Trade union Equity is advocating for increased representation of workers on the Mayor of London’s Nightlife Taskforce, following alarming findings regarding the safety of nighttime performers in the capital.
Recent reports indicate that nearly a third of London’s nightlife entertainers, including drag queens, DJs, and cabaret artists, feel less secure in the city since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey conducted by Equity revealed that approximately 28% of performers have experienced a rise in transphobia, homophobia, misogyny, racism, and far-right sentiments, leading to feelings of terror when using public transport to travel to venues.
Incidents of Aggression and Safety Concerns
Among those surveyed, 29% expressed that they felt less safe interacting with audiences compared to pre-pandemic years. Drag artist Le Fil, who gained recognition on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared their experiences with the increasing hostility faced by performers. They noted that while they have been fortunate to work in supportive venues, many of their peers have encountered dangerous situations, particularly during family-friendly drag events.
“Mothers and children have loved it, but then all of a sudden there’s guys throwing pints and stones,” Le Fil stated. “I go to try and stand up for my community against these guys […] I have no idea where they’ve been hiding, but all of a sudden it seems something will be said or you’ll see the flags hanging and all these visuals around us makes us feel so uncomfortable.”
Le Fil emphasized their desire to avoid conflict but acknowledged the current climate of fear that performers face.
Nightlife Taskforce and Industry Challenges
The Nightlife Taskforce, established by Mayor Sadiq Khan in 2025, aims to protect and enhance London’s nightlife economy, which contributes £140 billion annually. However, Equity argues that the taskforce is predominantly composed of industry leaders, lacking adequate representation from the performers themselves.
Reports of aggression and violence against entertainers have become increasingly common, with some performers experiencing inappropriate touching during shows. In response, certain venues have attempted to remind audiences about the importance of consent, although these reminders are often disregarded.
Additionally, the pandemic has altered drinking habits, with rising bar prices prompting patrons to consume alcohol before arriving at venues. This shift has led to more volatile environments, exacerbated by insufficient security measures at many locations.
“The world we live in is more homophobic, transphobic and misogynistic; traveling on public transport in full drag makeup is terrifying,” one performer remarked.
Financial Struggles of Performers
Financially, the situation for performers is dire, with 98% of respondents indicating that their pay has stagnated. The average annual income for entertainers is reported to be just £12,411, significantly lower than the national median salary of £39,039 and approximately 68% below the London median salary of £49,692. Only 2% of performers noted that their earnings have increased in line with the rising cost of living.
The most common earnings reported for gigs in London fell within the range of £100-£199. Le Fil highlighted a prevalent misconception that all drag performers earn substantial incomes, attributing this belief to the visibility of high-profile stars rather than the reality faced by many working artists.
“Many performers with smaller followings rely on drag as a side hustle and often have day jobs to support themselves,” Le Fil explained. “Unlike in the US, where tipping is common, London’s tipping culture is poor, meaning many performers depend solely on a fixed fee for their work.”
Despite these challenges, Le Fil remains committed to their craft, driven by a passion for performance and entertainment.
“Nightlife has a special place where people can let loose and enjoy themselves and live their sort of superhero life because you can’t at work. We want to be there to facilitate that,” they said. “Even throughout all these years when there hasn’t been any pay increases, any pay rises, we’re still doing it because we love to do it.”
The Importance of Nightlife and Community
Le Fil further emphasized the essential role of entertainment in providing escapism and fostering community, particularly highlighted during the pandemic. They expressed the need for recognition and reward for the contributions made by performers to the cultural landscape of London.
“It is important to culture, it is important to enrich people’s lives, and we need that to be rewarded,” Le Fil stated. “We’ve seen LGBTQ bars, clubs, and spaces all being closed, left, right, and center. Old Compton Street is not like it was 20 years ago.”
On average, performers reported working approximately 2.11 gigs per week, incurring travel expenses of around £200 monthly. The costs associated with hair, makeup, and costumes averaged £162 per performance.
Nick Keegan, Equity’s variety organizer, criticized the stagnation of performers’ pay, despite the nightlife sector’s heavy reliance on their contributions. He stated, “London’s nightlife culture is world-famous, but it’s being built on the backs of performers who are earning a fraction of a living wage.”
“It is a disgrace that 98% of performers responding to our workforce survey say their pay is stagnating, while they worry about their safety,” Keegan added. “This is why Equity members are launching the London Nightlife Network, because performers care deeply about London’s nightlife and know that by coming together they can raise the standards of the industry for all.”
