There is growing concern over the erosion of regional identity in theatre productions across the United Kingdom, as financial pressures prompt venues to favor co-productions, according to actor Julie Hesmondhalgh. The shift toward collaborative projects, she said, often results in more generic shows that risk losing the unique local character traditionally reflected in regional theatre.

Hesmondhalgh, who recently appeared on the television program The Celebrity Traitors, emphasized the importance of locally grounded storytelling by citing James Graham’s play Punch. The drama, which premiered at Nottingham Playhouse in 2024, is based on the real-life death of a young man following a single punch in Nottingham. Hesmondhalgh’s portrayal of the victim’s mother earned her an Olivier Award, and the production went on to enjoy runs in London's West End, a UK-wide tour, and a transfer to Broadway. She noted that Punch successfully resonated with audiences because of its specific local roots, which helped the playwright overcome the typical commercial challenges new works face.

Discussing the post-pandemic theatre landscape, Hesmondhalgh acknowledged that regional venues face significant obstacles and often resort to more familiar offerings such as musicals and classic plays by established playwrights like Noël Coward. While these works maintain audience attendance through their well-known appeal, she expressed concern that the economic necessity of co-productions is limiting opportunities for regionally distinctive programming.

Hesmondhalgh, a native of Accrington in Lancashire, pointed to her involvement in the campaign to save Oldham Coliseum Theatre from closure as an example of efforts to preserve local cultural heritage. Now serving as guest curator for the venue's reopening season, she hopes the theatre will present work bearing a distinct “Oldham mark” that reflects the community’s identity. Nevertheless, she acknowledged that producing truly local shows independently requires substantial fundraising, underscoring the financial strain on regional theatres.

She described her recent experience fundraising as helping her develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those managing regional arts institutions. “It’s not easy,” she said, highlighting the precarious situation for theatres outside of major metropolitan centers.

Hesmondhalgh is set to receive a lifetime achievement award at the inaugural Great British Theatres awards next month, recognizing her contributions to stage and screen and her advocacy for regional theatre.