Cast members are the biggest draw for audiences when buying theatre tickets, according to a new survey of theatregoers.
More than 3,000 people took part in the survey of Whatsonstage readers, which revealed the price of tickets is the biggest factor is preventing people from attending the theatre more frequently.READ MORE
Director Michael Grandage has defended star casting in theatre, claiming it is “enormously” helpful in attracting new audiences.
Grandage is directing Nicole Kidman in Photograph 51 at the Noel Coward Theatre, and said that casting Hollywood actors was an opportunity to develop new audiences for theatre, which he described as “absolutely crucial” to the future of the industry.READ MORE
Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre, the Bush Theatre and the Donmar Warehouse have received a share of £630,000 from the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.
The foundation has awarded grants to 21 arts organisations to fund youth and new talent programmes. Other venues given money include the Tricycle Theatre and the Hackney Empire.READ MORE
London’s Southbank Centre has been awarded almost £5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards a major overhaul of several of its cultural spaces.
The organisation has also launched a funding appeal to raise the remaining £3.9 million for the repairs and maintenance programme, which is expected to cost £25 million in total.READ MORE