Theatre

We advise on the full range of issues in connection with the theatre sector, including the funding, production and licensing of stage productions (both in the UK and overseas), rights acquisitions, advice on copyright and the negotiation of contracts.

Key contacts
Overview

We act for producers, investors and theatre owners, as well as creative team members, including directors, writers, composers and lyricists.

Our expertise in both the commercial and subsidised parts of the industry puts us at the forefront of negotiations for the ever-increasing number of transfers and co-productions between the two sectors.

Given the firm’s depth of experience in the music sector, we are also particularly well-placed to advise on, and have strong expertise surrounding, the production of large-scale musicals in the West End, on Broadway and in other major cities around the world.

Alongside our specialist theatre group, other areas of the firm advise on wider theatre-related work. For instance, our Property team are able to advise on the acquisition, development and disposal of theatres, while our Corporate team offers advice on investing in, and the raising of investment for, theatrical productions. Our Film & TV team are also able to advise on productions that cross over from stage to screen, or vice versa.

Expertise

Our areas of expertise include the following:

  • Production finance
  • Investment and co-production agreements
  • Rights acquisitions
  • Option agreements
  • Commissioning agreements
  • Producer agreements
  • Director agreements
  • Talent agreements
  • Venue agreements
  • Commercial exploitation of subsidised productions
  • Overseas licensing

KEY CONTACT

KEY CONTACTS

Legal and industry experts representing both well-established and up-and-coming individuals and organisations in the sector.

Block quote
Source
They are very commercial, really understand our business and can apply the law practically in line with our business goals.
Chambers & Partners
They provide carefully considered support and guidance, adding value at every stage of the process. I couldn't recommend them more highly.
Chambers & Partners
They are great - we can rely on them to be responsive and do extremely high-quality work
Chambers & Partners
Block Quote
Source

News & Insights

Record player

Music industry commits to addressing metadata, streaming and fair royalty remuneration

Television and mugs

Film and TV Briefing: Friday 2 June 2023

Hand hovering over a smartphone screen

Simkins to host music app building event during London Tech Week

The commercialisation of AI-generated music