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Administrative timetable

Request from DCMS

27 June 2024: The SAU has accepted a request for a report from DCMS concerning the proposed subsidy to the National Theatre. This request relates to a Subsidy of Particular Interest.

The SAU will prepare a report, which will provide an evaluation of DCMS assessment of whether the subsidy complies with the subsidy control requirements (Assessment of Compliance). The SAU will complete its report within 30 working days.

Information about the subsidy provided by DCMS

The UKs cultural sector is facing significant challenges as its estates age and risk growing increasingly obsolete. Having moved into its purpose-built estate on the London South Bank in 1976, the National Theatre is now home to three auditoria seating around 3000 people each night, rehearsal rooms, digital and new work studios, and unique on-site workshops where expert craftspeople create the sets, props and costumes seen on the National Theatres stages.

DCMS intends to award National Theatre an investment of 26,159,635 in a 2-year programme of infrastructure works; this public funding will enable the National Theatre to continue to operate as a world-class cultural institution. Without the subsidy, the National Theatres infrastructure will become obsolete and the instances of disrupted or cancelled performances will increase, and the overall quality of the creative programming will be diminished. The investment will replace failing end-of-life theatre systems and support repairs which are necessary for the operation of the venue, as well as developing innovative solutions for the refurbishment of the Olivier Theatres unique stage drum revolve system.

Information for third parties

If you wish to comment on matters relevant to the SAUs evaluation of the Assessment of Compliance concerning the proposed subsidy to the National Theatre please send your comments before 5pm on the date stipulated in the timetable above. For guidance on representations relevant to the Assessment of Compliance, see the section on reporting period and transparency in the Operation of the subsidy control functions of the Subsidy Advice Unit.

Please send your submissions to us at royalnationaltheatresubsidy2024@cma.gov.uk, copying the public authority: daniel.coles@dcms.gov.uk.

Please also provide a contact address and explain in what capacity you are making the submission (for example, as an individual or a representative of a business or organisation).

Notes to third parties wishing to make a submission

The SAU will only take your submission into account if it can be shared with DCMS. The SAU will send a copy of your submission to DCMS together with its report. This is to allow the public authority to take account of the submission in its decision as to whether to give or modify the subsidy or its assessment. We therefore ask that you provide express consent for your full and unredacted submission to be shared. We also encourage you to share your submission directly with DCMS using the email address provided above.

The SAU may use the information you provide in its published report. Therefore, you should indicate in your submission whether any specified parts of it are commercially confidential. If the SAU wishes to refer in its published report to material identified as confidential, it will contact you in advance.

For further details on confidentiality of third party submissions, see identifying confidential information in the Operation of the subsidy control functions of the Subsidy Advice Unit.

Contacts

• SAU project team: royalnationaltheatresubsidy2024@cma.gov.uk
• CMA press team: 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk