People in performing arts twice as likely to have depression, Equity finds

Actors' union says Covid exacerbated contributory factors such as job insecurity and low pay

People working in entertainment and performing arts are twice as likely to experience depression as the general population, according to a review of more than 100 academic studies.

The impact of Covid restrictions on theatres and other venues in 2020 and 2021 had exacerbated contributory factors such as job insecurity and low pay, said the actors' union, Equity, which commissioned the review.