Equality groups urge cultural elite to give up Garrick Club membership

Campaigners call for ‘outdated structures’ that undermine progress and encourage inequality to be dismantled

Cultural organisations and equality campaigners have called on high-profile figures in the arts to give up their membership of the all-male Garrick Club, saying it undermines attempts to reduce gender bias in the sector and actively encourages inequality.

More than half a dozen groups said they were concerned at the revelation that several cultural leaders, including the chair of the English National Opera and the chief executive of the Royal Opera House, were part of the exclusive club.