We are thrilled to announce that Olivier Award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and producer Jack Thorne will open our 2025 Theatre Conference as this year’s keynote speaker.
Jack’s work has long resonated across our member stages – from When You Cure Me at the Bush Theatre in 2005, to Harry Potter And The Cursed Child in 2016 and When Winston Went to War with the Wireless in 2023. Most recently, he created the Netflix series Adolescence, which has sparked global conversations around the impact of social media on young people.
A proud member of the disabled community, Jack advocates for inclusion and accessibility in the entertainment industry. He co-founded Underlying Health Conditions, a movement for systemic change in UK television, alongside Genevieve Barr and Katie Player. His 2009 series Cast Offs was a disabled-led drama, exclusively cast with disabled talent, and in 2016, his piece The Solid Life of Water became the first disabled-led play to be staged at the National Theatre.
Programme sessions also announced
This year’s theme – collaboration – recognises that tackling the challenges we face as an industry together, will shape a more resilient, inclusive and innovative future. Across eight focused sessions, we’ll explore the power of collaboration in addressing critical issues – from skills shortages and sustainability, to ticket prices and emerging technologies.
- Technical skills gaps: what are the collaborative solutions for technical theatre recruitment and retention?
- Audience development: how can we identify and reach young and diverse audiences?
- New work: what are the barriers to producing and presenting new work, and how do we overcome them?
- Building a better workplace: what are the keys to retention and performance?
- AI: what lessons can we learn from other industries using AI to enhance business performance?
- Turning data into revenue: how can we maximise income through smart insights?
- Ticket pricing: how can producers and venues work together to improve audience reach, while staying financially sustainable?
- Sustainability: what is the business case for environmental responsibility?
Speakers and further information about the programme will be announced soon.
Tickets for The Theatre Conference are now on sale for SOLT & UK Theatre members, those who work at SOLT and UK Theatre member venues or organisations, Industry Partners and more – get your tickets below. There’s also a group discount available for groups of 5+ – use the discount code GROUPS10 to get 10% off.
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