The long-running dispute between the NT and its backstage staff has been settled with ACAS, the abritration and conciliation service, ruling in favour of the staff. Last year backstage workers were given a 3% rise whilst management awarded itself an extra half a percentage point. BECTU took up the case of its 250 members and the arbitrator ruled last week that the company should pay the extra half percent on the 1997-1998 pay rates and allowances. 150 staff who are not members of the Union will also get the extra money, the total of which is extimated to be in the region of £30,000.
RSC to get theatre redevelopment grant
According to a report in The Stage, the Royal Shakespeare Company has been privately assured by the Arts Council that it will be awarded up to £50m for the redevlopment of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre site, subject to a satisfactory plan being submitted.
ACE is due to decide about stabilisation funding for the RSC this week.
Turn of the Screw begins filming
A new version of Henry James' The Turn of the Screw, to be shown on ITV next year, has begun filming. The film stars Pam Ferris, Jodhi May and Colin Firth.