Sarah Thane’s review on the current licensing regime has been published today, together with the Government’s response. As you may know, I was involved with this review, and it is pleasing to see the report and the response being made available without delay.

She recognises that children should be given the opportunity to perform in a safe, dignified way, that does not impact on their education. She concludes that the current system needs urgent and radical overhaul and re-balancing, with a local authority inspection and enforcement regime that is consistent and proportionate.

Thane particularly fees that consideration should be given to the removal of licensing requirements from the amateur / youth theatre productions. The government agrees, providing that there are appropriate alternative safeguarding arrangements in place.

She sees a system that is better attuned to the need to ensure good quality education for those taking part in the sector on a longer term basis, with the “chaperone” role being given a greater professional status to recognise their crucial, independent function. This vision seems to be wholeheartedly shared by government who will now proceed to issue a consultation document.

With the election looming, it is important that this call for reform does not lose its momentum.

The report and response is published here