Theatre Needs Your Help
Inflation in the UK has become a growing issue in many areas of society, affecting theatre across England in a negative way. Local and established theatres are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of productions, along with ticket sales being at an extreme low due to the cost-of-living crisis. 27% of theatre leaders ended 2024 in a deficit and that percentage is predicted to grow rapidly by the end of 2025, ultimately resulting in theatres and their productions being forced to shut down.
Council funding for the arts has declined and is continuing to do so, meaning that local productions are increasingly difficult to put on and make profit from. If this continues, nearly 40% could close or become unusable.
This issue does not just affect performances, but also jobs, education, and communities that people rely on. The performing arts sector has 205,000 workers in the UK so the closing of theatres will greatly affect the livelihood of many thespians and their families.
The British economy is also aided by theatres. For every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, £1.40 is spent in local businesses, so the struggle that performance facilities are facing also has a knock-on effect for the country.
Theatre further provides a safe space for young people to thrive by expressing themselves and boosting confidence, as well as tackling loneliness through social connections. Participating in performances can help with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and stress which adds to why theatre is such a fundamental part of society that needs to be kept alive.
How can you help? Supporting local performances in and around your area is more important than ever before. If you can, please try and stay up to date on events happening in town, so you can attend any shows possible to show your support for everyone working hard to produce incredible productions. You may find a love for theatre that you did not know you had.
Matilda Hodgkin
Sources:
https://uktheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/SOLTUKT-State-Of-British-Theatre.pdf
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7vveqr7y9o
https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/how-theatre-can-benefit-your-mental-health/
