Touring plays in the UK down 64% since 2019 as SOLT and UK Theatre urge Chancellor to act

The number of plays touring the UK fell by 64 per cent between 2019 and 2024, figures cited by SOLT and UK Theatre show. Overall domestic touring activity dropped 24 per cent. Rising freight, energy, National Insurance and business rates costs are blamed. The bodies want the autumn budget to make touring freight eligible for Theatre Tax Relief.