Advocacy Resources
SOLT & UK Theatre Report Warns of Rising Costs and Shrinking Support Despite Record Audiences
On 22nd May 2025, Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre published a landmark report revealing a sector delivering enormous value to the UK’s economy, communities, and global reputation – but now facing critical risks due to rising costs and long-term underinvestment.
Arts Council Review
SOLT & UK Theatre is preparing its response to the Arts Council Review Call for Evidence which closes at midday on 30th June 2025. We warmly welcome the ACE Review, which is a key moment for the performing arts and wider creative industries to articulate our value and support the work of the panel to ensure a good return on investment for taxpayers.
Summary of Spending Review Proposals
- Restore Public Investment in Arts
- Invest £500M in Performing Arts Infrastructure over Four Years to Unlock Additional Investment
- Invest £1.5M to Pilot the Theatre for Every Child Programme
- A National Wealth Fund Loan Guarantee Scheme for Energy Efficiency Adaptations
- Additional Mechanisms to Increase Capital Investment in the Performing Arts
Read our full 2025 Spending Review representation summary outlining our priorities for public spending over the next 4 years.
Our June 2025 response to the Comprehensive Spending Review is here
Our response to the Industrial Strategy: Invest 2035
In November 2024, SOLT & UK Theatre responded to the UK Government’s industrial strategy green paper. Read our response.
Our response to the Government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan is here.
Initial Rapid Analysis: Autumn Budget 2024
On 30th October 2024 we published our initial rapid analysis of the Budget and its implications for SOLT & UK Theatre members. We welcome feedback on this initial assessment from our Policy, Research and Advocacy Team and will provide further updates as they become available.
You can read our submission for the 2024 Autumn Budget here
Welcoming the new government
In July 2024, SOLT and UK Theatre welcomed the new government in 2024 and published a briefing for new MPs on the contribution the UK’s theatre sector makes and how we can collaborate to create the conditions for theatre to thrive. In collaboration with the cast of Starlight Express, we visited Downing Street, the Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport with our letter to the Prime Minister!