Audiences across England will have the opportunity to experience Shakespeare productions in their community thanks to a £2 million funding boost for the Royal Shakespeare Company from Arts Council England.
A four-year touring programme has been developed by the RSC as part of its ongoing collaboration with 16 regional theatres and 280 schools across 100 towns and cities.
The new funding from the National lottery responds to research published by Arts Council England showing the number of plays touring across England has fallen by 64% since 2019.
The programme will consist of two large-scale Shakespeare tours in 2028 and 2030, programmed in collaboration with the RSC’s eight large-scale regional theatres: Blackpool Grand Theatre, Norwich Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Bradford Theatres, Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham, Marlowe Theatre Canterbury, Hall for Cornwall and York Theatre Royal.
RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey and executive director Andrew Leveson said, “this funding will enable the RSC to increase the reach and impact of its touring work, developed through long-term, targeted partnerships between artists, regional theatres, communities and young people.”
Stephen Crocker, chief executive and creative director at Norwich Theatre, commented,“it’s always a highlight for audiences when an RSC tour comes to the region. Whether we’re introducing young people to the magic of Shakespeare for the first time or welcoming long-time fans, we’re united in the belief that creativity should be experienced by all and that high-quality performances should be available in the heart of the community.”
Marianne Locatori, chief executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal, added, “our relationship with the RSC has created unforgettable shared experiences for generations of theatregoers. This new commitment ensures even more people will enjoy exceptional theatre close to home in their schools, in their community and at the theatre.”
Adam Knight, chief executive of Blackpool Grand Theatre, added, “we deeply value and cherish the Grand’s long-standing and multi-layered relationship with the RSC and are immensely proud to be opening the 2028 tour. This investment is a powerful recognition of the RSC’s long-term commitment to touring and aligns beautifully with Blackpool’s belief that access to outstanding culture should never be limited by geography.”
