Income and fundraising down at RSC

Published: 18 September 2018
Reporter: Steve Orme

Takings up but fundraising down: the Royal Shakespeare Company Credit: Peter Cook

Income at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2017-18 was down from £69.1 million to £66.8 million, the company’s annual review discloses.

Box-office takings were up slightly from £34 million to £34.7 million but fundraising fell from £5.1 million to £4 million.

A net surplus of £500,000 was reduced by £3.5 million from the previous year, reflecting the end of overseas tours of Matilda the Musical and operational investments.

Arts Council England’s investment remained static at £15.4 million but will reduce by 3% from 2018/19.

Reflecting on the year, artistic director Gregory Doran and executive director Catherine Mallyon said, “we’re proud to have inspired so many people this year.

“Shakespeare’s plays continue to be powerfully resonant for audiences and theatre artists. Our work in classrooms all over the country, which has grown once again, demonstrates every day that engaging with Shakespeare’s words can transform lives.”

The RSC produced 27 productions and co-productions, down from 31 the previous year. Worldwide the company sold 1.6 million tickets, down from 2.7 million in 2016-17.

Full details of the annual review are available at the RSC web site.

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