Taking the case for regional theatre to Westminster
Newcastle Theatre Royal joined four major regional venues in Parliament this week to officially launch the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance and call for greater recognition of the sector
Newcastle Theatre Royal was in Westminster this week as a new alliance of independent regional theatres took its case directly to government.
Representatives from the Theatre Royal joined leaders from four other major venues at a parliamentary reception on Wednesday (June 10) to officially launch the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA) and press for greater recognition of the sector’s economic and cultural value.
The alliance – which also includes Birmingham Hippodrome, Leeds Heritage Theatres, Norwich Theatre and Marlowe Canterbury – is calling on government to better recognise what it describes as theatre’s “third way”: independent, not-for-profit venues operating between the subsidised and commercial sectors.
The Westminster launch saw RITA set out three key asks, including formal recognition within government policy, improved data-sharing and a national co-investment strategy to help future-proof theatre buildings.
New figures released by the alliance suggest its five founding members generate 2.6 million annual attendances, more than £83 million in gross income and a projected £781 million economic impact over five years.
Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, said: “Our theatres are rooted in the communities they serve. The work on our stages and the impact of our creative engagement programmes reflects the places and people around us, creating far-reaching social and economic value.
“At Newcastle Theatre Royal, we see every day how investment in the ‘third way’ supports jobs, skills, confidence, and pride of place, helping our city and region to thrive.
“Our theatres are more than performance venues; they are cultural hubs that bring people together and strengthen communities. While RITA is not asking for ongoing subsidy, we do need recognition, support and co-investment to future-proof our buildings, so they remain fit for purpose for generations to come.”
While RITA is not seeking ongoing subsidy, the alliance says greater recognition and strategic capital investment are essential if major regional venues are to remain sustainable for future generations.
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said: “This launch is about bringing an awareness of RITA’s Third Way model to Westminster and demonstrating how independent theatres are self-sustaining community pillars.
“RITA’s members are driving growth across the UK, creating jobs outside of London and powering cultural hotspots. I’m excited for the future of this alliance.”