Julian Bird News

OfficialLondonTheatre.com has reported that Julian Bird, Chief Executive of Society Of London Theatre and UK Theatre gave oral evidence to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) as part of the inquiry into the impact of COVID on DCMS sectors. 

In a new video, Cities of London & Westminster MP Nickie Aiken outlines the importance of the West End to the wider UK economy, and explores ways to counter the impact of Covid-19 on the theatres, cultural venues - and the hotels, bars and restaurants which rely on them.

The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre welcome the latest announcement from DCMS to set up a new Entertainment and Events Working Group.

Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Equity have come to an agreement to support actors during the current suspension of West End shows due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Yesterday (Thursday 26 March), Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced government aid for self-employed workers, who can now apply for a grant worth 80% of their average monthly profits over three months, made as a single payment from the beginning of June.

ITV will broadcast a special Olivier Awards with Mastercard programme on Sunday 5 April at 10:15pm, in place of the 2020 Royal Albert Hall awards show which was cancelled due to coronavirus.

Following official government advice issued today (Monday 16 March), which stipulates that people should avoid public buildings including theatres, we regret to announce that SOLT and UK Theatre member venues will be closed from tonight, to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Julian Bird is the Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre. 2020 marks 10 years since he joined SOLT and took over the running of the Olivier Awards. Bird spoke to BroadwayWorld about his career and this year's award ceremony, which takes place on 5 April.

Britain's most prestigious stage honours, The Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard, have released an official podcast to mark this year's ceremony. Taking place on 5th April 2020, the awards celebrate the best of London theatre and have become a key date in the calendar for those visiting and working in Theatreland.

The newly formed All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Theatre held its first Oral Evidence session today (Wednesday 4 March). Some of the theatre industry's leading figures attended the session at the House of Lords, for discussion on the theme 'how British theatre works'.

The 2020 Oliver Award nominations have been announced!

Ahead of the Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard, five individuals have been announced as this year's winners of Special Recognition Awards, honouring their outstanding contributions to the theatre industry.

Details of key partnerships have been announced ahead of the Olivier Awards 2020 with Mastercard, which take place on Sunday 5 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jason Manford.

Bauer Media (home to Magic Radio) is set to launch another unique radio station which seeks to tap into UK audience's increasing love of musicals - 'Magic at the Musicals'.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Theatre was launched today (Wednesday 16 October), with an event in Parliament.

An All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Theatre was created this week, with an inaugural General Meeting on Monday 1 July.

The shows performing at this year's West End LIVE in Trafalgar Square have been revealed.

Ahead of the Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard, Special Recognition Awards were today presented to Bendy Ashfield, (Royal Opera House Apprenticeships Manager), Vivien Wallace (The Old Vic's former Executive Director of Development) and Linford Hudson (long-serving London Palladium Follow Spot Operator), celebrating their outstanding contributions to British theatre. Family members of fellow recipient Bob Thomas, a renowned theatre accountant who died in late 2018, collected his award on his behalf.

Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced that for the first time it will partner with the prestigious Olivier Awards to sponsor the award for Best Revival. This is an annual award presented by The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) in recognition of achievements in London theatre.

The UK Theatre Awards 2018 were hosted by Olivier-nominated musical theatre performer Tyrone Huntley, and presenters included Wendi Peters, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Ria Jones, Matt Cardle, Emma Williams and Michael Ellis MP.