PERFORMING artists are due to begin their two-day class action lawsuit against casting directory Spotlight in the High Court on Wednesday.

The Equity union alleges the company is a monopoly which has allegedly breached legal regulations that say fees cannot be “more than a reasonable estimate of the cost of production and publication of its directory.”

It has increased its annual membership fees by 30 per cent to £205.80 since its takeover by Talent Systems LLC in 2021, the union says. 

Equity president Lynda Rooke, who is also one of the claimants, said: “Performers are being ripped off simply for wanting to work.

“Spotlight has a monopoly on casting in the UK. The consolidation of power and control enjoyed by Spotlight must not be allowed to exploit work-seeking performers.

“It also disproportionately impacts working-class performers, minorities and those who do not secure regular work.”

Spotlight has been contacted comment.