Why UK Theatre Matters:

UK theatre is a world-class cultural and economic force.

In 2018, UK theatres generated ticket revenue of £1.28B, employed 290k workers, and was seen by 34M people.

More people see show each year than attend a Premier League match. (1/11)

Live theatre is also a major and integral component of the travel, hospitality, and retail sectors, and is one of the UK’s great exports around the world.

British theatre productions are seen the world over, from @CursedChildLDN to @WarHorseOnStage to @MatildaMusical. (2/11)

This success is fed by commercial producers, a nationwide network of not-for-profit producing theatres, and a cohort of smaller companies.

These three pillars are inextricably linked in an intricate cross-country network of collaboration that has evolved over 70 years. (3/11)

Without support for each element, the entire ecosystem falls apart and cannot be rebuilt from scratch.

It is the product of decades of investment in producing, in training, and in capital projects worth billions of pounds.

(4/11)

Its buildings are unique and not easily repurposed. Its talent is truly specialist.

The UK theatre sector is not merely universally treasured, but priceless.

Any sector-wide reconstruction would be far costlier than a rescue package and managed recovery.

(5/11)

Theatre provides a key pipeline for talent, feeding the UK's burgeoning film and television industries.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge of @fleabag , and @JohnBoyega of Star Wars; Oscar winners Sam Mendes and Danny Boyle; all cut their teeth on stage.

(6/11)

5.8M people in the UK watched the final episode of Quiz by @mrJamesGraham, itself an adaptation of his own play which started at @ChichesterFT.

The West End stage production of The Audience led to Netflix spending £300million in the UK creating @TheCrownNetflix.

(7/11)

In response to Covid-19, theatres and production companies have responded to the crisis by immediately implementing cost-saving measures.

Artists have engaged with a wide range of communities of young people and schools.

(8/11)

. @TheRSC actors have been teaching Shakespeare in schools. Meanwhile, many furloughed staff have voluntarily put their skills to use: costume staff are making PPE and set builders and designers are supporting hospitals and their local schools.

(9/11)

Theatre is primed to play a crucial part in the UK’s economic and social recovery, feeding nearby businesses and fuelling local economies.

Arts organisations can re-enliven local communities,bring people together, and nurture physical and mental health.

(10/11)

UK theatre is an economic growth engine and, with support, can be a beacon once again – something in which the whole nation can take pride.

That support is needed now.

#YourTheatreYourCommunity

(11/11)