The Week in Light & Sound
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The list has now been updated to cover all forms of discrimination, including racism, and the organisations behind the principles hope they will become standard across the industry. Equity and BECTU are among 21 industry bodies that are supporting the 10 principles and encouraging theatre employers, freelancers and board trustees to adhere to them.
Among the 10 principles are instructions recognising that “harassment or discriminatory language or behaviour may be unlawful under the Equality Act 2010” and that those adhering to the principles will “explicitly address and seek to prevent racism and all other forms of discrimination and bias”.
The principles urge “adequate protection for complainants and victims”, and call for appropriate action against the perpetrators. The 10 Principles will be made available to organisations around the UK as a free poster that can be displayed in offices, rehearsal rooms and backstage areas.
Astroworld - US rapper Travis Scott is facing multiple lawsuits after at least eight people were killed and hundreds injured in the crush at his festival Astroworld. The lawsuits include allegations that Scott and surprise performer Drake incited the crowd, and that concert producer Live Nation failed to provide adequate safety measures. The rappers and Live Nation have not responded directly to the suits. Scott has said he is working to help the families of the victims.
Mrs. Doubtfire - A stage adaptation of Mrs Doubtfire is to have its UK premiere in Manchester next year. The comedy musical, directed by Jerry Zaks, will run at Manchester Opera House from 2 September to 1 October 2022. It is currently at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on Broadway, having premiered at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in 2019.
Producers Kevin McCollum and Jamie Wilson said: "We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Doubtfire will make its UK premiere next year. Manchester is one of the great cities of theatre, and we can’t wait to bring Mrs Doubtfire to the Opera House. We hope audiences will take this hilarious and touching show to their hearts and promise a great evening for everyone.”
Sounds of Cornwall - Fisherman’s Friends: the Musical is to embark on a UK and Ireland tour after having its world premiere at Hall for Cornwall, where it was reportedly the biggest selling production in the venue’s 25-year history. The tour will open at Theatre Royal Plymouth in September 2022. It will then visit Birmingham, Cheltenham, Salford, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Dublin, Cardiff, Bath and Leeds.
Set and costume design is by Lucy Osborne, musical supervision and arrangements are by David White, sound design is by Dan Samson, lighting is by Johanna Town and casting is by Jim Arnold.
In The Saleroom - The dress worn by Amy Winehouse during her final stage performance has sold for more than £180,000 at auction. A sale in the US of more than 800 items - including designer clothing and underwear, handwritten notes and accessories - from the late singer's estate raised more than £3m for charity. All proceeds will go towards the foundation Winehouse's parents set up in her memory, which helps young people suffering from addiction.
Farewell - UB40 founding member Astro has died at the age of 64. The musician, whose real name is Terence Wilson, passed away after a short illness. Announcing the news, the band said they are "absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken".
(Jim Evans)
9 November 2021
