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INTRO
Theatre in the UK in 2015.
Loved by millions, of all ages and
backgrounds. A UK industry that
is still universally acknowledged
as a world leader. A sector that
has performed extremely well in
challenging financial times. An
industry that offers so much value
but is under great pressure.
Compared to the rest of Europe,
the UK requires a fraction of the
subsidy used to support theatres
in other nations. But national and
local funding is under increasing
threat. New tax breaks will make
a huge difference for the industry,
but further cuts threaten the quality
of work on stage, the affordability
of tickets and even the future of
venues and theatre companies
across the land.
This document is a reminder and
a celebration of all that theatre
contributes to life in the UK. It also
makes some practical suggestions
about how the UK Government
could safeguard theatre and
ensure it plays an even greater
cultural, economic, social and
educational role.
Communities need to be proud of their theatre and what
it is offering or no one else will be. Imagine what a sad and dull
place the world would be without the world of theatre where
absolutely anything can happen. Let’s keep the magic alive.
Libby Edwards, local theatre: Theatr Colwyn
Earned income
£15.74
Arts Council subsidy
£6.66
Sponsorship and funding
£3.11
Local Authority subsidy 79p
Other public subsidy 18p
UK THEATRE – THE LEAST SUBSIDISED IN EUROPE
For every ticket sold at the 180 subsidised theatres, support came from:
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