In line with the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre’s campaign efforts, the Rose is joining the movement to safeguard the theatre industry’s future.
SOLT and UK Theatre are working with the government following the submission of a paper to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) which outlines practical solutions to support the theatre industry as venues warn of closures and financial difficulties.
Without government support 70% of UK theatres and performing arts businesses will run out of cash by the end of the year. Like many local and regional theatres, the Rose is the cultural hub of its community, and with appropriate support the UK theatre industry can play a vital role in helping the UK’s overall recovery — for every £1 spent at a theatre, £3 is spent in local businesses.
Each year, theatre generates £133m in VAT payments to HM Treasury in London alone, and more people see a theatre show each year than attend all League football matches in the whole of the UK.
SOLT and UK Theatre‘s paper to DCMS calls for the following moves to help the sector survive:
Sustain the workforce through the continuation of the Job Retention Scheme and the introduction of a new package to support freelance and self-employed artists who are so vital to our work.
Support theatre recovery with adjustments to the existing Theatre Tax Relief scheme, support for businesses that supply theatres, and aid with making venues COVID-19 secure.
Safeguard the future of the theatre industry through an Emergency Relief Fund and the creation of a new Cultural Investment Participation Scheme for the sector from the government — a national pledge for culture.
The Rose is working with SOLT and UK Theatre to achieve these goals. As part of the nationwide campaign, Rose Theatre’s Chief Executive Robert O’Dowd and Artistic Director Christopher Haydon are available for interviews to discuss these crucial measures for safeguarding the UK theatre industry’s future.