Starmer visits Lyric Hammersmith on campaign trail

Labour leader Keir Starmer visited the Lyric theatre in Hammersmith in west London today (25 June).

Speaking during his visit, Starmer said the Lyric’s commitment to supporting its local community “is testament to the positive impact a thriving theatre sector can and does make in our country”.

“My Labour Party will always stand squarely behind organisations like the Lyric who are so key to driving growth and investment in this country,” he added.

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Analysis from The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) & UK Theatre indicates that for every £1 spent on a theatre ticket, an additional spend of £1.40 is generated in local economies, adding up to £1.94bn annually of extra value added to local economies by theatre audiences.

In the lead up to the general election, SOLT & UK Theatre have been calling for investment in theatre buildings and for the next government to commit to funding at least one theatre visit for every child before the leave school.

“The Labour Party’s manifesto recognises the importance of culture for children but further work will be needed to deliver this vision,” SOLT & UK Theatre Co-CEO Claire Walker said.

“We stand ready to work with the next government to create the conditions for theatre to thrive, so the essential work the Lyric delivers can continue and so all communities across the country can benefit from the lifechanging power of theatre.” 

Between March 2022 and April 2024, the Lyric Hammersmith theatre says it worked with 1,559 young people from West London, with learning opportunities for 710 students and 76 teachers across Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 5. It also runs START, an accredited project for young people aged between 16 and 26 who are not in education, employment or training.

The theatre’s Executive Director, Amy Belson, said Starmer was given an insight to the company’s programmes for young people and viewed rehearsals of forthcoming musical Fangirls during his visit.

“Theatres across the country play a vital role in their local community and I hope we are supported by the next government to continue to grow as an industry,” Belson added.