As reported by SKY news recently, London West End producers are hoping that the huge increase in children attending the theatre will help secure the industry’s future.
“We’ve seen our audiences grow from 60% to 80%,” said Tony Graham, artistic director at London’s Unicorn Theatre.
“And actually 100% attendance is really not beyond our goal at all. “We’re likely to touch that within the next few years. It’s a rising phenomenon and we’re very proud of it.” While children may not actually be booking London theatre tickets they are benefitting from someone else’s generosity.
The Unicorn is one of a handful of theatres dedicated to children. They’re currently staging a quirky take on Beauty and the Beast, designed to attract a new, younger crowd.
Adapting popular books for the stage, like Peppa Pig and The Gruffalo may draw in the youngest children, but some within the industry think other factors are fuelling their interest.
“I think for older children there’s been a massive growth in glee club, high school musical, and also the reality television programmes we see on a Saturday night,” said Emma De Souza from the Society of London Theatre.
“That has all made theatre seem more accessible and trendy and something they want to be part of and that is something we’ve really seen over the last few years.” Even theatres more used to staging adult plays are getting in on the act.
The Royal Court is putting on its first family show. “Yes you want to give people their first taste of theatre,” said Anthony Neilson, director of Get Santa! “Hopefully that will spur an interest that will last throughout their lives.”