National Theatre extends network across England

The National Theatre is extending its Theatre Nation Partnership (TNP) network to include every region in England.

Theatres in Leicester, North Devon, Peterborough, Stoke-on-Trent and Trowbridge are joining the network, taking the total number of TNP partner organisations to 14.

TNP was founded in 2017 in a bid to grow nationwide engagement with theatre and is estimated to have engaged with over 222,000 participants, audiences and artists since its inception.

The National Theatre says its 14 partner organisations will now "engage over half a million people over three years, more than doubling the existing reach of the network."

Plans include taking three productions into schools and showcasing Roy Williams’ Sucker Punch nationally across nine TNP organisations.

TNP has been supported by a £1.25m award from Arts Council England, with the National Theatre tripling this investment through fundraising and commercial activity. Almost 90% of total spend will be aimed at partner areas.

“Theatre Nation Partnerships has shown how effectively a network of theatres can work together to inspire new audiences for theatre, deepen roots within communities and create more opportunities for the next generation to engage in the arts,” National Theatre Director Rufus Norris said.