SOLT & UK Theatre welcome first steps and highlight the need for bold action on funding, infrastructure and skills to support long-term growth
One year on from the 2024 General Election, SOLT & UK Theatre have welcomed the Government’s stated ambitions for the creative industries – but warn that rising costs, workforce gaps, and crumbling infrastructure demand urgent attention.
From ticketing reform and curriculum reviews to soft power diplomacy and international touring, the arts have featured prominently in the Government’s first year. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy’s ‘Jennie Lee Lecture’ in February set out a bold vision for a national arts policy – and the Creative Sector Growth Plan identified performing arts as a high-growth “frontier industry.”
“There’s been real recognition of theatre’s value – culturally and economically,” said Hannah Essex, Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre. “But intent must now translate into impact. Theatres across the country are facing impossible choices as rising costs and capital needs outpace investment.”
Growth Potential Undeniable – But Pressure is Mounting
The sector has welcomed the continuation of higher rates of Theatre Tax Relief and the inclusion of theatre in the Industrial Strategy – clear signals of the Government’s ambition to harness the creative industries as a driver of growth.
But that ambition must be backed by investment. One in four theatre organisations ran a deficit last year, and nearly 40% of venues say they risk closure without urgent capital support. Meanwhile, the 2024 Spending Review delivered real-terms cuts to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport – widening the gap between stated priorities and the funding required to realise them.
“Theatre is delivering record audiences and creating jobs – but we’re doing it with fewer resources and ageing infrastructure,” said Essex. “Theatres are not just performance spaces – they’re hubs for learning, connection, and local pride. The Creative Foundations Fund is a welcome start, but nowhere near the scale required. With the Spending Review now complete, DCMS must act quickly to set out a long-term capital strategy that protects theatres at the heart of communities across the country.”
Education, Skills and Access: Turning Promise into Progress
Theatre’s ability to contribute to economic growth, skills development and opportunity depends on a strong creative pipeline – from classroom to career. The sector has welcomed early steps such as the creation of Skills England and the review of the national curriculum, which offer a timely opportunity to rebalance education and embed creativity across learning.
“The curriculum review is a vital chance to ensure all children benefit from a high-quality, arts-rich education,” said Essex. “Creative subjects must be properly resourced and taught by skilled, passionate teachers. That’s how we build the talent the wider economy needs – not just theatre.”
Workforce shortages continue to affect every part of the sector. SOLT & UK Theatre are calling for targeted investment in training and progression routes, alongside long-term support for access and enrichment programmes.
“Theatre doesn’t just create jobs – it sparks confidence, collaboration and ambition,” Essex added. “We welcome the Government’s decision to use dormant assets to support cultural access. Our ask is simple: ensure that funding supports theatre-specific initiatives, such as our Theatre for Every Child campaign. Every young person should experience live theatre before they leave school.”
A Clear Role for Theatre in a Fairer, More Creative UK
The next 12 months present a crucial opportunity for Government to secure a bright and brilliant future for the UK’s world-class theatre sector. With major decisions ahead, targeted action now can deliver lasting impact:
- The curriculum review must embed creative subjects at the heart of education, ensuring every child benefits from an arts-rich learning experience that builds the skills the future economy needs.
- A bold and ambitious capital funding strategy must deliver essential investment in theatres across the country – recognising them as vital public assets at the heart of our cultural, economic, and community life.
- Public investment must be sustainable and strategic – driving inclusive growth and unlocking further private investment to strengthen the theatre ecosystem.
“Theatre is one of the UK’s greatest cultural assets – and we stand ready to help deliver the Government’s ambitions for growth, opportunity, and national renewal,” said Essex. “But we can’t do it alone. With the right support, this can be a turning point – where theatre doesn’t just survive, but thrives, for generations to come.”
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