National Theatre Live: Bringing Theatre To The Masses

Last week, the National Theatre streamed a live broadcast of their smash hit play War Horse. The performance was shown all round the world and watched by millions of people, one of whom was me. It was an opportunity for people in countries which may not even hold performances of this ground-breaking play to see such a spectacle. With the National Theatre Live having broadcast performances of various productions such as Frankenstein, One Man, Two Guvnors and The Audience, millions around the world have experienced world class entertainment they would otherwise not be able to see.

In a time of economic uncertainty, all institutions have been affected and the arts is no exception, particularly the West End. The average ticket for a West End play these days is £40+ which is an enormous expense considering traveling to and staying in London costs the world. Therefore, going to see a West End show would be an extra cost which in this age some people simply cannot afford.

As a result, the National Theatre, a company renowned for keeping with the times, have now finally done what many have tried and failed to do for years, and that is bringing theatre to the masses. Although a format I love, I can understand why people find the theatre inaccessible. Indeed many ‘luvvie critics’ who claim theatre is ‘a meaningful art form,’ easily put people off.  They feel they are going to some kind of lecture or institution, instead of going to the theatre to see high class entertainment and enter a world of storytelling. Also, by keeping stunning productions in the West End, people feel distanced from them and by being able to go to your local cinema and witnessing a spectacle, you can now see productions you could never possibly see.

Let’s look at the statistics. The average ticket for a West End show is £40+. The average to see a play through the National Theatre Live is £12. Danny Boyle’s spectacular production of Frankenstein in 2011 starred Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller who regularly alternated the roles of the Doctor and the Monster. As a result, both versions were broadcast which means all the ‘Cumberbitches’ of the world can see their idol play the Monster and the Doctor in two separate performances and only spend £24! That’s not even half the price to see one in the West End! Just to state I'm not in anyway criticising Benedict Cumberbatch, he's an amazing actor. He's Sherlock for god's sake!

Last June I saw Helen Mirren reprise her role as the Queen in Peter Morgan’s The Audience. Firstly, I’m unlikely to ever see a production with Helen Mirren, so that was a treat in itself. But secondly, to see such a one-off event as that magnificent play only happened as a result of these wonderful broadcasts.

What it also does, is expose talented playwrights to the world scene, and let their imagination be appreciated by millions. Unsurprisingly, snobby critics look down on these broadcasts. It would not surprise me if they felt it made theatre ‘mainstream.’ But I don’t care. I now have the opportunity to see plays that inspire me to become a better writer.

And of course, I do hope to one day have one of my plays broadcast in cinemas around the world. 

Thank you National Theatre Live. We salute you!