Musical theatre: “Prices are just too much”

By Grace Shaw

Almost a year and a half on since the first musical theatre re-opened after lockdown, theatres are struggling to bring in theatregoers due to the cost of living crisis.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, theatres were forced to close their doors, leaving thousands of workers out of jobs and struggling to make an income.

According to a 2021 survey by UK Theatre, 95% of 944 theatre venues, producers and businesses were financially worse off due to the pandemic. Thousands of jobs were lost each month including freelance performers and behind-the-scenes crews.

Julian Bird, the chief executive of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, told the BBC: “We saw an existential threat come out of nowhere that has had a completely dramatic effect in shutting down our industry… an industry that relies on people coming into an auditorium, paying for a ticket and watching a production.”

In 2023, audiences still enjoy attending the theatre; however, due to price increases after Covid, theatregoers are struggling to keep up as well as battling the cost of living crisis which leaves many with smaller amounts of disposable income.

Shantae Powell, 23, a student said: “I enjoy watching musicals and I go quite a lot. I look on the cheap ticket websites and look around because some of the prices are ridiculous. You just have to be careful of the scam websites because there are a lot of them that can catch you out but you should just know you won’t get a legit ticket for a front row seat at a West End Show for £10.”

According to Forbes, globally, theatrical revenue dropped from $42.3 billion in 2019 to $12 billion in 2020 as a result of the closures of theatres and entertainment venues. Theatrical entertainment accounted for only 15% of the total global entertainment revenue, in comparison to 43% in 2019.

Theatre industry expert Terri Paddock told the BBC: “Don’t believe the hype about sold out shows by and large. There are very few shows that are properly sold out. In the commercial West End, The Book of Mormon is the biggest hit of the past year, but they are releasing tickets all the time.”

Many shows begin to tour their musical after it has closed in the theatrical capital. Theatregoers who want to attend shows in the West End but cannot due to either geographical or financial challenges welcome touring shows into their region to save them stress and hassle. However, ticket prices have increased and makes the excitement of cheap tickets in your home town diminish.

Anabelle Williamson, 29, sales assistant,, said: “I don’t really go to London shows anymore because the prices have just increased too much for me to justify paying for the ticket.

“Sometimes, I look at tickets for smaller shows or at theatres a bit further away to get cheaper tickets but usually they’re the same price and I’d have to pay for the added travel.”