I have attempted to keep a dignified silence this last year but now the fate of the Phantom Band is in the public domain, I feel I should say something. https://twitter.com/thestage/status/1381563786138640390

I was the percussionist for the show and mine is one of the 14 jobs Cameron Macintosh Ltd (CML) and the Really Useful Group (RUG) have cut for the new production.  To be clear, all 27 musicians in the original band have been made redundant but it is my hope they will do the

honourable thing and rehire the 13 members whose seats remain. 

At a time when so many Arts organisations are standing by their workforces, one of the most successful shows in history has abandoned theirs.

How can the return of Phantom be considered any sort of success when the actions of RUG and CML have caused so much emotional and financial ruin to the original cast and band?

I sacrificed so much, willingly, to be a part of this wonderful show and yet I will leave with nothing more than the shirt on my back:  no severance to speak of and my livelihood and that of my family in absolute tatters.

I don't even have the opportunity to re-audition for my job and am unclear what the future holds.