Coronavirus (COVID-19) update for performing rights customers
Like everybody else, here at Nick Hern Books we’ve been closely following the developing news on coronavirus (COVID-19). We understand this is an uncertain time, and that you’ll be making decisions with the wellbeing of your audience, cast and crew foremost in your mind – so we want you to know that we’re here to help and support you, and answer any questions you may have.
If you have an upcoming production licensed by us, please see below for answers to some frequently asked questions. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for on this page, then please get in touch with us at rights@nickhernbooks.co.uk and we’ll be happy to provide further support.
Can we postpone our licensed production?
We will do everything we can to accommodate any change of dates, venue, or number of performances. There is no charge for postponing your production.
If you need to make a change to your licensed production, please contact the Performing Rights Department as soon as you can by emailing rights@nickhernbooks.co.uk. Any information you’re able to provide about your proposed changes (including date and venue) would be useful at this time, though we of course understand that you may not have all these details.
Please note we cannot guarantee that performing rights for your play will be available for your new dates or venue, but we are working closely with the playwrights’ agents to make sure that postponed productions can still go ahead at a future date.
Can we cancel our licensed production?
Yes. If your production is called off – either in full, or part-way through the run – or you need to reduce the number of performances, and therefore need to cancel or amend your licence, you can request to:
- receive a credit note for the cancelled performances to set against another licence in the future, OR
- receive a full refund for the cancelled performances by bank transfer
Nick Hern Books is a small, independent company, and like you we’re wondering what will happen during this uncertain time. With that in mind, if you’re able to take up the option of requesting a credit note to set against a future production, rather than a full refund, we would be enormously grateful.
If you need to cancel or amend your licensed production, please contact the Performing Rights team as soon as you can by emailing rights@nickhernbooks.co.uk.
If we cancel our licensed production, do we have to pay an administration fee?
No. We will waive the standard administration fee if, due to COVID-19, you need to cancel your licensed production or reduce your number of performances.
Can we return our cast set of scripts?
Yes, if you purchased the scripts directly from Nick Hern Books and they are unused, in mint condition. If you need to arrange this, please contact us on info@nickhernbooks.co.uk.
Can we share or livestream our licensed production online, or share an archive recording?
Potentially. As a response to this unprecedented situation, we're currently inviting applications to license Nick Hern Books plays for amateur online performance – both live-streams and broadcasts of recorded productions.
As usual, you'll need to secure approval and a licence for your production, and all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Visit our Online Performances page for further information.
What should I do if I have other questions?
Our Performing Rights team are currently working remotely, but are still on hand to help – so please email us at rights@nickhernbooks.co.uk.
We understand this is an uncertain time, but we want you to know that we're here to support you through it, and we look forward to working with you on fantastic productions long into the future.