The Theatre Support Fee is a small additional charge added to your ticket price that goes directly towards maintaining and improving our beloved 140-year-old building.  

For years, we haven’t added any additional charges to our tickets. Most theatres—large and small, old and new—include a similar fee to help fund vital upkeep.  

We know tickets are already an investment, and another charge might feel frustrating. We get it.  

So why now? And why Stratford East?  

Firstly, we’ve kept it low—just £1.50 per ticket. And the fee does not apply to complimentary tickets, free events, school groups and children’s tickets. 

Let us start by saying thank you. This small contribution is truly a game-changer for us. About 75,000 ticket buyers come through our doors each year—that’s £112,500. Each £1.50 adds up quickly and allows us to keep operating. 

Stratford East is a Grade II listed building. That means maintaining it isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a complex and costly commitment. Every repair, restoration, and improvement must be carefully considered, often requiring special permissions and expert conservation work.  

Previously, our statutory funding from Newham Council supported essential areas of our work not just the ongoing care of our 140-year-old theatre. With changes to local funding, we must now find new ways to ensure Stratford East remains a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for all.  

The Theatre Support Fee helps us do just that. Our repair and maintenance costs alone run to the hundreds of thousands each year, and that’s before we even consider much-needed upgrades to improve your experience. From urgent structural repairs to enhancing accessibility and sustainability, every penny goes into keeping this theatre alive for future generations. 

We know an extra charge isn’t ideal, but we hope you understand why we’ve introduced it—and we’re incredibly grateful for your support.  

Thank you for helping us protect and sustain Stratford East, ensuring it remains a home for great theatre and community for the next 140 years.