RSC puts 158 jobs in jeopardy as two theatres stay shut until 2022

THE Royal Shakespeare Company has announced some of its theatres will remain shut until 2022, putting 158 jobs at risk.

Two venues, The Swan and The Other Place, will not open their doors next year due to the pandemic.

The RSC has announced that consultation has begun into job cuts at the theatre company and 158 roles, 25 per cent of those on the payroll, are currently at risk. Social distancing rules have slashed the income of the proving ground for British thespian talent, and 90 per cent of current staff are reliant on the Government’s furlough scheme.

Catherine Mallyon, the RSC executive director, said: “These are incredibly difficult times for everyone, and for the theatre community they are especially tough. We are today taking tough decisions to cut costs and make sure we can reopen with confidence.”

The RSC will prioritise performances at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, the largest of its venues.