Forty per cent of theatres warn of potential closure without capital investment before 2030

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have published the results of a survey highlighting the urgent need for sustainable investment in theatre buildings.

The survey, which included 65 theatre venues across the UK, indicated that 20 per cent of venues need at least £5 million each over the next decade just to continue current operations. Additionally, nearly 40 per cent of venues risk closure, and another 40 per cent could become too unsafe to use without significant capital investment in the next five years.

The survey highlighted the potential benefits for investment, including: 54 per cent could offer more jobs to their local communities, 62 per cent would enhance or expand their outreach work, 100 per cent of venues would improve their environmental sustainability, and 57 per cent would diversify their programming, while Victorian-era theatres could significantly increase accessibility for patrons.

SOLT and UK Theatre highlighted that for every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, an additional £1.40 is generated for the local area. It used the case study of Hall for Cornwall, which received a £26 million investment from nine major funders in 2018. This investment prevented closure and transformed the venue into a creative industry hub, driving growth in Cornwall. The theatre now supports 29 per cent more local jobs, engages over 11,000 young people through outreach programs, and attracts 300,000 visits annually—a 54 per cent increase from pre-investment numbers.

The Theatre Royal Plymouth, currently seeking investment, faces challenges such as turning away profitable set-building projects due to space constraints and constant repairs to outdated infrastructure. The estate also struggles with limited access for customers and performers. A £30 million investment would allow the theatre to expand its workshop, refurbish and rewire its main space, and make the entire estate fully accessible to over 400,000 artists, audiences, and participants annually.

Recent investments include £26.4 million for the National Theatre’s stages and infrastructure and £1.6 million for Theatr Clwyd in the Spring Budget.