Three quarters of West End theatres hit by mice infestations, survey reveals

March 9, 2010

by JAMIE WELHAM

THREE quarters of West End theatres are infested with with rats, mice and fleas, a new survey reveals.
Performers warned that the “appalling” working conditions are “running out of control”.
The shocking survey was undertaken by the actors union Equity, and has prompted calls for a radical clean up.
One actress actress complained of mice saying: “I had tiny bite marks on my lipstick recently when I left the the lid off.”
Equity General Secretary Christine Payne said: “I knew it was bad out there but I am really shocked by this. These findings mean that tonight, over 600 actors and stage managers will go to work knowing that they will probably see and smell vermin, both living and decomposing, in their workplace.
“I accept that many West End theatres are old and difficult buildings to manage, but this is running out of control. These appalling conditions must come to an end.”
The findings of the survey have been sent to the Society of London Theatre which represents theatre producers and owners