In order to compile this Practical Guide to Brexit, in September 2020 we interviewed 7 companies (5 from the UK, 2 from Europe) representing a wide range of profiles and scales, who all regularly tour around Europe and beyond. For some companies, we focused on a specific show in their repertoire rather than all their touring productions. We asked all seven companies the same set of questions during the interview to gauge how they have been preparing for touring post-Brexit. Their responses to our questions form the basis of this guide.
Our questionnaire covered the most frequently asked questions about Brexit, covering an extensive list of aspects companies are concerned about. This guide cannot cover all the individual cases, but should provide answers to the biggest challenges our sector faces, as well as provide starting points to dig deeper into specific areas not covered within the guide.
Since we have interviewed the companies and a first edition of this guide was released, the UK and the EU have agreed on a deal. In January 2021 and in January 2023, we updated the guide to reflect the changes and the new reality of touring in the EU post-Brexit.
This guide is ordered into a number of useful sections. Our hope is that companies and promoters alike will be able to use it as a clear and relatable resource when planning their international work. The guide also includes links to source materials to allow companies to dig deeper into specific topics; we used UK Government resources (1), Arts Council England information (2), and Official European guidelines (3). Finally, at the end of the guide, you will find a Glossary of terms, which will help you navigate and understand the more technical terms used within the document.