talkmagic.co.uk

You need to check the terms of the contract that you signed. They may perhaps have inserted a clause in there to the effect that they reserve the right to alter the fee depending on the quality of performance. Also, they might be something in there that allowed them to change the order of the agreed performances (eg. close up and stage). If neither of these things are present, though, they could be in breach of contract. You might like to talk to someone like the Citizens' Advice Bureau on this, as they give free advice on legal matters.

I should probably add that although I am a law student, I am not a qualified lawyer and I am not giving this advice in any professional manner. I accept no responsibility for any actions taken on reliance on what I have said. I would suggest you seek advice from either a solicitor or an organisation like the Citizens' Advice Bureau.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'll go to equity first thing Monday if they haven't got back to me by the weekend.

And no, I haven't included any "satisfaction guarantee" or anything like that - I fulfilled the time slots in the contract with both styles of performance, and thus forfilled my obligations.

And no I haven;t performed for them before, but the bookers had seen me perform before at a different venue

In that case it is their own bloody fault for booking you. It actually strengthens your case. In my opinion based on the facts that you have stated there is a 75% chance that Equity will get your money for you. But don't let this thing go cold on you. Don't let these people play for time. Strike while the iron is hot. Call Equity Monday and no later.

I would still call Equity immediately.

I see no reason to wait and that's what you subscribe for.

I agree. Call them today. Why put yourself through a weekend of stress? Do it now. And don't cash that cheque they sent. My gut feeling tells me you are right when you say it could be deemed as acceptance of the situation.

Many, many years ago I went to see Bo Diddly in concert. He was almost an hour and a half late getting onto the stage. When he finally got on that stage he performed his first song and brought the house down. After that song he stopped and appoloized for being late, he also added, "I have been in showbusiness longer than most of you have been alive, and I've learned one thing in this business and that is, The Bo Don't Go Till He Sees De Dough! We all yelled and cheered and into the rest of the set he went.

We all left happy.