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ACE makes new pledges to support theatre development as SOLT reports record audiences.

Developing a new approach to touring, engaging more diverse audiences, and recruiting and supporting leaders are among the pledges made in Arts Council England’s (ACE) Theatre Assessment, which has just been published. The assessment aimed to create an up-to-date picture of theatre in England, following the investment of an additional £25m per year in theatre organisations since 2003 ({AP176}). There was a general consensus amongst companies surveyed that the impact of the additional funding, though spread relatively thinly, has boosted “confidence, optimism and ambition”. However, ACE’s response to the findings notes that “There remain some theatre organisations that have not challenged themselves robustly to be the best they could.” In response to criticism of short-term initiatives, ACE says it recognises “the benefits of maintaining a consistent strategic thread”. It has committed to develop a new touring strategy for all scales of performing arts.
Past anxieties about funding for text-based work have been addressed, with a promise to “continue to place a high priority and offer high levels of support to text-based work”. Issues of quality and infrastructure for street theatre and circus were also highlighted, and the importance of theatres having a good relationship with their local authorities was acknowledged. The proportion of local authority income to total income has remained steady over the period under review, suggesting that cut-backs are due to pressure on council budgets rather than a lack of support for theatre. Respondents expressed concerns about a “perceived erosion of investment in the artform itself”, but the report’s authors note that this was not supported by the facts. Overall attendance at plays rose year-on-year during the period covered by the report, from 24% of English adults in 2001/02, to 31% in 2005/06.

Barbara Matthews, ACE’s Director Theatre Strategy, said that the assessment would help ACE to determine future strategy, investment and development, and added, “The task facing us all is to keep making progress, in spite of the economic recession.” ACE has commissioned further research into theatre programming, including produced and presented work, new commissions and revivals, to be published later this year.
Meanwhile, new figures from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) show that attendances at London theatres are up 2.5% for the year to date, and box office revenue is up 3.5% on the same period last year. Despite a poor showing in the first quarter of the year, with attendances down 5%, a surge in the second quarter resulted in a rise of 8%. As in 2008, musicals make up the majority of ticket sales (61%), but plays have enjoyed a rise of 19% on 2008. SOLT’s Chief Executive Richard Pulford said, “it’s marvellous that people aren’t retreating into their shells. Instead, they’re choosing to come together in our theatres to be entertained, challenged, and uplifted.” SOLT has also published its detailed Box Office Data report for 2008. Outline figures released in February (AP187) anticipated details released in the report, which showed increased revenue, attendances and number of performances. London theatres achieved an average capacity of 70%, with attenders paying an average of £34.82 for their tickets. The sector also paid over £72m in VAT to the Government’s coffers.