RSC Receives £2 Million for National Touring Programme
The Arts Council England has granted the Royal Shakespeare Company an additional £2 million from the National Lottery to back a touring project over the next four years. This initiative, in collaboration with 16 regional theaters and 280 schools in over 100 locations, aims to combat a 64% decline in touring shows since 2019. Two significant Shakespeare tours are planned for 2028 and 2030 across eight partnered venues, including the Blackpool Grand Theatre and the York Theatre Royal. RSC leaders Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey highlighted how this funding will strengthen their touring efforts. Local theater representatives also emphasized the importance of providing exceptional performances and creating shared cultural experiences for all ages.
Key facts
- Arts Council England awarded £2 million to the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Funding comes from the National Lottery.
- The four-year touring programme involves 16 regional theatres and 280 schools.
- Touring plays in England have declined by 64% since 2019.
- Two large-scale Shakespeare tours are planned for 2028 and 2030.
- Eight regional theatres are partners: Blackpool Grand, Norwich, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Bradford Theatres, Nottingham, Marlowe Canterbury, Hall for Cornwall, York Theatre Royal.
- RSC co-artistic directors are Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey; executive director is Andrew Leveson.
- Blackpool Grand Theatre will open the 2028 tour.
Entities
Artists
- Daniel Evans
- Tamara Harvey
- Andrew Leveson
Institutions
- Royal Shakespeare Company
- Arts Council England
- National Lottery
- Blackpool Grand Theatre
- Norwich Theatre
- Newcastle Theatre Royal
- Bradford Theatres
- Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall Nottingham
- Marlowe Theatre Canterbury
- Hall for Cornwall
- York Theatre Royal
Locations
- England
- Blackpool
- Norwich
- Newcastle
- Bradford
- Nottingham
- Canterbury
- Cornwall
- York