Notes from The Grey Hill with Barry Robertson

In this first episode, we explore why audio theatre is emerging as one of the most accessible and sustainable innovations for UK venues.

UK theatres are facing one of the most challenging periods in recent history — shrinking budgets, rising costs, staff burnout, and fewer opportunities to take artistic risks. Yet, at the same time, audiences haven’t disappeared. They’ve changed how, when, and where they engage with culture.

In this opening episode, Barry Robertson explores why audio theatre has emerged as a practical, sustainable way for venues to reach more people, support local artists, and generate long‑tail income without becoming tech companies or building platforms from scratch.

Drawing on his own journey from North Ayrshire to national stages, Barry unpacks:

• The economic pressures facing regional and national theatre
• What global leaders like Audible Theatre and NT Live have already proven
• Why audio theatre offers reach far beyond a venue’s physical catchment area
• How real theatres are already using audio to extend programming and access
• The business logic behind capturing performances as long‑term digital assets
• The barriers that have historically stopped theatres from going digital — and what’s changed
• How The Grey Hill supports venues with infrastructure, rights frameworks, and a practical model that respects and protects creatives

This isn’t about replacing live performance.
It’s about unlocking the value of the work you already make and making it accessible to audiences who can’t be in the room.

If you’re a theatre leader navigating uncertainty — and exploring how digital can strengthen, not dilute, your artistic mission — this episode sets the foundation for what’s possible.

Chapters:

00:07 – Introduction: Why Audio Theatre Matters to Me
00:36 – The Reality Facing UK Theatre
03:59 – What the Rest of the World Has Already Learned
06:21 – Why Audio Theatre Makes Sense Now
09:21 – The Business Logic Behind Audio
12:03 – The Barriers That Have Held Theatres Back
15:27 – Why This Is an Access Revolution
17:07 – What Audio Theatre Looks Like in a Real Venue
20:33 – How The Grey Hill Supports Venues
21:44 – What’s Coming in the Next Episode

Podcast links:

• The Grey Hill Website
• Barry Robertson LinkedIn

Music by ⁠https://www.bensound.com⁠ | License code: 0YZPRSAEYDVUNFSE | Artist: Benjamin Tissot