Arts Council England’s Theatre Assessment – which looked at the impact of an additional £25million annual investment in theatre since 2003 – was published today.

The assessment, the largest undertaking of its kind since the Theatre Review in 2001, has given the Arts Council an up-to-date picture of theatre in England; identifying the changes that occurred in the sector and its environment since the Review and the subsequent increase in funding.

The research was carried out during the summer and autumn of 2008 and included quantitative evaluation, analysing existing documentation and data, and extensive consultation with the theatre industry, local authorities and other interested parties.

There are six key emerging themes highlighted in the Assessment. These cover the need for; theatre organisations to challenge themselves to even greater ambition, a strategic approach to touring, a focus on increasing audiences,better opportunities for the development of talent and creativity, increased diversity within the sector and the development of inspirational leaders.

Barbara Matthews, Director Theatre Strategy, Arts Council England said: “The Theatre Assessment has enriched our understanding of the English theatre sector and will help us determine our future strategy, inform our investment decisions and focus our development capacity.

“We want our theatres to be bold and ambitious. This assessment has shown us that the additional confidence and resources the Theatre Review generated enabled many theatre organisations to do exactly that. The task facing us all is to keep making progress, in spite of the economic recession, and to ensure that as many people as possible are able to enjoy the results.”

The Theatre Assessment will influence the Arts Council’s future funding decisions and inform future strategy.

If you would like to find out more you can access the full Theatre Assessment and the Arts Council’s response online at www.artscouncil.org.uk/theatreassessment