Theatre Audiences Recover After Pandemic but New Plays Decline, Report Finds

UK theatre attendance has rebounded more strongly than expected since the pandemic, but the number of new plays being staged has fallen sharply, according to a new industry study.

The findings come from The British Theatre: Before and After Covid report, published by the British Theatre Consortium. The study analysed box office data from across the UK, comparing ticket sales, performances and audience numbers in 2019 and 2023 using figures supplied by the Society of London Theatres.

The report shows that overall audience numbers increased in 2023 compared with pre pandemic levels, signalling a strong return of public confidence in live performance. Theatre venues benefited from pent up demand, tourism recovery and the popularity of large scale productions, particularly in London’s West End.

However, the recovery has not been even across all types of work. Co author Dan Rebellato said the total number of shows staged has declined, with growth driven largely by new musicals rather than plays. While new writing continues to reach the stage, it is increasingly concentrated in commercially safer formats.

The most significant drop was seen in original plays. The report found that there were around 30 percent fewer new plays opening in 2023 than in 2019. Industry observers say rising production costs, financial risk and reduced public funding have made theatres more cautious about programming straight drama.

High profile commercial successes such as Punch helped boost attendance figures, but researchers warned that relying heavily on established titles and musicals could limit creative diversity in the long term. Smaller venues and regional theatres have been particularly affected, with fewer opportunities to develop new playwrights.

The consortium said the data highlights a mixed picture for British theatre. While audiences are returning in strong numbers, the decline in new plays raises concerns about future talent pipelines and the health of the wider theatre ecosystem.