Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre reports a rise in annual revenues, despite lower ticket sales, and says it is on track to return to surplus in the current financial year. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre has issued a robust trading update despite reporting lower annual ticket sales and a deficit in its latest accounts.
According to the accounts for the 12 months to March 31, 2025, posted on Companies House, the theatre saw revenues rise more than 7% to just under £7.1m. However, a surplus of £565,297 in the previous year turned into a deficit of £495,311.
Ticket sales at the Roe Street venue during the period totalled 163,653, down from 187,319 in the previous year. It staged 230 performances in the 1,150-seat main auditorium and 120 performances in the 150-seat studio venue.
The Royal Court, a registered charity employing 130 people, has prospered in recent years thanks to the success of a number of Scouse-themed productions and has established a reputation for providing lively, and sometimes raucous, nights out.
In contrast to the Everyman and Playhouse, where shows are often touring productions, the Royal Court focuses much more on showcasing the work of local writers. There is also more emphasis on the night out ‘experience’ with people being served meals.
Among the multiple productions was its annual ‘adult’ Christmas panto which during the accounting period was The Scouse Red Riding Hood. Other popular shows included The Netherley Hillbillies by Barbara Phillips, Sisters of Mersey by Jonathan Harvey and Girls Don’t Play Guitars by Ian Salmon.
In the annual report the theatre said it was particularly proud of its first West End transfer and national tour for Alan Bleasdale’s Boys From the Blackstuff. This was adapted for the stage by James Graham.
After playing to sell-out crowds in Liverpool in 2023 the show went to the West End in London before embarking on a successful national tour. It had a “significant and positive” impact on the Royal Court’s reputation as a producing theatre.
“The charity has a strong track record in earned income, including box office, food and beverage sales, and ticket levy income, and maintains a robust fundraising pipeline with targets for 2025/26 expected to be met,” the report said.
““While the group reported a deficit of £495,311 in the year, the trustees note that management has implemented cost control measures, restructured underperforming subsidiaries, improved financial oversight and developed new income-generating initiatives.
“Forecasts for 2026 indicate a return to surplus, supported by advanced ticket sales, positive audience trends and operational efficiencies are already realised.”
Despite the dip in sales, there are signs Liverpool’s theatre sector has recovered well from the dark days of the COVID pandemic. In December LBN reported the Everyman and Playhouse theatres had enjoyed their highest number of ticket sales for 10 years.
There was a setback for the Royal Court in August 2025 when plans for the £15m Sir Ken Dodd Happiness Centre, to be built next door in a project with The Comedy Trust and The Sir Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, had to be shelved due to lack of funding.
These latest Royal Court accounts also show the charity employed 203 creatives during the year, hosted 674 sessions with children and young people, registered 11,212 Youth Theatre engagements, saw 166 community choir and am-drams sessions and served 1,836 bowls of Scouse.
“We are affirming our vision that the theatre is a space where everyone, regardless of background or experience with the arts, feels welcome and inspired,” the accounts also said.
“Our year-long programme presented the best of Liverpool lives on stage through new writing with a commitment to making great theatre accessible to all.”