ENO and ROH defence rally

BECTU members at the English National Opera and the Royal Opera House have called a rally in defence of both houses.

Confirmed speakers at the rally include Jonathan Miller, Lesley Garrett, Deborah Bull, Wayne Sleep and Jennifer Edwards.

The rally on 24 March is in response to Chris Smith's current high profile review of both houses which was set up around his preliminary recommendation that the ENO should move in with the ROH in the redeveloped Covent Garden theatre in London.

The rally is wholeheateldly endorsed by both house managements, and will provide an opportunity to express support for the continued independence of both houses as well as the level of funding to sustain the highest standards of excellence.

The rally will take place at 1900 on 24 March 1998 at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn, London WC1.

Further information: Sophie Mason on 0171 212 9471 or fax 0171 212 9473.