Major report highlights concerns around freelancer pay in theatre industry

Freelancers Make Theatre Work has released the 2025 edition of its annual Big Freelancer Survey, examining the pressures facing the freelance theatre workforce.

The report shows 44 per cent of freelancers earn less than the UK National Living Wage, up from 34 per cent last year. Conducted in March and April, the survey reveals high levels of unpaid work, rising expenses and falling incomes, with 32 per cent of respondents saying over half of their working hours are unpaid and 75 per cent reporting higher work-related costs.

The survey found that female freelancers, freelancers from Black and Asian backgrounds, those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with disabilities are more likely to earn below the National Living Wage. Forty percent said their income has fallen over the past year while only 30 per cent reported any rise. Nearly half have no pension or other retirement plan and 18 per cent frequently work more than 50 hours a week.

Mental health concerns remain widespread, with 39 per cent reporting worsened mental health in the last year. Bullying and harassment also continue to go unchecked for many, with 51 per cent saying incidents were not followed up when reported. The survey shows growing anxiety about job security, with 70 per cent feeling quite or very insecure about their careers and two-thirds unable to say for certain they have a long-term future in the industry.

Mimi Doulton, a classical singer and volunteer with Freelancers Make Theatre Work, said of the survey’s data: “The data provided by thousands of respondents since 2020 presents a clear – and deeply concerning – picture of the situation in which UK arts freelancers find themselves. Year-on-year, the responses have highlighted intensifying issues of low pay, inequality, and insecurity.

“The performing arts in the UK cannot survive without a thriving freelance workforce. It is time now for government, unions and arts organisations to act on this data and make urgently needed, fundamental changes to the entire industry’s working relationship with freelancers.

Freelancers Make Theatre Work is urging government and industry to develop funding models that ensure fair pay and greater transparency, alongside a code of conduct for working with freelancers. The group also wants to see stronger systems for tackling underpayment and harmful practices.

Freelancers account for more than 70 per cent of the theatre workforce. Over the five-year period since 2020, 12,500 responses have fed into the research. The full 2025 report and executive summary are available at freelancersmaketheatrework.com.