Are we sacrificing great theatre for star power and short shows?

Theatre continues to see an increase in the number of high-profile celebrities stepping into leading roles. From Hollywood names and TV and film stars to musicians and social media influencers headlining West End productions, it is obvious theatre producers are using famous faces as a major draw to sell tickets and bring in new audiences.

But we need to ask - are these big names right for the role or are we sacrificing artistic integrity for commercial gain?

Celebrity casting is guaranteed to create press coverage, audience excitement and a rise in ticket sales. It works well for producers who are under pressure in promoting new shows and getting bums on seats. However, theatre professionals are beginning to ask if fame outweighs experience and training. What message are producers sending to actors, both emerging and experienced, who’ve spent years honing their craft and auditioning for roles?

As actor Beryl Phoenix says here in The Stage’s The Green Room interview: “They’re coming into our theatres and taking our jobs ...”

How do trained theatre actors feel to be sidelined by or be on standby for someone who will be paid an obscene amount and possibly do not have the talent or stamina to do eight shows a week. Working in TV and film is very different to performing on stage. If you fluff a line on screen, no problem, you can do another take. You can’t do that in theatre.

If celebrities are advertised to be performing in all shows in a run, then they must fulfil this. Fans and theatre-goers will be spending a lot of money to see that particular ‘star’ in action, and they will be frustrated and let down if they don’t perform. Theatres then get complaints; it taints the shows reputation, and it can have a negative effect on ticket sales. I believe that producers must ensure they are recruiting a ‘celebrity’ who can withstand the pressure of theatre. 

It's the same with touring productions. These are more exhausting, and it takes a lot out of people – even trained professionals. That can be why you might see two celebrities take on the same role at different venues so they can both rest.

With the addition of a celebrity to any show, yes it will bring in new audiences but it will also hike up ticket prices that will out price many theatregoers.
We wrote a blog on this last year – things haven’t changed.

With all this in mind - is celebrity casting having a detrimental effect of British theatre? Are we at risk of losing our dramatic heritage?

As well as an increase in celebrity casting, we are also seeing a shift in what audiences are choosing to watch. With our increasingly busy lives and potentially shortened attention spans, many audiences prefer shorter productions that are light-hearted and offer escapism and fun, like the popular jukebox musicals and reimagined classics. Due to audiences’ new theatre preference, hard-hitting and thought-provoking plays, new writing, complex narratives and themes, and emotionally challenging stories are slowly disappearing from our regional and West End stages. Will there be an appetite for these stories soon?

Due to audiences’ new theatre preference, hard-hitting and thought-provoking plays, new writing, complex narratives and themes, and emotionally challenging stories are slowly disappearing from our regional and West End stages. Will there be an appetite for these stories soon?

There will always be a place for both lighter entertainment and thought-provoking shows, but we need to ensure there is a good balance so that there is something for everyone. Not just audience members, but for writers and producers too.

As an industry, we must continue to explore a variety of formats and move with the times to ensure we produce shows that are engaging and accessible and they are what everyone wants. Theatres will continue casting celebrities but it’s vital their presence doesn’t overpower the story and message or push out our incredibly talented people.

Theatre is always changing and evolving and it’s important we keep up with it. It is also important that we don’t let it stay stagnant with the same type of show that isn’t appealing to all. We can’t allow commercial and audience pressures like celebrity casting and shorter shows impact on the depth and diversity of theatre.