On 16 March 2021 UK Theatre/ SOLT published their report and key findings from their recent ‘One Year On‘ Sector Survey. You can read the full report summary by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.
The results from across the theatre sector paint a picture of an industry that has struggled to survive the past 12 months and faced huge financial strain – but remains resilient and adaptable.
Key headlines from their research include:
- The survey was completed by 944 theatre venues, venue groups, non-venue theatre businesses and individual theatre freelancers
- Over 95% of surveyed theatre organisations around the UK reported being worse off because of Covid
- 53 of the 186 theatre organisations answering a question about financial loss due to Covid reported a loss of over £1m each – this includes 16 organisations who have lost over £5m each. The total loss of those 165 organisations able to provide figures is estimated at nearly £200m so far
- The survey also reveals that many of the highly skilled freelance theatre workforce have been forced to take alternative jobs during the pandemic, or even leave the sector altogether. One in four of the freelancers surveyed said they had gone out of business or ceased trading due to Covid. 270 alternative roles were sought within performing arts, and 456 outside the industry
- Almost a third of theatre venue respondents said they have had plans to create an outdoor performance space due to Covid – despite the fact that the majority (61%) will operate at a loss
- Almost half are developing a revenue-generating digital space or product