Full Breakdown
The Crisis in England's Touring Arts Sector
4/16/2026, 7:00:39 AM
Declining Performances and Urgent Need for Action
A recent report titled "State of Touring," commissioned by Arts Council England, has highlighted a significant crisis in the touring landscape for theatre, music, dance, and opera in England. The report indicates that performances of drama plays on tour have experienced a staggering decline of nearly 72% from 2019 to 2024. Overall, the number of touring performances has decreased by 24%, with musicals and dance also facing reductions of almost 50%. The report emphasizes that mid-scale drama and dance productions, particularly those featuring disabled and Global Majority artists, are at the highest risk of financial challenges.
The report attributes these declines to rising costs, decreased income, and the exacerbation of existing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and funding austerity. It warns that without urgent corrective action, a substantial portion of touring could cease entirely. The report calls for a new strategic vision from Arts Council England and greater collaboration among touring organizations to address these issues.
Official Responses and Initiatives
Hannah Lake, Arts Council England's director of touring transformation, acknowledged the vital role of touring in the cultural ecology of the country. She stated that the organization plans to launch a new Touring Service aimed at creating a more efficient funding system for touring activities. This initiative is intended to bolster confidence among organizations to innovate and collaborate, ensuring that high-quality performances reach audiences nationally and internationally.
The Local Theatre Touring Alliance (LTTA) has also welcomed the report, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the pressures faced by small and mid-scale venues. Claire Walker, Co-CEO of SOLT & UK Theatre, highlighted the necessity of strengthening Theatre Tax Relief to better support touring productions, particularly in smaller towns and cities.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Directions
The LTTA, established in December 2025, aims to tackle the challenges of touring theatre through collaboration among venues, producers, and partners. Blackpool Grand Theatre has received a £60,000 grant from Arts Council England to support this initiative, which focuses on developing sustainable touring models and enhancing access to high-quality productions in underserved communities.
Katie Town, Executive Director of Theatre Royal Wakefield and a co-founder of LTTA, expressed optimism about the collaborative appetite within the sector, emphasizing the need for structured efforts to rethink touring practices. Carolyn ML Forsyth, Joint CEO of Talawa Theatre Company, echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgency of creating a more inclusive and equitable touring landscape.
Conclusion
The findings of the "State of Touring" report underscore a critical moment for the touring arts sector in England. With significant declines in performances and mounting financial pressures, the call for urgent corrective action is clear. The establishment of initiatives like the LTTA and the new Touring Service from Arts Council England represents a proactive approach to revitalizing the touring landscape, ensuring that diverse and high-quality performances remain accessible to audiences across the country.
