Speaking at the Theatres Trust Conference 2018 in London, Emma Stenning said: “We can’t be subsidy-reliant charities any longer. We have to look at our buildings as our principle assets. We have to keep saying how can it carry on giving back to the business.” She explained that the Bristol Old Vic previously made a £60,000 profit on its catering business, which is expected to increase to about £300,000 over the next 18 months, following the theatre’s refurbishment.