Skip to main content

Research and reports

Explore research and reports from the National Theatre

Mark Gatiss is gesturing with his hand. He wears a brown-green corduroy suit, white shirt, black belt and brown shoes. A group of people sit around a long table to the right of the man, listening to him intently.

Scene Change

In 2024 the National Theatre commissioned an industry-wide research report providing a ‘behind the curtain’ look at performing arts business models – how they operate, the value they deliver, and the challenges they face.

A young man stands with his arm in the air, holding a letter.
Photo by Brinkhoff-Mögenburg

The nine-month research project, published in January 2025, was delivered in partnership with Intelligence Agency and Erskine Analysis.

The report sets out a series of recommendations exploring how new approaches to traditional business models could unlock how performing arts companies in the UK create greater economic and social value.

Discover the full report