COPACABANA Pulled From 2014 Venues After Reports Of Financial Problems - What Next For Touring Productions?

The Stage reported last week that the UK tour of Copacabana would not be playing any more dates in 2014 due to financial problems - but it would be going ahead in 2015 as planned.

The story indicated that cast and crew would be paid what they are owed - but didn't mention the difficulties faced by some suppliers to the production.

The Wicked Company have been coordinating responses and action on behalf of the Copacabana suppliers. They originally provided the production transport for Copacabana on behalf of Dancing Fool Theatrical.

"We offered a great deal of flexibility to the producers in order to keep the tour on the road; however we have also been left with monies outstanding," they said in a statement.

"Over the last few weeks we have worked closely with the hire companies on the tour to co-ordinate the return of their assets. We have also worked with Equity to successfully reunite personal belongings with company members."

Kevin Thwaites, Managing Director of The Wicked Company, has noted, however, that this is a trend in the UK at the moment. He added; 'In recent years we have seen an increasing number of tours struggling with cash-flow related issues, resulting in suppliers essentially becoming investors in the tour without additional reward."

To post a comment, you must register and login.