"Co-author Dan Rebellato, said: "The number of shows has definitely gone down, but attendances are up in 2023 compared to 2019, there's a lot of new work but most of it is new musicals." He added that the big decline was in new plays opening, with the report showing that there were 30% fewer plays opening in 2023 compared to 2019."
"Figures revealed there were 9.9% fewer shows and 11.6% fewer performances in 2023, compared to 2019, but a growth of 6.1% in attendances. Mr Rebellato said it is harder to sell a new play. He said: "There has been a slight sense of cautiousness, that has moved some away from the new play." The report found there were great successes in 2023 when theatres re-opened after two consecutive lockdowns notably in musical theatre."
UK box office data comparing 2019 and 2023 show 9.9% fewer shows and 11.6% fewer performances but a 6.1% rise in attendances. The number of shows decreased while audience numbers increased, with significant growth concentrated in musical theatre. Musical theatre rose from one-third to 40% of performances, increased its share of attendances to over half, and grew box office share to nearly 66%. Drama declined from 57% to 51% of productions and new play openings fell by 30%. New musicals rose from 37% of musicals in 2019 to just over 50% in 2023 and accounted for 56% of box office takings for new work.
Read at www.bbc.com
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