When’s a musical not a musical?
6 July 2009
The ISM is delighted that a cellist who sued a theatre because its production of The Wizard of Oz used backing tapes instead of live musicians has won his case at Manchester County Court.
Adrian Bradbury took legal action against the Lowry in Salford, claiming the venue's posters describing the show as a 'musical' misled him. The judge agreed and awarded Mr Bradbury £134.50 – the cost of his family’s tickets – plus £50 legal expenses.
Mr Bradbury said:
'I am over the moon that a court of law has recognised the importance of live interaction in a musical performance. A pre-recorded track cannot react musically to live singing or dancing, so has no place in a musical theatre. Karaoke must stay where it belongs – away from the professional stage.'
ISM Chief Executive, Deborah Annetts, spoke out in support of Mr Bradbury:
'We're delighted at Adrian's victory. It's no surprise that many musicians are struggling to make ends meet when performing opportunities are drying up. We hope any theatre planning to stage a musical will realise that depriving musicians of a job is cutting one corner too far.'
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