What's happened
Recent trends in UK theatre show a growing number of productions eliminating intervals, reflecting changing audience preferences and financial pressures. Notable shows like 'Slave Play' and 'Come From Away' are leading this shift, prompting discussions about the future of live performances.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the elimination of intervals is a response to changing audience habits and a desire for immersive theatre experiences. James Rowson, a lecturer in theatre and cultural policy, notes that this trend could help theatres attract a new generation of attendees. Conversely, The Scotsman highlights Wayne Sleep's debut Fringe show, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and personal anecdotes, which may contrast with the trend of shorter, interval-free performances. This juxtaposition illustrates the ongoing debate about the role of traditional elements in modern theatre.
How we got here
The tradition of theatre intervals has been a staple for decades, providing audiences with breaks during performances. However, recent productions have begun to forgo these breaks, influenced by audience habits post-COVID and the need for theatres to adapt to financial challenges.
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The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest arts festival, which in 2018 spanned 25 days and featured more than 55,000 performances of 3,548 different shows in 317 venues.