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."



Michael D. Xavier To Star In ROMAN HOLIDAY, The New Cole Porter Stage Musical Photo
Theatre Royal Bath Productions, by arrangement with Paul Blake and BFI Productions, has announced that the acclaimed West End leading actor Michael D. Xavier will star in the UK premiere of the brand new stage adaptation of Roman Holiday, when it opens at Theatre Royal Bath from 10 June this year.

STEPHEN SONDHEIMS OLD FRIENDS to Release Live Album Photo
The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will release a live album! 

Cast Set for WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS Photo
The cast has been set for the world première of Jack Thorne’s play When Winston went to War with the Wireless at Donmar Warehouse. See who is starring and how to purchase tickets!

Photos: First Look at RUDDIGORE At Wiltons Music Hall Photo
Peter Benedict's smash hit production of Gilbert & Sullivan's RUDDIGORE at Wilton's Music Hall must end this Saturday, 25th March.  Check out production photos here!


More Hot Stories For You


STEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Featuring Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball & More to Release Live AlbumSTEPHEN SONDHEIM'S OLD FRIENDS Featuring Bernadette Peters, Michael Ball & More to Release Live Album
March 22, 2023

The star-studded Sondheim's Old Friends concert will release a live album! 

Stephen Campbell Moore & Adrian Scarborough to Star in WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESSStephen Campbell Moore & Adrian Scarborough to Star in WHEN WINSTON WENT TO WAR WITH THE WIRELESS
March 22, 2023

The cast has been set for the world première of Jack Thorne’s play When Winston went to War with the Wireless at Donmar Warehouse. See who is starring and how to purchase tickets!

Photos: First Look at OF MICE AND MEN at Birmingham RepPhotos: First Look at OF MICE AND MEN at Birmingham Rep
March 22, 2023

Birmingham Rep have released first-look production images from their brand-new production of the stage adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, Of Mice and Men, which runs at The Rep until Sat 8 Apr 2023.

Photos: First Look at KILLING THE CAT at Riverside StudiosPhotos: First Look at KILLING THE CAT at Riverside Studios
March 22, 2023

Get a first look at Killing the Cat, opening tonight at Riverside Studios. Performances run 17 March - 22 April. Check out the photos here!

 Patricia Allison Leads Timberlake Wertenbaker's Stage Adaptation of JULES AND JIM at Jermyn Street Theatre Patricia Allison Leads Timberlake Wertenbaker's Stage Adaptation of JULES AND JIM at Jermyn Street Theatre
March 22, 2023

Jermyn Street Theatre has announced that Sex Education star Patricia Allison is to take the role of Kath in muti-award winning playwright Timberlake Wertenbaker's adaptation of Henri-Pierre Roché's autobiographical wartime novel Jules and Jim.