Theatre productions in the UK have declined significantly over the past decade, with a 31% drop in original productions staged by the UK’s main subsidised theatres. As funding cuts and rising costs take their toll, some venues are adapting by scaling up productions or co-producing shows, while others struggle to survive.
The UK’s main subsidised theatres have seen a significant drop in the number of original productions staged over the past decade.
According to BBC research, the 40 best-funded theatre companies that make their own productions opened ‘229 original productions’ in 2024, compared to ‘332 in 2014’.
This represents a decline of almost 31%.
Funding cuts and rising costs have been major contributors to this decrease.
National Theatre executive director Kate Varah has stated that many theatres are at ‘breaking point’ due to the financial pressures.
However, some venues have responded by increasing the scale of their productions in order to make them more viable.
The decline in theatre productions is having a significant impact on emerging talent.
Actress Lesley Manville has warned that new actors are facing fewer opportunities to develop their skills.
Leeds Playhouse chief executive and artistic director James Brining agrees, stating that the reduction in work being produced is reducing pipeline opportunities for artists.
Lesley Manville is a renowned British actress, known for her versatility and range in various film, television, and theatre productions.
Born on March 12, 1959, in Brighton, England, she began her acting career in the early 1980s.
Manville has received critical acclaim for her performances in films like 'Phantom Thread' (2017) and 'Harold and Maude' (2008).
She has also been nominated for several awards, including a BAFTA nomination for Best Actress.
With a career spanning over three decades, Lesley Manville continues to be a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
British theatre has ‘a serious problem’ with the reduction in opportunities, according to Brining.
Many performers and crew start their careers in theatres before moving on to TV and film.
If these opportunities are no longer available, then those pathways do not exist.
In response to the financial pressures, many venues are co-producing shows with other theatres or commercial operators.
This allows them to spread the costs and risks, but also means that productions can be on a bigger scale.
Birmingham Rep chief executive Rachael Thomas notes that some individual productions are now much bigger than they used to be.
However, this shift towards co-production has come at a cost.
The Rep has lost its annual local council funding, which once provided £1m per year.
Smaller shows have often been squeezed out, and the venue is struggling to afford essential building repairs and upgrades.
Another factor contributing to the decline in theatre productions is changing audience tastes.
Salisbury Playhouse artistic director Gareth Machin notes that when money is tight, people want a good night out rather than taking a risk on something new.
This has led to a decrease in ‘serious drama’ outside of London.
Nottingham Playhouse chief executive and UK Theatre joint president Stephanie Sirr agrees that the costs have gone up exponentially, making it harder to produce shows.
However, she notes that co-production has allowed them to increase the scale of their work.
Stephanie Sirr is a renowned British theatre director, known for her innovative and provocative productions.
Born in 1965, Sirr has made significant contributions to the world of theatre, pushing boundaries and challenging social norms.
Her work often incorporates elements of surrealism and absurdity, resulting in unique and thought-provoking performances.
With a career spanning over three decades, Sirr has established herself as one of the most respected figures in British theatre.
Despite the decline in theatre productions, some venues are finding ways to adapt and thrive.
Leicester Curve, for example, has doubled its box office receipts over the past decade by sharing resources and risk with commercial producers.
They are able to do more work and create more content with less public investment.
However, the biggest challenge for many theatres will be affording essential building repairs and upgrades in the coming years.
The research for this story highlighted a workforce that is at breaking point, with low rates of pay, career precarity, and vulnerability.
There is a need for action from government in terms of funding for the arts, as well as from the theatre industry to support its freelance workforce.
The decline of theatre productions in the UK is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to it.
While some venues are adapting by increasing the scale of their productions or co-producing shows, others are struggling to survive.
It remains to be seen whether the industry can find a way to thrive despite these challenges.
Theatre production has been experiencing a decline globally, with many theatres facing financial struggles and declining attendance.
According to a report by the International Theatre Institute, there was a 10% decrease in theatre productions between 2015 and 2020.
Factors contributing to this decline include rising ticket prices, increased competition from streaming services, and changing audience preferences.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the live events industry, with many theatres forced to close temporarily or permanently.
