Economic impact of Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal: report

Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal aimed to: provide a world class cultural offering; attract tourists; promote a quality of life that enhances Glasgow and Scotland's attraction; and contribute to wider priorities of social justice, economic development, regeneration and equality through its outreach and educational programmes. The evaluation aimed to assess: Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal’s impact on employment in the sector; the economic impact of their activities on businesses which provide them with a variety of services; the attendance pattern, spending patterns and place of residence of attendees; the economic impact of visitors to performances in terms of off-site expenditure; and the effect of Scottish Opera and Theatre Royal on perceptions of Glasgow.

The methodology consisted of: data-gathering directly from Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal; and surveys with audiences, suppliers, touring companies and corporate users.

Finds that economic impacts include: 313.3 FTE jobs in Glasgow (525.3 FTE jobs in Scotland); direct employment of 258.4 FTEs; and 7% of all employment within the Cultural Industries in Glasgow. Notes that Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal offers job opportunities at salaries higher than average levels for Glasgow and Scotland, particularly so for females. Concludes that Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal are considered a key part of the cultural offering of both Glasgow and Scotland by key agencies in the city, visitors and touring companies.

Suggests that Scottish Opera and the Theatre Royal should play a much more prominent role in tourism promotion within the city. Considers there are opportunities to jointly promote other attractions and develop weekend or city breaks, featuring a visit to the theatre in conjunction with a hotel stay and pre-theatre meal. Highlights Scottish Enterprise Glasgow’s willingness to help the theatre make better use of its corporate facilities.