- Design productions to have minimal ongoing costs.
For the second run of the production (The Lion & Unicorn Theatre, Sept 2026), outgoings included payment for the performance licence, professional services (technician, photographer and PR) and print (poster, flyers and reusable programme). Income from ticket sales (after the venue took the agreed 50%) covered the licence and technician’s fee.
Next: Outgoings for future performances will include only performance licence, technician’s fee and minimal print costs, plus performer’s fee (and travel and accommodation as appropriate).
- Buy second hand and limit waste.
The only new items purchased for the 2026 production were the stool and Suria’s sandals. Print waste was limited to one poster (which will be reused as scrap paper) and a small number of A5 flyers (<80) printed on recycled paper. All other print materials have been kept for reuse.
Next: Printing will be limited to the poster(s) and flyers required by venues.
- Hire local contractors, and travel by public transport wherever practical.
The creative team are based in the East Midlands, so rehearsals and the first run of the production took place in Nottingham. Some members of the team travelled by car. The performer travelled by public transport and stayed locally. For the second run, in London, local contractors were used. All travelled by public transport.
Next: Future performances will continue to employ local contractors. Where public transport is not an option, car sharing will be used.
- Seek out early-career contractors to encourage and mentor.
An attempt to encourage and employ student contractors in Nottingham through MyPocketSkill failed: one cancelled; another was unprepared and did a poor job, and in any case was intending to pursue a different line of work. In London, a student was offered paid work alongside the experienced team but was unavailable. One recently unemployed contractor joined the team and gained paid experience in a new aspect of their work.
Next: Future performances will offer paid training opportunities where funds allow.
- Welcome young people to observe and participate in our process.
Informal invitations were issued without success.
Next: Future invitations will be issued more formally and in advance.
- Work compassionately and accessibly.
Schedules were arranged around caring responsibilities and health needs, and adhered to. Lateness was treated calmly and without blame. Breaks were generous.
Next: The low-maintenance nature of the production means that schedules can be arranged to work around the people involved.
- Pay fairly, asking ‘how much can we afford?’ not ‘how little can we get away with?’.
All contractors (with the exception of the performer/producer) were paid above the industry rate.
Next: Future performances need only involve a technician and a performer/producer. The technician will continue to be offered at least industry rates. It is hoped that from now on the performer will also be recompensed.