An agreement has been reached with London theatres to support actors during the current suspension of West End shows.

Last week it was announced that all shows would be suspended until at least the end of May, leaving performers out of work and unsure over their financial prospects.

The new agreement, between the Society of London Theatre and Equity, which was announced on Tuesday 'covers every eventuality and perspective, from long-running musicals to plays with limited runs, productions yet to open and shows still in rehearsal when the shutdown began'.

It states that casts who are currently under contract can continue on that contract, and can recommence rehearsals and performances, with revised dates, when permitted.

SOLT and Equity have also said they will lobby for those not supported by the Government’s self-employment income support scheme.

Julian Bird, chief executive of SOLT said: “Equity and ourselves have worked tirelessly since the shutdown to protect jobs and address the needs of our West End workforce during this crisis.

“We all need to work together to ensure that we can get through this as an industry, and are ready to welcome audiences back into our theatres as soon as possible.”