Sweeney Birthday Cast Still Awaiting Pay
Date: 18 February 2000
Cast and crew of the celebration concert of Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd are still awaiting thousands of pounds in unpaid fees nearly a week after the event.
The show took place at the Royal Festival Hall last Sunday, featuring a cast of 30 West End singers led by Broadway stars Len Cariou, Judy Kaye and Davis Gaines who it is understood have only received part payment for their work and expenses. Two performances were staged to mark Sondheim's 70th birthday and the 20th anniversary of the London opening of the show, raising money for Aids charity Crusaid.
But many of those who took part, including cast, crew and orchestra, have not been paid. Some cheques paid out last week to technical staff bounced, although the recipients were then reimbursed in cash. But others, including show director Paul Kerryson are still waiting for payment, despite an assurance that they would be paid on the day of the show.
Show producer Doug Mayo, told the Evening Standard there had been a cash flow crisis after the show went over budget and box office receipts could not be drawn in advance. He said everyone involved in the production would receive payment by the end of this week.
But one cast member, who asked not to be named, remained unconvinced. 'If the production ran at a loss, then I don't see how these cheques are going to clear. We'll have to wait and see. The irony is that many of us would have done a benefit performance for Crusaid for nothing, but now it's a matter of principle,' he said.
The Royal Festival Hall took its venue hire fee from box office receipts.
Elizabeth Ferrie
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