, genuine artists.