THEATRE PEOPLE STRUCK DUMB

"The English National Opera has banned its employees from addressing each other as "darling", ending a long-running tradition at the 100-year-old institution in the centre of London. The edict came in a re-education document enforcing government guidelines on sexual discrimination at work, The Times reported.

"The use of affectionate names such as 'darling' will also constitute sexual harassment," the document said. It bans "suggestive remarks or lewd conduct that denigrates or ridicules or is intimidatory or physically abusive of an employee because of their sex".

A spokesman told The Times the rule would apply primarily to new staff, but that "existing staff who call each other 'darling' can continue to do so".

The term is common among London's large thespian community and is used almost indiscriminately among men and women, although when used between men it often has a gay connotation."