A new independent review commissioned by Arts Council England has highlighted a significant drop in play touring across England, revealing that smaller venues and mid-scale touring face acute financial challenges despite commercial growth in major cities. The report sheds light on the ongoing strains and shifting dynamics in the performing arts touring sector.

The “State of Touring” report reveals that the volume and distribution of touring in England have changed markedly over the past five years, with fewer productions and shorter runs becoming the norm. While large commercial productions continue to thrive in major urban centres, smaller towns and mid-scale venues are experiencing the greatest pressures, leading to a drastic reduction in touring activity.

Touring of plays and drama has fallen by around two-thirds from 2019 to 2024, according to the report, which also found that 74% of industry professionals rate the state of touring as either “poor” or “very poor.” The decline is linked to financial losses, with the majority of organisations that tour recording deficits in 2023.

Financial challenges are compounded by ticket prices failing to keep pace with inflation and rising costs. The report highlights how funding austerity and the pandemic have accelerated pre-existing difficulties within the sector. Many publicly funded organisations are also facing significant losses.

Programming shifts have emerged as a consequence of changing financial arrangements, with a trend towards more mainstream work reported. Audience behaviour is also affected by economic pressures, with 54% of UK adults agreeing that the cost of living deters them from attending cultural events.

The report stresses the importance of touring for supporting artist development, sustaining venues’ programming, and providing access to work beyond major cities. Despite setbacks, touring remains a crucial part of England’s wider arts ecosystem.

To address these issues, the report calls for stronger advocacy measures including extending Theatre and Orchestral Tax Relief to touring costs, reducing VAT on tickets to European levels, and ensuring fair policing, licensing, and visa practices. It also recommends reinforcing pay and conditions through union agreements and promoting inclusive and sustainable touring frameworks.

The full review is available on the Arts Council England website, offering a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and potential pathways for the future of touring in the performing arts.