Decision details

Many historical theatres and venues use a restoration levy as a funding stream to assist with maintenance and development / capital projects.

The per ticket levy is charged in addition to the cost of each ticket with a narrative for its inclusion. and purpose within the website and the booking journey.

For historic public buildings with local significance in the community, the levy is generally an easy message to convey where the public can see a tangible benefit aimed at a specific capital project or target.

The Regent Theatre will commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2029 and a front of house capital works programme has been proposed for a number of years with an expected cost of £3.2m based on current inflationary rates for the entire project.

This work is integral to protecting and preserving the long-term sustainability of the theatre, improving the customer experience and accessibility as well as maximising key revenue streams.  Significant work has been undertaken to scope and plan this work in advance of a final decision on the levy.  Works planned will include -

• Increasing the number and quality of toilets in all public facing areas

• Introduction of new ground and first floor accessible toilets and ‘Changing Places’ provision

• Restoration and refurbishment of historic building features

• New bars to reduce queues, increase quality and breadth of refreshment offering.

• Improved access to the Circle Bar

• Additional seating both upstairs and downstairs in front of house areas

• Improvements to overall atmosphere, lighting, and customer experience across all our front of house areas.

The current front of house space is limited when considered alongside the existing programme and footfall, resulting in extended queues for toilets, slow and ineffective bar service, lack of access to first floor areas and substandard facilities for customers requiring access assistance.

All ticket sales beyond the date of this decision will have the restoration levy attached, each new show contracted has the levy included in the contract.

Tickets sold through third party ticket agencies such as Ticketmaster and See Tickets will still be liable to the levy being charged, as it presently is with other venues with such levies who use ticket agencies. It’s industry standard that such charges are accepted and appropriately charged.

To enable affordability on family shows and lowest price tickets we would not include the levy on tickets at £10 or less, currently 3% of our total annual sales.

We also still retain the option for a bespoke “voluntary donation” campaign to run alongside the restoration levy whereby patrons can be prompted to donate a fixed or flexible amount at the end of the transaction.

Subject to any planning permission required a procurement process will begin with the view to construction work on the theatre starting in May/June 2025 with estimated completion in time for the Christmas Pantomime in December 2025.

To implement a Restoration Levy of £1.50 on all tickets sold for performances at the Regent Theatre with a value of more than £10 with effect from the date of this decision.

Reason:

To assist with maintenance and development/capital projects and to preserve and protect the long term sustainability of the theatre.