New Report Warns of Rising Costs and Shrinking Support Despite Record Audiences
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have today published a landmark report revealing a sector delivering enormous value to the UK’s economy, communities, and global reputation – but now facing critical risks due to rising costs and long-term underinvestment.
On the surface, UK theatre has bounced back from the pandemic with renewed and sustained growth:
- In 2024, SOLT & UK Theatre members welcomed over 37 million audience members across the UK.
- The West End alone surpassed 17.1 million attendees and generated more than £1 billion in revenue for the first time in history.
- Regional theatres reported a 4% increase in occupancy since 2019.
- Across the UK, most tickets were sold for £39.50 or less.
- Most West End tickets were sold at £56 or less, with nearly a quarter under £35, and fewer than 4% exceeded £150.
- Since 2019, the average West End ticket price has fallen by 5.3% in real terms.
- Outside of London, affordability is even more pronounced: 54% of theatre tickets are priced under £35, 19% were priced under £20 and 99.7% cost less than £100.
- The median ticket at UK Theatre venues remains lower than in 2019 when adjusted for inflation.
But behind the headlines lies a fragile financial picture:
- 28% of organisations ran a deficit in 2023–24, and 32% project a shortfall this financial year.
- 94% of producers expect staffing costs to rise as a share of income; 75% foresee higher energy and utilities bills.
- 1 in 5 venues need at least £5 million over the next decade just to remain operational – and nearly 40% could face closure without capital investment.
- 72% of producers continue to tour work across the UK, but rising transport and production costs threaten the future of domestic touring.
Nonetheless, theatres continue to deliver public value across the UK:
- Nearly 80% of theatres offer free or subsidised programmes and all provide accessible performances.
- 69% are working to meet Theatre Green Book standards, reflecting the sector’s commitment to sustainability.
- 100% of venues would use capital investment to improve environmental sustainability – and the majority would expand outreach or create new jobs.
- For every £1 spent on a ticket, an additional £1.40 is spent in the local economy – generating £1.94 billion annually in added value for surrounding businesses.
But theatres are doing this against a backdrop of shrinking public support:
- Since 2010, funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has fallen by 32% per person in real terms.
- Local authority support has declined by as much as 48%.
- Many theatres are now facing rising costs with flat or falling public investment – a situation that cannot be sustained.
The upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review presents a crucial opportunity to address the mounting pressures facing the theatre sector and to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to one of its most successful and socially valuable industries. Strategic public investment now would not only protect what has been built, but unlock new growth, nurture talent, and expand access to creativity and opportunity in every part of the country.
That is why SOLT & UK Theatre are urging Government to use the upcoming Spending Review to:
- Restore public investment in arts and culture to previous levels.
- Invest £500 million in theatre infrastructure across the UK.
- Support the Theatre for Every Child programme – so that every child has the opportunity to experience live theatre before leaving school.
SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEOs Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said:
“We are privileged to witness the extraordinary work that theatres across the UK create on stage, while delivering profound impact off stage – from engaging communities and boosting local economies to training the talent that powers our creative industries.
“British theatre is one of our greatest national assets. It entertains, educates, and connects – and it does so with resilience, ingenuity, and care. 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.
“Theatre delivers for the economy, for our communities, and for our national identity. With the right support, it can do even more.”
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