Prominent artists, including Sting and Stephen Fry, have advocated for gender inclusion at London’s prestigious Garrick Club, warning of potential resignations if members fail to approve admitting women. Here’s the full story.
British Establishment Institution
London’s exclusive men-only Garrick club, the haunt of many of the British establishment, is facing a tumultuous shift in its membership policy following months of campaigning by both members and nonmembers.
Rule Change
The club may soon see a profound change in its membership rules following a group of prominent artists, including musicians Sting and Mark Knopfler and actor Stephen Fry, who have penned a letter urging the Garrick Club to admit women as members.
Damaged Relationships
The letter, addressed to Garrick’s chair, Christopher Kirker, highlights concerns over damaged relationships with female colleagues and threatens resignations if the upcoming vote to admit women fails to pass.
Impact of Controversy
The letter, co-signed by leading theatre producers and actors such as Karl Sydow, Matthew Byam Shaw, David Parfitt, Jonathan Church, and Mark Goucher, underscores the impact of the recent controversy surrounding Garrick’s men-only policy.
Exclusionary Stance
It emphasises the strained relationships with female artists, co-producers, and other industry professionals caused by the club’s exclusionary stance.
“Very Public Controversy”
The letter, which the Guardian saw, reads, “We write as Garrick members who produce/co-produce and manage over 35 current productions in the West End and regionally. The current very public controversy over this issue has put us all in an untenable position.”
“Won’t Feel Able to Continue”
It continues, “Our relations with female artists, co-producers, authors, cast members, members of our creative teams, backstage and front of house theatre staff have all been jeopardised by the recent publicity to the point that, without serious progress being made to finally address this anomaly, we won’t feel able to continue as Garrick members,”
“Actors and Men of Refinement”
Established in 1831, the Garrick Club was initially conceived as a space for “actors and men of refinement and education” to convene on equal terms.
Stubborn Refusal
However, the ongoing debate surrounding the club’s stubborn refusal to admit women has raised serious questions about its relevance in contemporary society and the impact such an institution has on gender equality in the arts.
Men Only Policy
The signatories express concern that maintaining the men-only policy will alienate prominent figures in the arts and hinder the club’s ability to fulfil its founding purpose.
“Rendered Impossible”
The letter continues, “The first aim of the club will be rendered impossible because no member of our profession will feel able in all conscience to be a member of the Garrick, certainly no prominent artist or producer. No one employed by a publicly funded body will be allowed to be a member.”
High Profile Resignations
The recent uproar over the club’s membership list, which was leaked to the Guardian, has seen several high-profile members, including heads of government agencies and senior judges, resign from their membership.
1,500 Members
The club boasts 1,500 members, including King Charles, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, Communities Secretary Michael Gove, and actors such as Brian Cox, Matthew Macfadyen, Hugh Bonneville, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Suitably Archaic
The club’s rules are suitably archaic for such an ancient institution. Women are only allowed in when they are invited by a man, and, incredibly, even when they are finally inside, they must be accompanied by a man for the duration of their visit.
Institutionalised Sexism and Privilege
Recently, a letter was delivered to the Garrick Club by a group of protesters made up of lawyers, activists, and even a Member of Parliament. The letter demanded an end to the club’s exclusionary policies and condemned what the group called the club’s institutionalised sexism and privilege.
“Wouldn’t Let Us In”
A leading campaigner for women’s access to men-only spaces like the Garrick Club, barrister Dr Charlotte Proudman, stated at the time, “The Garrick Club wouldn’t let us in—or let us deliver the letter. So a man delivered it on behalf of women.”
New Legal Advice
Following an emergency committee meeting and new legal advice, the club faces a pivotal vote on whether to admit women as members.
Simple Majority
While previous attempts failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority, a simple majority may suffice, reflecting the quickly shifting attitudes within the club in the face of the sustained backlash against it.
The Stage Empties
The letter concludes, “Those who oppose this measure because it will ‘change the club’ will find the club changed beyond recognition to the lasting detriment of its artistic standing. Our motto is ‘All the world’s a stage’ but the stage at the Garrick will be empty. We fervently urge you not to let this happen.”
Uncertain Future
In the face of mounting pressure and shifting societal norms, the Garrick Club stands at a crossroads. With the vote scheduled to be held next week, the club’s future as an artistic institution, albeit an exclusionary one, hangs in the balance.
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The post Artists Advocate for Gender Inclusion at Male Only Garrick Club first appeared on Edge Media.
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Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.