Securing the Future of London’s Theatres
A call to action
London’s theatres are a valuable asset to the capital, supporting over 20,000 jobs at any one time and contributing over £133m in VAT each year. Theatres are landmark attractions that fuel the local 24-hour economy. They attract customers to surrounding retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, and hotels. They also support businesses and employment across the UK. The National Theatre, by example, is supplied by over 200 businesses in the UK each year, generating £43m in gross value along its supply chain.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced theatres to close for over a year, resulting in millions of pounds in lost income and putting creative industry professionals, 70% of which are freelancers, out of work. Brexit has further placed strain on an industry that relies on the free movement of goods and talent across Europe.
This report was commissioned by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) to raise awareness about the specific operational and access requirements of London’s theatres. It is a call to action for early engagement and collaboration between theatre operators and those responsible for planning, designing, activating and operating London’s public realm and highways, and those planning and regulating land uses. It demonstrates that without active engagement and collaboration with theatre operators, London is at risk of losing these internationally renowned and valuable assets. The evidence is clear that urgent action is required to avoid significant economic knock-on effects.
Projects ⋅ February 2022
See more
Securing the Future of London’s Theatres
A call to action
London’s theatres are a valuable asset to the capital, supporting over 20,000 jobs at any one time and contributing over £133m in VAT each year. Theatres are landmark attractions that fuel the local 24-hour economy. They attract customers to surrounding retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, and hotels. They also support businesses and employment across the UK. The National Theatre, by example, is supplied by over 200 businesses in the UK each year, generating £43m in gross value along its supply chain.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced theatres to close for over a year, resulting in millions of pounds in lost income and putting creative industry professionals, 70% of which are freelancers, out of work. Brexit has further placed strain on an industry that relies on the free movement of goods and talent across Europe.
This report was commissioned by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) to raise awareness about the specific operational and access requirements of London’s theatres. It is a call to action for early engagement and collaboration between theatre operators and those responsible for planning, designing, activating and operating London’s public realm and highways, and those planning and regulating land uses. It demonstrates that without active engagement and collaboration with theatre operators, London is at risk of losing these internationally renowned and valuable assets. The evidence is clear that urgent action is required to avoid significant economic knock-on effects.
Projects ⋅ February 2022
See more