Rylance to snub RSC over oil sponsorship

MARK RYLANCE, the actor, has said he is likely to turn his back on the Royal Shakespeare Company over sponsorship by BP, claiming stars are being used to “whitewash” the group.

Claiming the oil company is not “behaving ethically” over climate change, he said he would “probably not” perform at the RSC unless it drops the deal.

Rylance, who has previously called for the British Museum to drop BP as a sponsor, said the oil giant was trying to present itself as a “society-loving organisation, which I don’t think they are”. The 56-year-old, an associate artist at the RSC, said actors who perform at the London venue are “being used to whitewash” the energy company.

Asked if he would work at the theatre, Rylance said “no, probably not”. He told BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House: “If there was someone round here selling revolvers in my neighbourhood or knives to the young people and said, ‘I’d like to sponsor your theatrical show’, I’d say no.”

In July, BP pledged £7.5 million over five years to the Royal Opera House, British Museum, National Portrait Gallery and Royal Shakespeare Company from 2018.

The RSC said sponsorship helped it “reach the widest possible audience”. Alex Beard, chief executive of the Royal Opera House, said arts institutions rely on a “mixed economy”. BP said it was “proud to have supported UK arts and culture for over 50 years”. Peter Mather, the company’s UK head, told the BBC: “We balance our responsibilities to our employees, shareholders and the communities in which we operate.”