Union secures fee rise for playwrights

Playwrights working in the UK independent theatre sector will get a 24% increase in minimum fees over three years as well as new rights over the digital exploitation of their work.

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) said a major update to its existing agreement with the Independent Theatre Council (ITC) will see the minimum fee for a 70-minute play rise from £9,176 to £10,323 in 2025/26, then up to £10,942.38 in 2026/27 and £11,380.08 in 2027/28.

The minimum fee for a play between 31 and 70 minutes will rise from £6,110 to £6,873.75 in 2025/26, £7,286.18 in 2026/27 and then £7,577.62 in 2027/28.

The minimum fee for a play between 11 and 30 minutes will rise from £3,056 to £3,438 in 2025/26; to £3,644.28 in 2026/27; and to £3,790.05 in 2027/28.

Meanwhile, plays under 11 minutes will receive a minimum fee for the first time, rising to £1,102.40 in 2027/28.

Under the agreement, writers will also be paid a licence fee of 5% of their writer’s fee for the digital exploitation of their work, plus a royalty of 8% of the net sales of the recording.

‘Welcome boost’

WGGB general secretary Ellie Peers said the deal recognises the importance of new writing and writers.

“The agreement brings much needed clarity to both playwrights and those who commission them, and – thanks to the significant uplift in minimum fees – a welcome boost to playwrights’ incomes,” she said.

“We recognise that for many independent theatre companies, digital presents an opportunity to reach new audiences and so I’m delighted that this new agreement with the ITC marks another step along the road in WGGB’s vital work in protecting playwrights in the digital age.”

Charlotte Jones, chief executive officer of ITC, said: “Three years of rising rates underlines the value of writers to our sector and helps our members plan ahead. ITC is proud to agree a deal that supports companies and writers to produce new work.

“New terms on digital rights will keep the ITC-WGGB agreement at the forefront of change. Collectively agreed terms and conditions are still the best way to protect companies and writers.”