Millionaire duke blasted for expecting actors to work for free as ‘volunteers’ at his castle
The Duke of Rutland — worth an estimated £125million — is not offering performers any wages despite charging Belvoir Castle visitors up to £20 for tickets
A MILLIONAIRE duke was blasted yesterday for expecting actors to work for free at his historic stately home.
David Manners, 11th Duke of Rutland, is advertising for “volunteer performers” to dress as kings, queens and witches to entertain visitors at Belvoir Castle.
Applicants need “experience of acting or characterisation skills” and must be “flexible and able to work different hours each week”, an ad on its website says.
The 59-year-old duke — worth an estimated £125million — is not offering any wages, despite charging up to £20 for tickets.
Actors were furious when the ad was posted in a Facebook group for job-hunting thespians yesterday. Steve Fowkes wrote: “Go forth and multiply, I say.”
Actress Adaya Monique Henry wrote: “It’s completely insulting.”
Fellow actor Mark Murphy posted a mock job advert of his own, saying: “Plumber wanted to fit a new boiler for me.
“Must be experienced and qualified. It’s unpaid work but might lead to paid work in the future and it’s great exposure.”
Mr Manners runs the castle with ex-wife Emma, 56 — mum to his five kids. They split in 2012 after he had an affair and now live in separate castle wings.
The duchess, daughter of a Welsh farmer, told in 2016 how it cost £500,000 a year to run the estate and that “every week is a battle”.
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Walls at the Gothic castle near Grantham, Lincs, are lined with priceless art.
Belvoir did not respond to requests for comment.
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