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UK Theatre's New Play Crisis: Demand Soars, Supply Dips
28 Nov, 2025
Summary
- New play production in the UK dropped by nearly 30% between 2019 and 2023.
- Despite fewer new plays, those produced had longer runs and higher box office income.
- Audience attendance for new works increased by almost 50% compared to 2019.
A recent report reveals a significant crisis in UK playwriting, with new play productions falling by almost 30% between 2019 and 2023. This decline is particularly concerning given the palpable frustration among emerging playwrights facing diminishing opportunities to stage their work. The closure of smaller theatre spaces has further reduced the avenues for new plays to find an audience and for writers to develop their craft.
Paradoxically, the new plays that were produced between 2019 and 2023 demonstrated remarkable success, achieving longer runs, attracting larger audiences, and generating greater box office income. When considering all forms of new work, attendance has increased by nearly 50% compared to 2019, indicating a strong audience demand for novelty.
This trend suggests that commercial conservatism post-COVID, where producers fear audiences only want established classics, is misguided. The data points to a clear financial incentive for staging new plays, not just an abstract cultural benefit. The sector requires bolder programming, enhanced promotion, and more opportunities for writers across all theatre types to meet this burgeoning audience demand.
