Our response to SOLT’s Theatre in the UK Report 2026

The Society of London and UK Theatre have today published a report showing the current state of the theatre sector, with 37 million attendees to venues in 2025.

Theatre in the UK 2026

On Wednesday 11 March, the Society of London and UK Theatre published their annual report, Theatre in the UK, showing the current climate for the theatre sector, including opportunities, challenges and recommendations for policymakers.

The report found:

  • 37 million people attended SOLT and UK Theatre member venues in 2025, and audiences continue to prioritise shared, in-person experiences through live theatre.

  • 95% of venues deliver programmes contributing to social good and 86% run workshops with local schools.

  • Every £1 spent on a ticket generates a further £1.40 in local economic activity.

It also found that strong demand does not offset rising production costs, increased energy costs and inflation among other challenges of increased overheads for crumbling theatre buildings.

Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, Co-Chief Executives, Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said

“theatre is one of the country’s greatest assets. It repays investment many times over. The decisions taken now will shape what it can deliver for the next generation.”

Data from the RSC

At the RSC last year, we had 1,618,000 attendances, online and in person, including performances and other events, attracting audiences from Aberlour to Penzance, and from at least 86 different countries. We also work to reach 500,000 young people, 1,000 schools and 2,000 teachers each year, with a network of over 300 associate schools across 100 towns and cities in England and 16 theatre partners.

In Stratford-upon-Avon, we have urgent capital infrastructure needs of a complex estate dating back to 1879, with an estimated total value of works of c.£81m over 10 years.

The Theatre in the UK 2026 report recommends targeted interventions to enable growth, enhanced Theatre Tax Relief to greater support touring productions, and philanthropic incentives to support fundraising capacity and investment.

 

READ THE FULL REPORT

 

Ncuti Gatwa as Christopher Marlowe wearing leather doublet and hose and leaning over a table towards Edward Bluemel as William Shakespeare holding a quill.
Our 2025 production Born With Teeth features in a case study in the Theatre in the UK 2026 report.
Photo by Johan Persson © Johan Persson Browse and license our images
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