Stephen Fry and Sting have threatened to quit the Garrick Club if members refuse to approve a decision to admit women in a vote next Tuesday.
The actor and singer have co-signed a letter with some of London’s leading theatre producers pledging to axe ties with the historic institution if it remains men-only.
Members expressed concern about the bad publicity that the club’s men-only membership has generated in recent weeks.
In a letter to the Garrick chair, Christopher Kirker, they wrote: “We write as Garrick members who produce/co-produce and manage over 35 current productions in the West End and regionally. The current very public controversy over this issue has put us all in an untenable position.
“Our relations with female artists, co-producers, authors, cast members, members of our creative teams, backstage and front of house theatre staff have all been jeopardised by the recent publicity to the point that, without serious progress being made to finally address this anomaly, we won't feel able to continue as Garrick members.”
Last month, the full membership list of the London gentlemen's club, which was founded in 1831 and is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, was leaked, prompting renewed anger at its continued refusal to admit women.
Women are allowed in only if they are invited by a member and accompanied by a man throughout their visit.
Several high-profile members quit earlier this year including the head of the civil service, Simon Case, and MI6 chief Richard Moore.
The leaked names included many other senior figures in the judiciary, including a Supreme Court judge, five Court of Appeal judges, eight High Court judges and about 150 KCs.
It also revealed the King to be among hundreds of establishment figures in its ranks, as well as Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister.
The Garrick Club has been contacted for comment.
