A study of seven major regional producing theatres has revealed that 39% more visits are being made to theatres now than five years ago. Comparing box office data for 2000 and 2005, a period during which regional theatre received a £25m cash injection from the Government, the research revealed that 800,000 more people are attending theatre, almost twice as many new plays are being produced, and 60% more young people are taking part in educational activities: more than 36,000 young people were involved in education programmes run by theatres in 2005.
The study, which involved Birmingham Rep, Bristol Old Vic, Manchester Royal Exchange, Nottingham Playhouse, Plymouth Theatre Royal, Sheffield Crucible and West Yorkshire Playhouse, also revealed significant growth in the number of performances staged, with an 11% increase in the number of performances at home venues and a 41% increase in the number of touring dates. Stuart Rogers, Executive Director of Birmingham Rep, said, "The additional funding British regional theatre has received over the last few years has had a tremendous impact on creativity, output and attendance...It represents clear value for money for the British taxpayer..."
Published: 29-01-2007