The Garrick Club, a prestigious men-only club in London, is facing a potential exodus of high-profile members, including musicians Sting and Mark Knopfler, if a vote next Tuesday does not approve the admission of women. In a letter co-signed by leading theatre producers and actors, including Stephen Fry and Karl Sydow, the members expressed their concerns about the negative publicity surrounding the club’s men-only policy.
The letter, addressed to the Garrick chair, Christopher Kirker, highlighted the impact of the club’s membership rules on their professional relationships with female artists and colleagues. The signatories, who are involved in numerous West End productions, warned that they may have to resign their memberships if the club does not address the issue.
The Garrick Club, founded in 1831, has been under scrutiny for its exclusionary policy, which only allows women to enter if they are invited by a male member and accompanied throughout their visit. The club’s refusal to admit women has led to resignations from prominent figures, including the head of MI6 and senior judges.
The upcoming vote on admitting women to the club has sparked intense internal debates among members, with some resisting change. The letter from Sting, Mark Knopfler, and others urged the club to embrace diversity and avoid damaging its artistic reputation.
As the deadline for the vote approaches, the future of the Garrick Club hangs in the balance, with the potential for significant changes to its longstanding traditions. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.