Despite loss of Arts Council funding, theatre is continuing to commission new plays in a new era driven by ticket sales, commercial income and philanthropic support.
Jim Osley/Creative Commons
Hampstead Theatre has announced a full season of eight productions after adopting new methods for funding its work following the loss of all its Arts Council England (ACE) funding.
As part of the National Portfolio the theatre recieved £766,455 a year from ACE, but announced it would have to "change direction" after failing to receive investment for the 2023-26 period.
Announcing a full season of eight new productions today, beginning on 7 September 2023 and running until 16 March 2024, the theatre said it is committed to presenting "ambitious original work" funded through ticket sales, commercial income and philanthropic support.
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It said it will also remain committed to mentoring new writers through its INSPIRE programme, while Hampstead Downstairs will remain the home of new plays.
Hampstead Theatre’s Producer and Chief Executive Greg Ripley-Duggan said: “We’re thrilled that, after all the challenges we have had to face in the last few months, we are able to bring together eight fantastic writers and seven brilliant directors in a programme of plays that has Hampstead Theatre’s DNA running right through it.
“For over 60 years Hampstead has produced entertaining and thought-provoking original work by the world’s finest and most celebrated playwrights, so it’s wonderful to be able to continue that commitment with work by Tom Stoppard, John Logan, Lauren Gunderson and Richard Bean alongside an exciting line-up of outstanding work by less familiar writers.
“We look forward to welcoming audiences for this exciting season of entertaining, intelligent and topical plays offering new perspectives on a range of subjects from AI to Alfred Hitchcock and from growing old to rock ‘n’ roll.”
Playwright, Tom Stoppard said the programme of eight productions represents a "new era" begins in September at Hampstead
"It’s the era of plays unsubsidised by the Arts Council. A season that will depend on philanthropy and the box office. And it will go ever onward doing what Hampstead has always done so well - championing new writing, young and older playwrights, bold plays one after another.
"We all need Hampstead Theatre to succeed and to be helped to succeed,” he said.
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