UK Theatre has published the 2016 sales figures for its member venues. Based on reporting from venues across the country the figures show:

  • Gross sales of £471,694,561 (an increase of 3.61% on 2015)
  • Average ticket price £24.71 (an increase of 4.17% on 2015)
  • 19,089,239 tickets sold (a decrease of 0.57% on 2015)

While 2016 saw a small decrease in attendances, gross sales and average ticket price increased – driven by a number of high profile shows and tours. UK Theatre will publish its full benchmarking report later this year.

Fiona Allan, President of UK Theatre, said:

“These figures demonstrate the remarkable resilience of the theatre industry across the UK. Although we’ve been operating in a challenging financial climate people clearly value the outstanding work produced on our stages. We can be proud that the UK remains a world-leader in performing arts and is home to the most innovative drama, dance and opera companies.”

Society of London Theatre, UK Theatre’s sister organisation, recently published the box office figures for its member venues. For more information visit SOLT.co.uk

For more information about UK Theatre visit UKTheatre.org

UK Theatre venues:

Number of performances

Total tickets sold

Gross total

(£)

Ave Ticket Price

2016

42,866

19,089,239

471,694,561

24.71

2015

43,308

19,189,156

455,253,946

23.72

2014

43,963

19,085,838

455,327,286

23.86

2013

40,889

17,615,460

396,912,018

22.53

 


 

  • UK Theatre is the UK’s leading theatre and performing arts membership organisation –promoting excellence, professional development, and campaigning to improve resilience and increase audiences across the sector.
  • The data presented is provided by 253 venue spaces across the UK. This does not represent 100% of tickets sales in all UK Theatre venues. UK Theatre encourages its venue members to provide sales information, however a few venues do not take part and some venues do not complete returns every week.