Now John Simpson issues ultimatum to men-only Garrick Club
The famous faces said they will leave the club if women aren’t allowed to join
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.John Simpson has added his name to the list of famous faces who have said they will leave the Garrick Club if they fail to admit female members.
The journalist, 79, said it would be “impossible” to remain affiliated with the men’s-only club, which has previously voted against women joining.
The issue is set to go to a member’s vote next Tuesday (7 May).
Stephen Fry and Sting are among the other stars to have issued an ultimatum to the which is debating finally allowing women to join for the first time.
Writing on X/Twitter, Mr Simpson said: “Various Garrick Club members including Sting, Mark Knopfler and leading actors and producers have reportedly written to the Club chairman saying they’ll resign if the membership doesn’t vote to accept women next Tuesday. Many others like me would also find it impossible to stay.”
The Garrick Club in London’s West End has only ever allowed men among its 1,500 members since opening its doors in 1831, but plans are now being debated to move with the times and allow women to join.
In a letter seen by The Guardian and signed by several high-profile members, they warn that they will have to abandon the club – which King Charles is also reportedly a member of – if it fails to admit female members after the vote.
As per the club’s website, it offers “excellent dining facilities, accommodation, exclusive member events, [and] an important theatrical library that includes many manuscripts and documents and the most comprehensive collection of theatrical paintings and drawings in existence.
“The Garrick Club also has reciprocal arrangements with several other private members’ clubs around the world.”
While the exact cost of membership to the club with such strong theatrical links is not publicly available, it is reported to be around £1,000 per annum to join the men-only establishment.
Next week’s vote is not the first time that the club has considered allowing women to join, but all previous proposals have been unsuccessful.
The last vote took place in 2015, when more than half of the members agreed that it was time to admit the fairer sex.
However, a two thirds majority is required in order for the “rules” to actually change.
According to reports, committee members at the club accepted this month that there is currently nothing within its rules that explicitly bans female members.
Traditionally, women have only been allowed in the club if they are invited in by a male member, who must accompany them the entire time they’re inside.
“We write as Garrick members who produce/co-produce and manage over 35 current productions in the West End and regionally,” the letter signed by the stars reads.
“The current very public controversy over this issue has put us all in an untenable position. Our relations with female artists, co-producers, authors, cast members, members of our creative teams, backstage and front of house theatre staff have all been jeopardised by the recent publicity to the point that, without serious progress being made to finally address this anomaly, we won’t feel able to continue as Garrick members.
“Those who oppose this measure because it will ‘change the club’ will find the club changed beyond recognition to the lasting detriment of its artistic standing. Our motto is ‘All the world’s a stage’ but the stage at the Garrick will be empty. We fervently urge you not to let this happen.”
The Independent has reached out to The Garrick Club for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments