Shifters star: Theatres don’t need expensive tickets to turn a profit

Shifters, which received the most nominations of any single production, began life at the Bush Theatre in 2024, before transferring to the West End later that year. 

Agyepong said: "The majority of our tickets were under £50, and the majority of people who came to our shows have never stepped into a theatre.

"In terms of accessibility and engaging with new audiences, we’ve tried to do that – and we’ve made a profit. 

"I think sometimes people assume that if tickets are affordable, [the show] won’t make any money. But we made money. I hope this is a statement that proves that theatre can do well and still have affordable tickets."

Quizzed by The Stage about whether the industry still had further to go in terms of making tickets accessible, Agyepong said: "I think it’s a choice, actually. 

"We proved that you can make money from theatre being accessible. It’s up to producers." 

The actor went on to say that she hoped Shifters was not just a statement for producers, but a welcoming gesture to previously untapped audiences, too. 

"That was the most important part of the show – making theatre for everyone, not just for the super-rich. And allowing people who have never been to the theatre and felt isolated to come in like it’s home," Agyepong told The Stage.