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Written question asked by Manuela Perteghella (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 April 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Thursday, 23 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Theatre: William Shakespeare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what support is provided, including through the British Council, to UK theatre companies touring Shakespeare productions internationally; and what assessment she has made of the potential impact of those productions on the UK’s creative exports.

Answer

The government provides support for international touring theatre, including Shakespeare productions, primarily through strategic funding delivered by Arts Council England (ACE).

ACE's core investment strengthens theatre resilience across England via the National Portfolio Investment Programme. In 2025/26, ACE provided over £112 million to nearly 200 theatres, while total funding to theatre organisations across all programmes reached £276.9 million, helping organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company remain globally competitive.

Recent sector analysis shows that theatre contributes around £2.39 billion in GVA and supports over 200,000 jobs, with international activity forming a key part of this footprint. Evidence from Arts Council England’s State of Touring demonstrates that while domestic touring is often loss-making, international touring can generate surplus income, supported by higher fees and guarantees overseas, which helps subsidise UK-based work.

Additional touring support includes the Incentivising Touring programme, which offers repayable grants, as well as National Lottery Project Grants for international partnerships.

My Department also seeks to address practical barriers for touring professionals through ongoing engagement with international partners.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
128003
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Exports Theatre British Council Shakespeare, William
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk