This week, the proposal goes before Equity’s ruling council. If passed, it will see the union push for a widespread reintroduction of cats to theatre buildings in a bid to combat the high numbers of rats and mice from which many suffer. The motion claims there has been a “marked rise in vermin infestation” over the last few years and notes that cats not only represent “an environmentally sound alternative to poison and traps, but [are] also good for morale”.

A more general revival of cats as working animals would be no bad thing.