Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

SOLT and UK Theatre Respond to New Department and the Appointment of a New Secretary Of State

Read the statement from Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, co-CEOs of SOLT and UK Theatre.

SOLT and UK Theatre Respond to New Department and the Appointment of a New Secretary Of State

Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre respond to recent Government announcements of a new Department and the Appointment of a new Secretary of State.

Claire Walker and Hannah Essex, co-CEOs of SOLT and UK Theatre:

"We, and the wider theatre sector, are delighted to welcome the announcement of a new Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Lucy Frazer KC MP as the Secretary of State.

It is a positive step that the Prime Minister has recognised the importance of culture and the creative industries to the UK economy, and the UK's role as a global leader in these areas.

In order to meet the Prime Minister's ambitions for the sector, the next step must be to maintain the higher rate of Theatre Tax relief at the March budget that has delivered vast benefit to the UK economy since its introduction in 2021. This must be followed up by working with the theatre sector to develop a strong UK talent pipeline through investment in the arts premium and the development of the cultural education plan.

We look forward to working with the new Secretary of State and department to promote, sustain and grow the UK theatre sector at home and internationally."



Rachel Fairburn Will Embark on 35-Date SHOWGIRL Tour Photo
Critically-acclaimed comedian Rachel Fairburn is set to embark on her biggest UK tour to date with brand-new show 'ShowGirl' from 24th September.

Flawboreds ITS A MOTHERF**KING PLEASURE Transfers To Londons West End Photo
Flawbored arrive at Soho Theatre this spring following a short critically acclaimed sell-out VAULT Festival 2023 run of their brilliant, self-aware, intersectional satire It's a Motherf**king Pleasure. 

SCOOTERS, SHOOTERS, AND SHOTTAS: A CURIOUS TALE is Presented by The Gate Theatre Photo
Platforming the untold experiences of marginalised voices, Gate Theatre will host the launch of Scooters, Shooters and Shottas: a Curious tale, a new audio drama that highlights the lives of young black queer communities. 

THE RETREAT Comes to the Finborough Theatre Photo
In a production commissioned by the Finborough Theatre, a European premiere from one of Canada's most acclaimed contemporary dramatists, Jason Sherman - The Retreat opens at the Finborough Theatre for a three week limited season on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.


More Hot Stories For You


Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and Soheb Panja Will Join the Board of Hackney EmpireJasmyn Fisher-Ryner, Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE and Soheb Panja Will Join the Board of Hackney Empire
March 29, 2023

Hackney Empire Creative Futures alumna, and now West End producer, Jasmyn Fisher-Ryner will join the Board, alongside Josette Bushell-Mingo OBE, award-winning actor and director and current Principal of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, and Soheb Panja, the founder and editor of Field7, a new media business aimed at people working on climate solutions.  

Flawbored's IT'S A MOTHERF**KING PLEASURE Transfers To London's West EndFlawbored's IT'S A MOTHERF**KING PLEASURE Transfers To London's West End
March 29, 2023

Flawbored arrive at Soho Theatre this spring following a short critically acclaimed sell-out VAULT Festival 2023 run of their brilliant, self-aware, intersectional satire It's a Motherf**king Pleasure. 

SCOOTERS, SHOOTERS, AND SHOTTAS: A CURIOUS TALE is Presented by The Gate TheatreSCOOTERS, SHOOTERS, AND SHOTTAS: A CURIOUS TALE is Presented by The Gate Theatre
March 29, 2023

Platforming the untold experiences of marginalised voices, Gate Theatre will host the launch of Scooters, Shooters and Shottas: a Curious tale, a new audio drama that highlights the lives of young black queer communities. 

THE RETREAT Comes to the Finborough TheatreTHE RETREAT Comes to the Finborough Theatre
March 29, 2023

In a production commissioned by the Finborough Theatre, a European premiere from one of Canada's most acclaimed contemporary dramatists, Jason Sherman - The Retreat opens at the Finborough Theatre for a three week limited season on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

Wigmore Hall Announces Over 500 Concerts For The New SeasonWigmore Hall Announces Over 500 Concerts For The New Season
March 29, 2023

Wigmore Hall's 2023/24 season was announced by John Gilhooly, the Hall's Director. With more than 500 concerts from September 2023 to July 2024 featuring some 2500 artists performing music from the past six centuries, it is the largest programme of classical music concerts in the UK.