Latest news with #HannahEssex
Business Mayor
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
New report says ‘government must act' to ease pressures on British theatres
A report by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, released on Thursday, puts the spotlight on an industry struggling with rocketing production costs and in need of urgent funding. The sister trade associations have called for the government's comprehensive spending review to dramatically increase public investment, including £500m for infrastructure, and to support its Theatre for Every Child initiative which aims to ensure all pupils attend a professional theatre production before leaving school. The organisations' co-CEOs, Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, said: 'Theatres are doing more with less – and the strain is showing. Rising costs, shrinking support and ageing infrastructure are putting the sector under unsustainable pressure. We are seeing world-class organisations forced to cut programmes, delay maintenance and scale back outreach. If we want to maintain the UK's position as a global leader in theatre – and continue to inspire the next generation of actors, writers, and technicians – then government must act.' The report, drawing on information from theatres that are members of the two organisations, states that one in five venues 'require at least £5m over the next decade simply to remain operational'. Without substantial capital funding, nearly 40% 'could close or become unusable'. Roughly one in four organisations ran a deficit in 2023–24, and almost one-third project a shortfall in the subsequent financial year. Since 2010, funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has fallen by 18% per person in real terms, notes the report, while local authority support has declined by as much as 48%. 'Years of decline in creative education and underinvestment in skills training have left theatres struggling to recruit and retain staff,' it adds, with almost half of theatre leaders saying that new hires lack the necessary skills, particularly in technical roles. Read More Biden cancels $9 billion in student debt for 125,000 borrowers Against this backdrop, and the challenges of the pandemic and cost of living crisis, the two organisations' member theatres drew audiences in excess of 37 million in 2024. Its West End venues 'surpassed 17.1 million attenders [akin to 2023 levels] and generated more than £1bn in revenue'. Data from 48 regional venues shows a 4% increase in occupancy between 2019 and 2024 yet also underlined what regular theatregoers around the UK will have noticed: the number of shows being programmed has, in many cases, dropped in the last five years as theatres prune their schedules amid financial challenges. Bemoaning news headlines about premium ticket prices, the report stated that across the UK most tickets were sold for £39.50 or less (with 19% priced under £20 outside London), while in the West End most were sold at £56 or less. Since 2019, the average West End ticket price has fallen by 5.3% in real terms. Research quoted by the report shows that for every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, 'an additional £1.40 is spent in the local economy', while every pound of public investment returns more than £11 to the Treasury. The report said that the West End's 11% post-pandemic audience growth is unmatched in the UK's entertainment sector and highlighted that, last year, 'nearly one in four international visitors to London attended a West End show – a testament to its global appeal'.
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Rising production costs threatening viability of UK theatre, says report
The cost of running and creating theatre has soared, rising 'significantly faster than inflation', according to a report into the state of British theatre in 2025 from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre. 'The economics of theatre are finely balanced. Without strategic support and investment, rising costs threaten the viability of even the most commercially successful productions,' it said. Simply raising ticket prices is not a viable solution if theatre is to remain accessible to all Report by Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre The report outlines potential threats to the sector's financial sustainability, including the cumulative effect of rising inflation, heightened international trade tensions and the potential impact of new US tariffs. On Wednesday official figures revealed that UK inflation surged to its highest level for more than a year last month after households were hit by a raft of 'awful April' bill increases. In spite of growing costs, members of the SOLT and UK Theatre welcomed more than 37 million audience members in 2024, with the West End surpassing 17.1 million attendees, generating more than £1 billion in revenue for the first time in history, according to the organisations. The report estimates that the average price of a West End ticket is 5.3% lower in real terms than in 2019 and says that 'most theatre tickets remain affordable'. Another issue is investment, with one in five UK venues requiring at least £5 million over the next decade simply to remain operational, according to a 2024 survey from the organisations. Out of the 65 venues surveyed, it was found that nearly 40% of them could close or become unusable in the next five years without substantial capital funding. Rising costs, shrinking support, and ageing infrastructure are putting the sector under unsustainable pressure Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, SOLT and UK Theatre Rising costs in transport, accommodation, freight and staffing are also affecting domestic touring and the report said these financial pressures are 'straining the viability of touring models that rely on lean margins and collaborative delivery'. At the same time, audiences are facing their own cost-of-living challenges and this means that 'simply raising ticket prices is not a viable solution if theatre is to remain accessible to all'. The report said higher-priced tickets help 'cross-subsidise lower-cost options, enabling more people to attend while preserving financial sustainability'. It also said the Government needs to make a 'sustained investment in infrastructure, skills, access and innovation'. International productions can also face complex issues, such as trade uncertainty, but the report added that 'UK theatre continues to punch above its weight globally'. Six The Musical, which has toured across the world, is an example of 'the power of UK theatre as a world-leading cultural export', according to the report. SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executives Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said: 'From the West End to regional stages, our members are working harder than ever to keep theatre accessible and inclusive, even as costs rise and funding declines. 'But the reality is stark: theatres are doing more with less – and the strain is showing. 'Rising costs, shrinking support and ageing infrastructure are putting the sector under unsustainable pressure. 'We are seeing world-class organisations forced to cut programmes, delay maintenance and scale back outreach. 'If we want to maintain the UK's position as a global leader in theatre – and continue to inspire the next generation of actors, writers and technicians – then Government must act. 'That means restoring public investment, investing in infrastructure and ensuring that every child can experience the life-changing power of live performance.'
