Westminster Launch Of New National Alliance Calling For Greater Recognition Of Independent Regional Theatre

Five regional independent theatres (Birmingham Hippodrome, Leeds Heritage Theatres, Norwich Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, and Marlowe Canterbury) launched the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA) at a Parliamentary Reception in Westminster.

This evening, Wednesday 10 June 2026, five regional independent theatres launched the Regional Independent Theatre Alliance (RITA) at a Parliamentary Reception in Westminster. The alliance set out three clear asks to the government and presented new data demonstrating their national economic and cultural value.

The event, sponsored by Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, brought together theatre leaders, parliamentarians and sector stakeholders to mark the formal launch of RITA: a new alliance of independent, not-for-profit regional theatres that are neither subsidised nor purely commercial. Describing themselves as the third way: mission-driven, financially self-reliant and growth engines, they are generating jobs, building skills and measurable economic impact without day-to-day public subsidy and with no banker of last resort.

At the reception, RITA used the platform to make three clear asks: formally recognise the independent not-for-profit model within policy and funding frameworks; establish a regular data-sharing relationship with government so the sector’s contribution can be properly counted and understood; and champion a national co-investment strategy for independent theatre.

The alliance also presented data showing the scale of that contribution. Across its five founding members, RITA represents more than 8,000 theatre seats, more than 2.6 million annual attendances, more than £83 million in gross income, and a projected five-year economic impact of £781 million evidence, the alliance argues, that independent regional theatres are already delivering growth, resilience and public value at scale.

That wider value extends well beyond the box office. RITA’s founding members generate £52 million a year in audience spending for local restaurants, pubs, taxis and hotels, contribute more than £27 million through local supply chains, and support more than £10 million of Arts Council England-funded touring work through their venues, underlining the alliance’s argument that independent regional theatres are not only cultural assets, but vital economic infrastructure in places across the country.

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP said:
“This launch is about bringing an awareness of RITA’s Third Way model to Westminster and demonstrating how independent theatres are self-sustaining community pillars. RITA’s members are driving growth across the UK, creating jobs outside of London and powering cultural hotspots. I’m excited for the future of this alliance.”

Our theatres are rooted in the communities they serve. The work on our stages and the impact of our creative engagement programmes reflects the places and people around us, creating far-reaching social and economic value.

At Newcastle Theatre Royal, we see every day how investment in the ‘third way’ supports jobs, skills, confidence, and pride of place, helping our city and region to thrive.

Our theatres are more than performance venues; they are cultural hubs that bring people together and strengthen communities. While RITA is not asking for ongoing subsidy, we do need recognition, support and co-investment to future-proof our buildings, so they remain fit for purpose for generations to come.Marianne Locatori, Chief Executive of Newcastle Theatre Royal

Independent regional theatres play a hidden but vital infrastructure role within the national cultural ecology. We are not simply venues; we are the stages, technical platforms, skilled workforces and audience networks that enable subsidised productions to reach communities across the country. The success of much publicly funded touring work depends on theatres like ours being able to absorb risk, commit valuable stage time and provide the expertise needed to bring ambitious productions to life.

The national cultural ecology depends on this partnership. While much of the focus is rightly on the work being created, it is important to recognise the theatres that provide the infrastructure that allows it to reach communities. If we value a thriving touring sector, we must also value and invest in the venues that make it possible.Vicky Cheetham, Chief Executive of Leeds Heritage Theatres