What is so special about the experience of going to the theatre that causes thousands to flock to Covent Garden on a regular basis? Why do we find enjoyment from sitting in a dark room watching a story play out before our eyes? There is a sort of magic in it, a feeling of losing ourselves, at least for a few hours, in order to find a new perspective. For me, the theatre has long been a place of fascination, of comfort… I attend a play or musical or opera in order to appreciate the weaving of a spell by many talented individuals coming together. I know that there are many who feel the same way, scrutinising the set and direction and tech alongside the performances of the actors. But surely that is not the experience of all theatre goers? There are plenty of different reasons to go to the theatre.

There is a classic image of the theatre, that idea that going to see a play is for the educated classes of another age. Sure anyone can go and see a musical and love it, but plays are a whole different ball game. Once it was considered a spectacle which only some could afford and even enjoy due to a certain amount of literary knowledge being needed. Of course, we have moved a far way from this attitude and no matter where you were educated you will have studied plays. And if you’re British these will have included at least one Shakespeare. Therefore, audiences have shifted over the years, theatres no longer filled with people in their best evening wear. 

Yet, is there still an attitude of gatekeeping around the industry? Certainly, to become an actor one has to be in a fairly secure financial position, the career being an uncertain one and far from secure. This can be seen in Britain through the number of privately educated actors we have in our repertoire, some of the most famous of whom have been to schools or universities which have also been responsible for turning out politicians and CEOs. Thus, immediately there is the suggestion that this is still a somewhat elitist industry. The members of the industry themselves are reinforcing the stereotype, even as they also attempt to implement change and to encourage performers from a wider range of backgrounds. There will always be challenges with accessibility… at least in the foreseeable future, but does this influence the demographic of audiences?

The rise of film saw a shift towards a different way not only of consuming performance art (for want of a better phrase), but also viewing actors. Today we see many actors reach world famous heights, becoming household names due to their filmed performances. Often these actors have at least done some theatre during their careers, particularly in Britain. Some find themselves coming back to tread the boards again (whether regularly or only occasionally), this phenomenon typically leading to a national, or even international, hype. It can lead to tickets selling out in a matter of seconds, which begs the question of why audience members have bought tickets. Have people truly come to see the play or have they in fact just come for the opportunity to see a hero or celebrity crush in person? And if it is the latter, how does this impact the theatre industry? It suggests that there is a double edged sword here – the guarantee of high ticket sales and the audiences not always being truly invested. Yet, it could be argued that this in itself is opening up the doors of the theatre to new audiences who would not typically attend. This could lead to new theatre lovers or even performers, people from a range of backgrounds becoming inspired by what they see upon a stage.

Arguably, there has always been a celebrity draw, from the days of Nell Gwyn to the film actors of today. So why attend the theatre? For art? For celebrity? For something else? Something more? You tell me. All I can say is that I hope that the audiences continue to be a more varied array of people, for you never know who will be inspired and what they will go on to create.