Securing The Future of London’s Theatres

A call to action

People waiting beneath an illuminated theatre portico.

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) is calling upon local authorities, city-wide decision-makers, and cultural organisations to work together to safeguard the future of London’s iconic theatres.

London’s theatres have been vital economic and cultural assets for over 350 years. In 2024, over 17.1 million theatregoers attended a West End show, attracting 2.5 million more attendees than the Premier League. These landmark attractions fuel the city’s 24-hour economy, supporting over 200,000 jobs, and energising business for surrounding retail, leisure, hospitality, and hotels. Their success depends heavily on the public realm, which plays a crucial role in facilitating smooth operations for staff and audiences.

Securing the future of london's theatres red report cover with orange writing.
Two diagrams of deliveries being made into a building with a red background.
Four infographics showing a year in the life of a west end theatre.
Three infographics illustrating the economic impact of London's West End theatres including the impact on tourism, the contribution of theatre ticket sales to VAT and the business rates paid by theatres. Six infographics illustrating facts and figures about London's West End theatres including audience figures compared to Broadway.
A diagram of a clock with drawings illustrating activities that take place at various times in theatres during the day and night.
Map of SOLT theatres in central london and their loading bays with an information key

Publica’s report, developed with insights from The Theatres Trust and 49 London theatres, raises awareness about the unique operational and access needs of London’s theatres. Drawing on spatial surveys across SOLT theatres, mapping and photographing of access provisions, and engagement with theatre operators, it sets out practical recommendations to protect Theatreland’s distinct identity and to support their extended and mixed uses.

Our research emphasises that without active collaboration between theatre operators and those shaping London’s public spaces, infrastructure and planning, we risk losing our one the city’s most celebrated cultural assets.

This is a call to action – we must work collectively to protect the future of London’s theatres so they can continue to inspire and thrive for generations to come.

Four images of theatre settings. One of an empty theatre stage with a large sign reading "& Juliet". The red velvet seats in the audience are also empty. One of a rack of historical costumes backstage at a theatre. One of a recording studio with two keyboards, guitars, microphones and screens with pop posters up on the wall. One of backstage equipment at a theatre including ropes.

Backstage photographs

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The Society of London Theatre is the membership organisation for London theatre producers, managers, owners and operators. They exist to attract, retain and diversify theatre audiences and advocate to support growth across the sector.

Three Night Time Strategy report covers.

Developing a Night Time Strategy