Commenting on the King’s Speech, SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEOs Claire Walker and Hannah Essex said:
“We welcome the King’s Speech and the opportunity it presents to make progress on issues that matter to theatre, audiences, and the UK’s cultural and economic life.
“The European Partnership Bill is a welcome first step towards reducing the red tape that holds back British companies and artists working in the EU. Easing these barriers would create new opportunities for UK businesses, support jobs, grow exports, and strengthen one of Britain’s most successful global industries.
“We welcome the inclusion of the draft Ticketing Bill. Industrial-scale touting exploits audiences, inflates prices, distorts the market, and undermines trust in live performance. This legislation is an important opportunity to protect audiences, restore confidence, and ensure fairer access to theatre and live performance. The Government should now move at pace to set out a clear timetable for legislation that puts audiences first.
“We await the Government’s response to its consultation on the overnight visitor levy. Any funds raised must provide genuine additional support for culture, recognising its central role in attracting visitors, driving local economies, and sustaining the UK’s global appeal.
“Theatre is a major creative industry, a civic asset, and driver of growth in communities across the country. We, and our members, stand ready to work with Government to ensure that its legislative programme enables theatre’s contribution to communities, strengthen the wider creative industries, and drive inclusive growth.”
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