Theatre / News
Hippodrome apologises for flyer asking for volunteer performers
‘Please support British theatre’ were the words at the bottom of a flyer advertising for performers to appear at the Bristol Hippodrome’s recently reopened Piano Bar.
But these performers should only be “volunteers”, willing to give their time for free “to perform at our prestigious venue”.
The flyer was swiftly condemned by professional performers
The condemnation from professional artists was swift and the Hippodrome was just as quick to say that the flyer should never have been released and was a big mistake.
is needed now More than ever
Actor Chris Rankin, who played Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films, tweeted: “Hi @BristolHipp – is this real?!?! Is a leading UK theatre, owned by one of the largest groups of venues in the UK asking performers to VOLUNTEER to perform and earn you money? PAY YOUR TALENT.”
Musician Molly Slocombe tweeted: “I’m pretty shocked that a venue I love so much has put this out there. Asking for ‘volunteer performers’?! Shame on you. Artists deserve to be respected and paid.”
“Really @BristolHipp?!” tweeted another musician, Ed Thorne. “Our industry has been decimated by #COVID19 and you have the audacity to ask #musicians to play for free? This is disgusting!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CD0n7UDg1zl/
In a statement emailed to Bristol24/7, a Bristol Hippodrome spokesperson said: “As is the nature of our business, Bristol Hippodrome’s multi-talented staff includes many performers and musicians who are keen to embrace the Piano Bar’s potential to allow them to perform again after many months of being unable to do so.
“The team came up with the idea of running Open Mic sessions (on Monday)… however, details of the proposal were shared prematurely and we regret that this has led some people to believe that we would expect performers to play without a fee.
“We recognise the plight faced by all artistes throughout the pandemic and would never seek to capitalise on this. We apologise wholeheartedly for the upset that has been caused.”
Main photo by Martin Booth
Read more: Bristol Old Vic reveals details of first live performances since lockdown
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