Kids Week by Society of London TheatreSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Children's theatre became big business with more theatres opening during the day, outside of panto season, showing adaptations of children's books for both pre-school and older age groups.

The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, Worst Witch, Hetty Feather and Horrible Histories all attract younger audiences, aided by initiatives like SOLT's Kids Week promotions.

Hamilton by Lin Manuel Miranda is the current sell-out musical sensation.  It is particularly enjoyed by the youth market with its hip-hop take on a forgotten character from America's history and multi-racial casting.

Edna and Wilbur Turnblad by Hairspray LondonSociety of London Theatre & UK Theatre

Star casting is important for getting 'bums on seats' which, in turn, has led to shorter runs.  On average, 12 weeks is the longest a big name will be able to commit to such a project.

Theatre productions successfully feed into the ever-expanding television industry, with plays such as Pheoebe Waller Bridge's Fleabag and James Graham's The Quiz both garnering huge audiences on live and catch-up broadcasts.

The National Theatre, Royal Opera House and New York’s Metropolitan Opera pioneered live streaming of their productions to cinemas and home devices.  This has made theatre far more accessible to the public worldwide, which has helped entertain and educate during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Mission: Apollo-Saturn 17: Earth with the continent of Africa clearly depicted, on the last United States lunar voyage (December 7, 1972 - December 19, 1972, printed 1991) by Eugene A. CernanThe Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Late afternoon on 16th March 2020 venues in the UK closed following government guidance.  Broadway had shut down a week earlier, and theatres around the world followed suit.

The future may be uncertain, but the show will go on...

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