The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 11% and merge its costume departments, citing a “perilous situation” caused by funding cuts and rising costs. The proposals, first reported by the Stage, aim to save £2.8 million annually as the organisation faces a shortfall of £5-6 million.
Daniel Evans, joint artistic director, said the cuts are necessary to create a “financially resilient model” and make the RSC “match fit” for the future. The company is consulting staff until January 2026, with unions able to respond. The redundancies will include voluntary and compulsory measures.
Evans attributed the financial pressures to real-terms cuts in Arts Council England funding, the cost of living crisis, and soaring material costs, particularly timber due to the war in Ukraine. The RSC builds its own sets in Stratford-upon-Avon, making it vulnerable to price hikes.
The RSC also cited challenges in raising philanthropic donations and corporate sponsorship, noting that “there’s just less money to go around.” Last year, it raised £6.6 million in donations. The company aims to become more “agile, sustainable and resilient” while maintaining accessible ticket prices, such as 25,000 tickets at £25.
Philippa Childs, head of the arts workers union Bectu, acknowledged the financial challenges but said the union is supporting members through the consultation process. The RSC emphasised that further income growth and efficiency measures will be needed beyond this year to close the funding gap.
