Pantomime

Every year, thousands of people work on pantomime and Christmas or Winter productions.

We want to make sure that all workers are treated fairly, so it truly can be the most wonderful time of the year. Help us to challenge Scrooge bosses so we can achieve better conditions for all those working in panto. 

Equity has agreements covering pantomime and related productions. Whether you’re a performer, stage management, director, designer, singer, dancer, actor or work in a mixture of job roles, our agreements set minimum rates of pay and conditions to protect you in these workplaces – from rehearsal through to wrap.  

Contract checking 

Get your contract checked by Equity. We encourage you to send your panto contracts to pmpp@equity.org.uk for review. We will never disclose your shared contracts with producers without your permission, and you have a legal right as a trade union member to share your contracts for advice and support. Get your contract checked before or even after you’ve signed it so we can advise you on the terms, your rights, and any shortcomings. 

Auditions 

Auditions should be safe and accessible in a recognisable workspace (i.e. not a hotel room or private home). We promote a code of conduct for auditions and we also have guidance for members attending castings and auditions. 

Equity agreements 

Depending on the size and duration of your show, we have a number of agreements that cover pantomimes: 

• Our standard major collective agreements (SOLT, UK Theatre Commercial, UK Theatre Subsidised, and ITC Fair Work Approved).
• The Equity Pantomime Agreement is suitable for major pantomime producers.
• The Equity Fringe Agreement is suitable for a smaller producer for a one-off production.
• The Equity House Agreement is suitable for midscale/small scale producing regularly or at least yearly (with some review mechanisms). 

These agreements guarantee minimum rates of pay and any other expected payments, and outline working hours with safeguards such as working a maximum of six days in a week. The more extensive agreements (for larger scale productions) will also cover holiday and sick pay, dignity at work, equal opportunities and a range of workplace health and safety measures.  

If you’re not sure if your production is covered by an Equity agreement, please contact pmpp@equity.org.uk. 

If you’re a producer and want to know more about signing up to an Equity agreement, please contact pmpp@equity.org.uk as we’d love to work with you.

We're behind you! 

Equity will always be by your side. Many creatives have a wonderful experience working on pantomimes, but there are too many occasions where companies or productions are denying the basic, statutory rights of our members.  

Each year, we review contracts for around 100 UK panto productions. While many offer fair, dignified and lawful terms and conditions, our checks reveal that many non-union agreements were likely to breach important employment rights (at least until we have successfully intervened). 

We have made major inroads into improving the working rights of our members. But there is still more to do. 

If you’re not an Equity member, join now to benefit from our support and advice – along with our industry-leading insurance cover and other benefits. 

If you are already a member, make sure you are aware of your rights and stand up for them. Ensuring your rights are upheld – with the full backing of your union – is an important measure to achieve change, not just for you but for everyone.