Ian Youngs takes stock of the challenges facing British theatre despite a slew of new shows set to open in 2024.
On Saturday night, BBC One viewers will see stars from some of the West End's biggest shows celebrate the magic of British theatre. The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals will showcase one vibrant and thriving side of it. However, behind the sequins and bright lights, a very different story is being told about the state of the wider industry.
British theatre is "dying" and "in a dreadful state", its demise hastened by the dominance of TV and streaming, The Times arts columnist Richard Morrison wrote last week. "Those theatres not facing closure because of local authority budget cuts, or cracks in their concrete, are struggling to attract audiences for anything except musicals and famous plays featuring famous actors." ...Keep reading on BBC.
On Saturday night, BBC One viewers will see stars from some of the West End's biggest shows celebrate the magic of British theatre. The National Lottery's Big Night of Musicals will showcase one vibrant and thriving side of it. However, behind the sequins and bright lights, a very different story is being told about the state of the wider industry.
British theatre is "dying" and "in a dreadful state", its demise hastened by the dominance of TV and streaming, The Times arts columnist Richard Morrison wrote last week. "Those theatres not facing closure because of local authority budget cuts, or cracks in their concrete, are struggling to attract audiences for anything except musicals and famous plays featuring famous actors." ...Keep reading on BBC.