Powys County Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Powys County Times
Rising production costs threatening viability of UK theatre, says report
Rising production costs are threatening the viability of UK theatre, a report has said. The cost of running and creating theatre has soared, rising 'significantly faster than inflation', according to a report into the state of British theatre in 2025 from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre. 'The economics of theatre are finely balanced. Without strategic support and investment, rising costs threaten the viability of even the most commercially successful productions,' it said. The report outlines potential threats to the sector's financial sustainability, including the cumulative effect of rising inflation, heightened international trade tensions and the potential impact of new US tariffs. On Wednesday official figures revealed that UK inflation surged to its highest level for more than a year last month after households were hit by a raft of 'awful April' bill increases. In spite of growing costs, members of the SOLT and UK Theatre welcomed more than 37 million audience members in 2024, with the West End surpassing 17.1 million attendees, generating more than £1 billion in revenue for the first time in history, according to the organisations. The report estimates that the average price of a West End ticket is 5.3% lower in real terms than in 2019 and says that 'most theatre tickets remain affordable'. Another issue is investment, with one in five UK venues requiring at least £5 million over the next decade simply to remain operational, according to a 2024 survey from the organisations. Out of the 65 venues surveyed, it was found that nearly 40% of them could close or become unusable in the next five years without substantial capital funding. Rising costs in transport, accommodation, freight and staffing are also affecting domestic touring and the report said these financial pressures are 'straining the viability of touring models that rely on lean margins and collaborative delivery'. At the same time, audiences are facing their own cost-of-living challenges and this means that 'simply raising ticket prices is not a viable solution if theatre is to remain accessible to all'. The report said higher-priced tickets help 'cross-subsidise lower-cost options, enabling more people to attend while preserving financial sustainability'. It also said the Government needs to make a 'sustained investment in infrastructure, skills, access and innovation'. International productions can also face complex issues, such as trade uncertainty, but the report added that 'UK theatre continues to punch above its weight globally'. Six The Musical, which has toured across the world, is an example of 'the power of UK theatre as a world-leading cultural export', according to the report. SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executives Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said: 'From the West End to regional stages, our members are working harder than ever to keep theatre accessible and inclusive, even as costs rise and funding declines. 'But the reality is stark: theatres are doing more with less – and the strain is showing. 'Rising costs, shrinking support and ageing infrastructure are putting the sector under unsustainable pressure. 'We are seeing world-class organisations forced to cut programmes, delay maintenance and scale back outreach. 'If we want to maintain the UK's position as a global leader in theatre – and continue to inspire the next generation of actors, writers and technicians – then Government must act. 'That means restoring public investment, investing in infrastructure and ensuring that every child can experience the life-changing power of live performance.'
