Equity calls for probe into Sneaky Experience collapse as liquidation looms

A search of the public record reveals that Benfield has liquidated three previous businesses – in 2019, dissolving Sneaky Experience Limited, and in 2023 doing the same for Be Part of It Productions.

Dominic Bascombe, Equity regional official for the North East, Yorkshire and Humberside, commented: "There has been an absolute outpouring of anger over the actions of this company and the way that the owners have left so many people out of pocket. Equity has held meetings with many of those affected and the hurt and upset is deeply felt."

He added: “Equity is supporting members in calling for an investigation into Sneaky Experience before it is shut down and the owners walk away. There continues to be a total disregard for workers in this sector who are treated as disposable and at the bottom of the pile when businesses shut.”

It comes after The Stage revealed ACC Liverpool is still waiting to receive payment for the hire of its space by Sneaky Experience, which staged its Christmas-Shire show there late last year.

Multiple performers have been left out of pocket after acting in the show – with Alice Way telling The Stage she was owed around £4,000 for the production, and another, Graham Elwell, saying he had had to borrow money "just to survive".

Clark Business Recovery and Sneaky Experience were contacted for comment on this story. When The Stage previously spoke with Benfield, she attributed Sneaky Experience’s debts to poor weather, namely December’s Storm Darragh, and ongoing issues due to the pandemic lockdowns.