The Future of Welsh Theatre: Challenges, Opportunities & the Path Ahead

In 2024, theatres across Wales and the wider United Kingdom faced a dramatic shift as financial pressures, funding cuts, and evolving audience tastes forced the industry to make difficult decisions. Original productions in major subsidised theatres decreased significantly, with many warning that this trend could have long-term consequences for the vibrancy of theatre in the UK.

As Wales has a storied tradition of storytelling and performance, the pressures on the theatre industry are especially poignant. Venues like the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff and Theatr Clwyd in Mold are vital to nurturing talent and bringing local voices to the stage. This article delves into how these pressures are impacting Welsh theatre specifically, while situating the conversation within the broader challenges faced by the UK arts sector.

The Decline of Original Productions

Across the UK, the number of original productions staged by subsidised theatres has declined by 31% over the past decade. The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, for instance, has long been a hub for Welsh language productions and new writing. However, like many regional theatres, it is grappling with rising costs and shrinking subsidies.

Kate Varah, executive director of the National Theatre in London, has described the situation as reaching "breaking point." The financial strain forces venues to make tough choices about which productions they can afford to stage. For smaller regional theatres, this often means fewer opportunities to showcase experimental work or new talent.

In Wales, where many productions are designed to reflect and preserve the nation’s unique cultural identity, the stakes are particularly high. The importance of original productions in the Welsh language, which often receive limited commercial backing, cannot be overstated. Yet, theatres face the daunting task of balancing these cultural imperatives with financial realities.

Opportunities for New Talent Drying Up

Welsh actress Lesley Manville recently highlighted the dwindling opportunities for emerging talent across the UK. A similar sentiment was echoed by arts education consultant and theatre blogger Carl Woodward, who described the decline in stage work as a "national scandal."

For Wales, this has ramifications not only for the theatre industry but also for television and film. Many celebrated Welsh actors—like Michael Sheen and Ruth Jones—cut their teeth in local theatres. The reduction in opportunities for new talent to gain stage experience risks stifling the next generation of performers and playwrights.

James Brining, formerly of the Leeds Playhouse, aptly summarised the problem: “It is reducing the pipeline opportunities for artists at the beginning of their careers.” This issue is echoed in Wales, where early-career artists often depend on local theatre companies and regional networks to establish themselves.

Co-Productions and Larger-Scale Shows

One silver lining in this challenging environment has been the rise of co-productions, which enable theatres to share resources and risks. Theatr Clwyd, for example, has increasingly partnered with organisations like the National Theatre and commercial producers to mount larger-scale productions. While this allows Welsh theatres to present ambitious work to wider audiences, it comes at the cost of smaller, more experimental productions.

Rachael Thomas, chief executive of Birmingham Rep, notes that “some individual productions that are made with the commercial sector are much bigger than anything we ever used to make.” This trend is reflected in Wales, where the focus on commercial viability often sidelines productions with smaller budgets or niche appeal.

Audience Preferences and the Role of Regional Theatres

Another challenge for theatres in Wales and beyond has been the changing preferences of audiences. Gareth Machin, artistic director of Salisbury Playhouse, observes that “when money is tight, people want a good night out and they don't want to take a risk.”

Welsh theatres, particularly those outside major cities, often face additional barriers in attracting audiences. Yet, regional venues remain critical for fostering community and cultural engagement. The Blackwood Miners’ Institute, for example, plays a vital role in bringing the arts to communities in South Wales, offering a mix of local productions and touring shows.

These regional venues are also essential for nurturing Welsh-language theatre, which provides a platform for stories that might not find a place in the commercial sector. However, the pressures of rising costs and shifting audience tastes make it increasingly difficult for these theatres to take risks on less mainstream work.

Moving Forward: A Call to Action

The situation may seem daunting, but there are opportunities to secure a brighter future for Welsh theatre. Increased government support for the arts, particularly in the form of grants for regional and Welsh-language productions, would go a long way in alleviating financial pressures.

Theatres themselves must also continue to innovate. Initiatives such as Theatr Clwyd’s community engagement programmes demonstrate the potential for regional venues to strengthen their ties with local audiences. Similarly, investing in digital productions and hybrid formats could open up new revenue streams and broaden access to Welsh theatre.

Finally, the theatre industry must address the chronic low pay and job insecurity that plague its workforce. Supporting freelancers, who form the backbone of the industry, is crucial for retaining talent and ensuring a thriving arts ecosystem.

Conclusion

Welsh theatre stands at a crossroads. The challenges of funding cuts, rising costs, and shifting audience preferences cannot be ignored. Yet, the resilience and creativity of Wales’s arts community offer hope for the future. By embracing collaboration, advocating for increased support, and continuing to champion local stories, Welsh theatre can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

As the saying goes, *“Bydd daith hir yn dechrau gyda’r cam cyntaf”*—a long journey begins with the first step. For Welsh theatre, the journey is far from over, but the first steps towards a sustainable and vibrant future are already being taken.