Pest infestations in West End theatres are 'running out of control'

Mar 11, 2010

A new survey by performers’ union Equity has uncovered startling pest problems for top theatres in London’s West End.

Three-quarters of actors and stage managers report regular infestations – which include mice, rats and fleas.

One reported: “Our floors have been eaten by mice and they leave their faeces.” Another added: “Mice, mice, mice. Quite often there is an unpleasant smell which usually turns out to be a dead one!”

A further unnamed respondent commented: “We see and hear mice. They eat through food packaging and even through one of the girl’s warm-up tops”.

An actress who left her make-up on her dressing table after a show complained: “I had tiny bite marks on my lipstick recently when I left the lid off.”

Equity General Secretary Christine Payne commented: “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 work-place.

“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.”