Licences - theatres

Public performances of stage plays must be licensed under the Theatres Act 1968. The definition of a play includes any dramatic piece, involving speech, singing or action and the playing of a role. Ballets and musicals are also included in this definition. The holder of a Theatre Licence is not required to obtain a Public Entertainment Licence under the provisions of Section 41(2) of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982. This licence has now been superseded in England and Wales by the Licensing Act 2003.