Leader Live
22-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Rising production costs threatening viability of UK theatre, says report
The cost of running and creating theatre has soared, rising 'significantly faster than inflation', according to a report into the state of British theatre in 2025 from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre. 'The economics of theatre are finely balanced. Without strategic support and investment, rising costs threaten the viability of even the most commercially successful productions,' it said. The report outlines potential threats to the sector's financial sustainability, including the cumulative effect of rising inflation, heightened international trade tensions and the potential impact of new US tariffs. On Wednesday official figures revealed that UK inflation surged to its highest level for more than a year last month after households were hit by a raft of 'awful April' bill increases. In spite of growing costs, members of the SOLT and UK Theatre welcomed more than 37 million audience members in 2024, with the West End surpassing 17.1 million attendees, generating more than £1 billion in revenue for the first time in history, according to the organisations. The report estimates that the average price of a West End ticket is 5.3% lower in real terms than in 2019 and says that 'most theatre tickets remain affordable'. Another issue is investment, with one in five UK venues requiring at least £5 million over the next decade simply to remain operational, according to a 2024 survey from the organisations. Out of the 65 venues surveyed, it was found that nearly 40% of them could close or become unusable in the next five years without substantial capital funding. Rising costs in transport, accommodation, freight and staffing are also affecting domestic touring and the report said these financial pressures are 'straining the viability of touring models that rely on lean margins and collaborative delivery'. At the same time, audiences are facing their own cost-of-living challenges and this means that 'simply raising ticket prices is not a viable solution if theatre is to remain accessible to all'. The report said higher-priced tickets help 'cross-subsidise lower-cost options, enabling more people to attend while preserving financial sustainability'. It also said the Government needs to make a 'sustained investment in infrastructure, skills, access and innovation'. International productions can also face complex issues, such as trade uncertainty, but the report added that 'UK theatre continues to punch above its weight globally'. Six The Musical, which has toured across the world, is an example of 'the power of UK theatre as a world-leading cultural export', according to the report. SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executives Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said: 'From the West End to regional stages, our members are working harder than ever to keep theatre accessible and inclusive, even as costs rise and funding declines. 'But the reality is stark: theatres are doing more with less – and the strain is showing. 'Rising costs, shrinking support and ageing infrastructure are putting the sector under unsustainable pressure. 'We are seeing world-class organisations forced to cut programmes, delay maintenance and scale back outreach. 'If we want to maintain the UK's position as a global leader in theatre – and continue to inspire the next generation of actors, writers and technicians – then Government must act. 'That means restoring public investment, investing in infrastructure and ensuring that every child can experience the life-changing power of live performance.'
Rhyl Journal
22-05-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Rising production costs threatening viability of UK theatre, says report
The cost of running and creating theatre has soared, rising 'significantly faster than inflation', according to a report into the state of British theatre in 2025 from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre. 'The economics of theatre are finely balanced. Without strategic support and investment, rising costs threaten the viability of even the most commercially successful productions,' it said. The report outlines potential threats to the sector's financial sustainability, including the cumulative effect of rising inflation, heightened international trade tensions and the potential impact of new US tariffs. On Wednesday official figures revealed that UK inflation surged to its highest level for more than a year last month after households were hit by a raft of 'awful April' bill increases. In spite of growing costs, members of the SOLT and UK Theatre welcomed more than 37 million audience members in 2024, with the West End surpassing 17.1 million attendees, generating more than £1 billion in revenue for the first time in history, according to the organisations. The report estimates that the average price of a West End ticket is 5.3% lower in real terms than in 2019 and says that 'most theatre tickets remain affordable'. Another issue is investment, with one in five UK venues requiring at least £5 million over the next decade simply to remain operational, according to a 2024 survey from the organisations. Out of the 65 venues surveyed, it was found that nearly 40% of them could close or become unusable in the next five years without substantial capital funding. Rising costs in transport, accommodation, freight and staffing are also affecting domestic touring and the report said these financial pressures are 'straining the viability of touring models that rely on lean margins and collaborative delivery'. At the same time, audiences are facing their own cost-of-living challenges and this means that 'simply raising ticket prices is not a viable solution if theatre is to remain accessible to all'. The report said higher-priced tickets help 'cross-subsidise lower-cost options, enabling more people to attend while preserving financial sustainability'. It also said the Government needs to make a 'sustained investment in infrastructure, skills, access and innovation'. International productions can also face complex issues, such as trade uncertainty, but the report added that 'UK theatre continues to punch above its weight globally'. Six The Musical, which has toured across the world, is an example of 'the power of UK theatre as a world-leading cultural export', according to the report. SOLT and UK Theatre co-chief executives Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said: 'From the West End to regional stages, our members are working harder than ever to keep theatre accessible and inclusive, even as costs rise and funding declines. 'But the reality is stark: theatres are doing more with less – and the strain is showing. 'Rising costs, shrinking support and ageing infrastructure are putting the sector under unsustainable pressure. 'We are seeing world-class organisations forced to cut programmes, delay maintenance and scale back outreach. 'If we want to maintain the UK's position as a global leader in theatre – and continue to inspire the next generation of actors, writers and technicians – then Government must act. 'That means restoring public investment, investing in infrastructure and ensuring that every child can experience the life-changing power of live performance.'
