Rupert Christiansen asks if half empty theatres should still be subsidised.
Last week I attended and enjoyed performances of opera and ballet, one in Leeds and one in Southampton. In both cases, the productions were of a very high order, presenting world-class talent at prices that compare favourably to those of major sporting events. In both cases, despite attractive marketing, the theatres were half empty (and I suspect in one case that many seats had been given away to “paper” the house).
Last week I attended and enjoyed performances of opera and ballet, one in Leeds and one in Southampton. In both cases, the productions were of a very high order, presenting world-class talent at prices that compare favourably to those of major sporting events. In both cases, despite attractive marketing, the theatres were half empty (and I suspect in one case that many seats had been given away to “paper” the house).