UK theatres worth £2.6bn to economy

By Patrick Sawer

THE theatre world is worth £2.6 billion to the British economy  -  far outstripping the £121.3 million it receives in public subsidy, a study showed today.

The report by the Arts Council showed that the West End accounts for most of the wealth generated by the stage, with an economic impact of £1.5 billion. But even a small theatre like the Derby Playhouse is shown be worth 3.9 million to its local economy, against a subsidy of £661,070.

The research by Sheffield University took into account theatre staff salaries, audience spending on food and transport and income generated from ticket and merchandise sales.

Reprinted from the Evening Standard, 6 May 2004