Equity variety members and officers from across London, the East and South East regions gathered in early October for a day of interactive workshops, networking, and discussion focused on the future of the variety sector.
The event featured a mix of practical sessions and thought-provoking conversations. Members took part in a workshop on how to maximise their chances of being paid and joined a discussion led by Variety Councillor and Chair of Equity’s Class Network, Stephanie Greer, exploring the question “What Does Variety Mean to You?”
The continued longevity of Variety is rooted in the dedication and solidarity of Equity members. Their collective work ensures that this historic art form remains vibrant, relevant, and celebrated across generations.
Iain Croker, Equity East and South East Official
Attendees were also treated to a taster of Dan de la Motte’s radical history of the West End walking tour. Dan, who is elected as a Variety, Circus and Entertainers member of Equity Council, gave a whistlestop tour of present-day theatres and long-gone underground clubs, lifting the lid on the queer history of early 1900s theatreland and the lengths the police would go to arrest homosexual men. The Palace Theatre, which currently houses Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, was the venue where dancer Maude Allan had a residency in 1908. A huge star in her day, she was later accused of being a lesbian and German wartime conspirator and fought an unsuccessful libel case which effectively ended her career. Within a few short streets, Dan brought to life the clandestine gatherings, clubs and shows, how the bars were spied on and how men were ‘proven’ to be queer by a blotting-paper make-up test. It proved a fascinating lunchtime activity for all.
Back in Equity’s headquarters, Guild House, the attendees worked through sessions exploring and sharing their experiences as variety performers. Despite a range of disciplines falling under this title – from stand up to circus, magicians, entertainers, comperes and more – they found they have shared challenges and working environments.
Commenting on the day, event organiser Iain Croker, Equity’s East and South East Official, said: “It was wonderful to see members from across London, the East and South East come together for a day of conversation and collaboration, exploring common challenges and reflecting on the changing landscape of Variety performance. The event provided a valuable space for networking and strengthening connections between artists.
"The continued longevity of Variety is rooted in the dedication and solidarity of Equity members. Their collective work ensures that this historic art form remains vibrant, relevant, and celebrated across generations.”
Nick Keegan, Equity’s Variety Organiser, who supported the conference, said: “Variety performers in the UK provide incalculable social value to communities up and down the country. As a union it is crucial that we are unified in demonstrating and communicating that value and in defending the jobs and livelihoods of our members.
“It was great to see our variety activists from the East and South East Region get together in such a productive way to discuss the challenges our sector faces in 2025.”
