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MNN UK · February 27, 2026 · 1 min read

National Theatre director warns conservative theatre risks UK industry decline

What happened: Indhu Rubasingham, National Theatre’s artistic director, urged the UK arts sector to support creative risk and new writing, warning that conservative theatre-making threatens the industry's future. She made these remarks during the Jennie Lee lecture.

Why it matters:

  • Creative risk-taking is essential for the growth and innovation of UK theatre.
  • The sustainability of theatre venues and opportunities for new writers and artists depend on embracing fresh ideas.

MNN Take: Rubasingham highlights a tension between financial caution and artistic innovation, emphasising that prioritising safe productions may harm the long-term vitality of UK theatre.

Sources: Guardian UK