Theatre Green Book to become independent organisation

Theatre Green Book – the industry-wide initiative supporting the performing arts to work more sustainably – has become an independent not-for-profit organisation, with charitable status pending. The new organisation will be chaired by Abigail Pogson.

The new organisation has been created to build on the growth of Theatre Green Book across the UK and internationally. In less than five years since the first volume was released, Theatre Green Book has had a transformational impact on theatre-making. Since the launch of Version 2 in June 2024, over 2000 people have joined 50+ online and live Theatre Green Book events, and there are now 350+ UK organisations and 650+ theatre workers publicly committed to achieving its standards. A recent Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre member survey showed 69% of respondents using Theatre Green Book guidance and resources. It’s become a global shared language for sustainability in the performing arts, with fourteen translations and adaptations, and networks across Europe, through Asia and beyond. Theatre Green Book’s first impact report, published this week, provides evidence that it has helped embed sustainability into working practice, shifting mindsets and organisational cultures. 

Theatre Green Book has always been an alliance of the whole sector, and those relationships will be more important than ever in supporting the new organisation. Theatres Trust, the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre and the Association of British Theatre Technicians, who helped create Theatre Green Book and have supported it from its first beginnings, will continue to play an important role, providing their guidance, expertise and sector links to the new organisation as Strategic Partners. They will help drive the future Theatre Green Book through a new strategic advisory council. Buro Happold, co-authors of Theatre Green Book, will continue to ensure its underpinning in climate science and methodology.

A group of Founder Supporters have pledged generous donations to help provide a financial platform for the Theatre Green Book’s growth for the next three years. The group comprises theatres – the National Theatre, National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Ballet and Opera, and Royal Shakespeare Company – and companies who support theatre-making: ATG Entertainment, Bristow Consulting, Charcoalblue, Haworth Tompkins Architects, Steeldeck, Trafalgar Entertainment and Unusual Rigging.

Since its emergence, Theatre Green Book has spread around the world, with networks in most European countries, developing networks in East Asia, Australia and the Arabic-speaking world, and alliances in North and South America. Long-term projects connect it with the European Theatre Convention, Fedora and Opera Europa. The European Commission has described Theatre Green Book as “nothing less than a green revolution in theatre, driven by the theatres themselves. It is remarkable and inspiring that this initiative comes directly from the creative community, showing how imagination and responsibility can go hand in hand.” Starting with a 14 November gathering of networks at the National Theatre, the new Theatre Green Book organisation will support and co-ordinate this growth, integrating its global networks to share expertise and pool knowledge more effectively.

To lead this new chapter of progress, Abigail Pogson will join Theatre Green Book as its inaugural Chair. A universally respected arts leader, Abigail has deep experience of the challenges and opportunities facing arts organisations. She was Chief Executive of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music from 2015-2025, and will soon take over as Chief Executive of the Barbican Centre. At Barbican she will lead a restoration and renewal of the centre in partnership with Corporation of London, embedding climate sustainability for 21st century into one of the most iconic cultural centres in the world. She currently sits on the National Council of Arts Council England and is Vice President of European Concert Halls Organisation. With deep commitment to the sustainability agenda, experience of international working, and cross-artform expertise, Abigail has been engaged with Theatre Green Book throughout its history. 

Theatre Green Book is a rare success story for climate. It’s come from theatre-makers. Establishing the new Theatre Green Book organisation will empower the next chapter of its growth.