Industry body UK Theatre has published its Sales Data Report for 2013-16, a comprehensive analysis of sales data by genre and venue type provided by UK Theatre members. The report emphasises the strength of the theatre and performing arts sector, which is showing growth and resilience despite the challenging financial climate.
This report goes beyond impressive annual figures to tell a comprehensive story of how the industry has evolved in the last four years.
Key findings of the UK Theatre Sales Data Report 2013-2016
- Growth across all key indicators: more productions, more performances, more tickets sold, greater income, fuller houses and higher prices paid
- Cumulative box office income grew by 18%
- Average ticket price paid has increased 9.7%
- A 42% increase in box office income for family theatre
- An increase of over £32 million in the annual income from musicals. In 2016 39p in every £1 taken was for a musical
- A 47% increase in sales revenue from concerts. In 2016 concerts overtook pantomime as the third highest performing genre across UK Theatre venues
- Touring accounted for 10% of recorded productions and generated 60% of overall income in 2016
- Following growth in both 2014 and 2015 there was a decrease in income for plays in 2016
The full UK Theatre 2013-2016 Sales Data Report is available to read, alongside an Executive Summary, Q&A and a short film on their website here.
The report is based on data supplied by UK Theatre member venues, with analysis and commentary from TRG Arts. The report captures around 90% of activity at UK Theatre venues who are not members or affiliate members of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT). SOLT’s annual box office figures can be found here.
Fiona Allan, President of UK Theatre, said:
“Our sector has many reasons to be cheerful. This report is a vote of confidence for the industry in challenging times. We’re continuing to attract audiences, and as an industry, we’re showing remarkable resilience during a time of unprecedented financial pressure. These figures demonstrate the vital importance of the arts to the national economy, and show that theatre remains a popular and important part of our cultural life in the UK.”
