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.

Feb. 07, 2023  
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."



Review: AKHENATEN at ENO Photo
Review: AKHENATEN at ENO
Who’s up for a three-hour long opera about the relatively unknown pharaoh Akhenaten? With the singing in Egyptian, Hebrew and Akkadian? With no surtitles? Based on the music of minimalist composer Phillip Glass? And with an entire troupe of jugglers? Us, that's who.
Review: CONTEMPT, VAULT Festival Photo
Review: CONTEMPT, VAULT Festival
While the writing is gripping and Gabrielle Nellis-Pain’s performance is excellent, there’s something missing. Catherine’s colleagues are ancient ghosts through the hallowed corridors as she puts on a sleazy, raspy voice to portray them against her well-spoken main character. They burn money, exchange favours, speak of their rightful legacy or their alcoholism. The monologue has the intensity of House of Cards (back when it was good), but lacks a solid foundation.
Photos: Go Inside THE OLIVIER AWARDS 2023 WITH MASTERCARD NOMINEES CELEBRATION Photo
Photos: Go Inside THE OLIVIER AWARDS 2023 WITH MASTERCARD NOMINEES' CELEBRATION
On Friday 17 March, the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard hosted their Nominees’ Celebration, in partnership with Cunard at The Londoner hotel, the world's first super boutique hotel in the heart of London's theatre district. Notable nominees such as Rose Ayling-Ellis, Beverley Knight, Rob Madge, Rafe Spall and Giles Terera were in attendance, among many of the other nominated theatre makers. Check out the photos here!
GRIMM to Play Grimsbys Docks Beer and The Barge Photo
GRIMM to Play Grimsby's Docks Beer and The Barge
Grimsby native, Evangeline Henderson, and Sugar Punch bring the world of immersive theatre to Grimsby with a story about its forgotten heritage, the families of fishermen and trawlers that made it.

More Hot Stories For You


Photos: Go Inside THE OLIVIER AWARDS 2023 WITH MASTERCARD NOMINEES' CELEBRATIONPhotos: Go Inside THE OLIVIER AWARDS 2023 WITH MASTERCARD NOMINEES' CELEBRATION
March 19, 2023

On Friday 17 March, the Olivier Awards 2023 with Mastercard hosted their Nominees’ Celebration, in partnership with Cunard at The Londoner hotel, the world's first super boutique hotel in the heart of London's theatre district. Notable nominees such as Rose Ayling-Ellis, Beverley Knight, Rob Madge, Rafe Spall and Giles Terera were in attendance, among many of the other nominated theatre makers. Check out the photos here!
GRIMM to Play Grimsby's Docks Beer and The BargeGRIMM to Play Grimsby's Docks Beer and The Barge
March 19, 2023

Grimsby native, Evangeline Henderson, and Sugar Punch bring the world of immersive theatre to Grimsby with a story about its forgotten heritage, the families of fishermen and trawlers that made it.
Broadway's D. Sabella To Bring THE RAZZLE DAZZLE OF CHICAGO To The PheasantryBroadway's D. Sabella To Bring THE RAZZLE DAZZLE OF CHICAGO To The Pheasantry
March 18, 2023

Broadway's David Sabella will bring his solo show The Razzle Dazzle of Chicago to The Pheasantry April 21-22, 2023 7PM.
Photos: First Look at Noel Coward's PRIVATE LIVES at the Donmar WarehousePhotos: First Look at Noel Coward's PRIVATE LIVES at the Donmar Warehouse
March 17, 2023

All new production photos have been released from  the upcoming revival of Noël Coward’s Private Lives directed by Michael Longhurst, that runs at the Donmar Warehouse from 7 April until 27 May.
Ardent Theatre Announce The Full Cast Announced For STRIKE at Southwark PlayhouseArdent Theatre Announce The Full Cast Announced For STRIKE at Southwark Playhouse
March 17, 2023

Kirsty Patrick Ward directs Tracy Ryan's extraordinary account of the Dunnes Stores Anti-Apartheid Strike which took place in Dublin from 1984 to 1987.  This action would play a pivotal role in world history with Ireland becoming the first Western European state to ban South African imports and ultimately leading to the fall of the apartheid regime.
share