And The Future of Theatre...

An old friend of mine, a theatre producer now studying in Paris, sees the same trends that I do in classical music appearing in the world of classical theatre; that is, a rapid marginalization of serious art by the commercial mainstream. And I don't doubt that the challenges (I think that's a better word than 'problems') are even tougher in theatre than in music.

In today's Evening Standard (London evening paper - no link unfortunately, the article doesn't seem to be online), the newspaper's theatre critic illustrates the problem bluntly with a projection of a drama-free, musical-saturated west end within in a decade, should present trends continue. The entertainment capital of the future, he argues, could be exclusively devoted to popular musicals, and the front line of serious drama would retreat to what are now the fringe theatres. The likes of Monty Python will succeed where Shakespeare fails! Obviously this is an exaggeration, however, there are no clear suggestions for a solution - if indeed a solution is what's needed. The Standard critic makes a vague call for government intervention, but that's all.

Perhaps the future isn't so bleak, though. Maybe the internet and touring and other areas have more to offer in this case, just as they do for classical music. Well, Andrew Lloyd Webber seems to think so anyway. Yes, I know, it's not the same as 'live'.

One thing's for sure; the next generation of theatrical producers is going to have to include some serious innovators. The challenges that classical music faces pale in comparison.

And what's the situation on Broadway? If anyone's commentating/blogging on this, please let me know.