At least three West End theatres have reported indoor temperatures of 30°C or higher this week, as a record heatwave grips London with temperatures reaching 36°C in some areas on Friday. The performing arts union Equity is urging production companies to push back shows and adopt World Cup-inspired hydration breaks to protect performers and audiences.
Union Calls for Action
Equity, alongside the Society of London Theatre (SOLT), is encouraging theatres to adapt costumes, reduce lighting rig usage, and conduct thorough risk assessments. A spokesperson for Equity told The Standard that 27°C “should be the cut-off for strenuous work - like performing a number in a musical in full costume.” Performers have been given thermometers to monitor workplace temperatures.
The union also advises “hydration breaks” inspired by the World Cup 2026. This measure has already been adopted by the production team at Avenue Q at The Shaftesbury Theatre, which now includes three-minute breaks during performances for cast members to cool down and drink water after performing inside heavy puppet costumes.
Impact on Performances
Production companies are being told to reschedule shows outside peak temperature hours, such as moving evening performances from 6pm to 8pm. Alyssa Jaffe, a musical theatre actress originally from Los Angeles, described London’s heatwave as “something else,” calling it a “swampy heat.” She noted, “It’s sticky, there’s no air con, and the buildings are double-glazed,” adding that US theatres are far cooler.
Ed Bussey, deputy musical director of Jersey Boys, reported that two cast members at the New Wimbledon Theatre performance had to be given ice packs after “feeling unwell.” Another crew member had to “duck out the second half” due to heat exhaustion. The New Wimbledon Theatre, a Grade-II listed building, lacks air conditioning.
Theatres' Preparedness
While most London theatres have air cooling systems, SOLT has previously stated it would be “inaccurate” to suggest all theatres are unprepared for extreme heat. Many have taken steps to improve temperature management. However, investment is needed to upgrade heating and cooling systems, which can be costly, especially in older, listed buildings.
A SOLT & UK Theatre spokesperson said: “The safety and comfort of audiences, performers, staff and visiting companies remains the priority for SOLT & UK Theatre members, who are taking proactive steps to respond to the current period of extreme heat, adapting operations and working practices where needed. Theatres will assess conditions locally and take appropriate action, which may include adapting performance schedules.”
Adam Adnyana, Equity assistant general secretary for live performance, emphasized: “Extreme heat is a serious health and safety issue for anyone in live performance, whether indoors, outdoors, performer, stage management or audience member. In the current heatwave – as in previous ones – Equity is providing advice and guidance to members and engagers on safe temperatures, heat mitigation, and sensible adaptations – up to and including rescheduling or cancelling shows in the interests of safety. Sometimes, the show does not have to go on.”
