Contact | Search |
SECTOR

Theatre

INTRODUCTION

With roots in the West End and a wealth of clients in the world of media and entertainment, advising the theatre sector has been central to the firm since its foundation.

We continue to be regularly involved in some of the most innovative and genre-defying theatre and live event deals with our clients working at the highest levels in the UK, US and internationally, across theatre, musical theatre, immersive theatre, ballet, opera, dance and circus. Our clients include producers, theatre owners, not-for-profit producing companies, venues, drama schools, industry bodies, investors, agents, creative talent and high-profile rights-holders. We act as production counsel for many shows running in the West End and beyond, and are recognised for our particular expertise in connection with the arrangements relating to the transfer of shows to and from Broadway.

Our international theatre work continues to grow and in recent years we have advised on productions worldwide including in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Republic of Ireland, the US, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Japan. We are regularly instructed by major US studios, streaming platforms and global record labels on their theatre activities, providing bespoke legal, strategic and business affairs advice.

We have become market leaders in assisting with theatre tax relief. We work alongside leading trade associations and their members, and are regularly consulted by HMRC and other industry bodies. In recent years we have been instrumental in the establishment of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Theatre, founded to support parliamentarians’ understanding of the industry and to promote performing arts at both a national and local level.

We are proud to support the charity Stage One, regularly providing pragmatic and tailored advice to theatre producers from the very start of their careers.

Our lawyers also frequently provide insight on theatre-related issues in reputable publications including The Stage, The Financial Times, The Sunday Times and Bloomberg.

Other areas on which we advise include:

  • Development: acquiring underlying rights for productions, including books, films and other sources, commissioning agreements with writers and composers and copyright issues
  • Production arrangements: assisting with co-productions, creative team arrangements with directors, choreographers and designers
  • Production counsel: providing on-going support to productions including on employment, property and commercial arrangements
  • Theatre tax credit: structuring arrangements to qualify for the tax credit
  • Production finance: advice on structuring and promoting investment
  • Production licensing: the overseas licensing of successful productions
  • Transfers between the West End, Broadway and internationally, including finance, tax and structuring issues
  • Not-for-profit: advice on commercial exploitation of not-for-profit sector productions and other arrangements between commercial and not-for-profit producers
  • Cross-sector exploitation: advice on exploitation of successful productions across other industry sectors such as film and television, including live or “as-live” streaming of performances

WORK HIGHLIGHTS

Notable matters

We acted as production counsel for the landmark Olivier award-winning play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, co-produced in the West End by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions, based on the major Netflix series Stranger Things.

We advised Michael Cassel Group on its multi-Olivier award-winning transfer of the Sydney Theatre Company production of The Picture of Dorian Gray. Our advice included on co-production, investment and cast arrangements.

We advised the producers of MJ: The Musical on its transfer from Broadway to the West End and on structuring, investment and licensing issues.

We act as production counsel for Back to the Future – The Musical, produced in the West End by Colin Ingram Productions, with advice including development, commissioning, production, licensing and financing matters, as well as arrangements for subsequent productions worldwide.

Our people

Get in touch

Partner

Neil Adleman

Theatre
Partner

Harry Bresslaw

Theatre

Testimonials

What people say

The practice was efficient and helpful, and dealt with my requirements thoroughly and with meticulous attention to detail. Their advice was invaluable. I am entirely satisfied with my experience of Harbottle & Lewis.”

The Legal 500

They maintain excellent market intelligence and are always aware that the issues are part of a bigger commercial picture.”

Chambers UK

One of the leading legal teams working in the theatre industry. Their expertise and knowledge is second to none. They are quick to respond, with great insight and clear thought and procedure put into their guidance, which is trustworthy and based on diligent research.’

The Legal 500

Their team doesn’t just interpret the law; they understand the commercial realities of content creation. This results in pragmatic, solution- oriented advice that supports decision-making.”

Chambers UK

They have sector-specific expertise while retaining the strength-in-depth of a full-service law firm. The partners are very strong and contactable, and the associates are sharp and motivated.”

Chambers UK

I have complete confidence in Harbottle in handling complex and multi-jurisdictional matters. Requests are always acknowledged quickly and deadlines met, even when dealing with very tight timescales.”

Chambers UK

Partners are able to navigate complex issues well, providing clear advice based on experience and an actual understanding of market practice.”

Chambers UK

One of the leading legal teams working in the theatre industry. Their expertise and knowledge is second to none. They are quick to respond, with great insight and clear thought and procedure put into their guidance, which is trustworthy and based on diligent research.’

The Legal 500

They have a passion for the industry and are highly sought after. The team is collaborative, and seeks not only to help their clients achieve their aims, but take time to fully understand what the client hopes to achieve.’

The Legal 500