National Theatre Nationwide Partnership Launches

New collaboration aims to expand access to theatre across England

Leeds Heritage Theatres has joined a new partnership called National Theatre Nationwide, which brings together 12 leading theatres from all nine English regions. The initiative aims to increase access to National Theatre productions and support the touring theatre ecology across the country.

The Partnership and Its Goals

The partnership involves Leeds Heritage Theatres alongside 11 other venues, including:

• Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
• Birmingham Hippodrome
• Curve, Leicester
• Lowry, Salford
• Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
• Newcastle Theatre Royal
• Norwich Theatre
• Sheffield Theatres
• Southampton Mayflower
• Theatre Royal Plymouth
• Theatre Royal Nottingham

The network is designed to create a more connected, resilient, and accessible National Theatre presence across England. It will feature touring National Theatre productions performed by the original London cast, subsidised ticketing, and new school touring productions. This approach addresses a significant decline in touring plays, which have fallen by 64% since 2019 according to Arts Council England research.

Key Productions and Touring Plans

One of the highlighted productions is The Last Wild, an eco-thriller adapted by Jude Christian from Piers Torday’s award-winning novel. This production, created in partnership with the Unicorn Theatre, will be directed by Rachel Bagshaw and open at the Unicorn Theatre from 30 January to 7 March 2027. It will then tour nationally, including performances across Yorkshire and the Humber, supported by Leeds Heritage Theatres. Primary school performances will be offered free of charge thanks to funding from Hearn.

Statements from Leadership

Kate Varah, Executive Director & Co-Chief Executive of the National Theatre, emphasised the partnership’s role in increasing regional access to theatre and supporting local economies. She noted that the National Theatre contributes £241 million annually to the UK economy, with £87 million benefiting regional areas. The partnership aims to build on this impact by supporting communities, schools, and future audiences.

Hannah Lake, Director of Touring Transformation at Arts Council England, highlighted the importance of touring theatre in making high-quality performances accessible outside London. She expressed support for the partnership as part of broader efforts to reverse the decline in touring productions and grow audiences.

Vicky Cheetham, CEO of Leeds Heritage Theatres, said the initiative would help bring national theatre productions closer to audiences in Leeds and West Yorkshire. She noted the involvement of both Leeds Grand Theatre and City Varieties Music Hall in hosting these touring shows.

Additional Information

The National Theatre Nationwide partnership is supported by Arts Council England and includes plans for further development subject to funding. It also features subsidised ticketing and educational outreach through school tours.

For more details, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website: National Theatre Nationwide.

Source: Leeds Heritage Theatres