Theatre in decline

In my hometown, there is massive debate at the moment as to whether our local theatre should close down. Earlier this week, I also stumbled across the knowledge that theatre attendance is in decline in general, and I’ve pondered the reasons why.
At this point, it is important to mention that the statistics have gaps. They show that attendance to West End productions are not declining dramatically. However, from my own experience, a trip to the West End is a big pre-planned visit to the city. Seeing a West End play is an event in itself, and is still a norm of London culture. So why are community and local productions not thought of in the same way? Why are we not attending these productions anymore, or as frequently as we once did?

‘Netflix and chill’ has become the slogan of a generation

In a world where technology is forever evolving, it is obviously becoming more and more of a fundamental part of our society. Everyone owns a smartphone, ‘Netflix and chill’ has become the slogan of a generation and society is glued to social media. People are living through technology, and perhaps this is one of the reasons why the theatre is in decline. The idea of exploring anything arts-related, outside of the comforts of our homes, is daunting.

I know that when I arrange evenings with my friends, the theatre will not normally strike us as a potential place to go. We’ll watch a horror film on Netflix as a group, or the lads will play FIFA. The possibility of seeing a play would not even have crossed our minds.

Going to the theatre is relevant now more than ever

As our culture continues to evolve technologically, I would reiterate that there is no experience like the living in the present, and theatre allows this. It provides a more fulfilling involvement than what sitting behind a laptop screen can offer. Going to the theatre is relevant now more than ever.