Why Supporting Local Theatre Matters More Than Ever
In a world increasingly dominated by Netflix binges, blockbuster franchises, and viral TikTok videos, it’s easy to overlook the magic unfolding right on our doorstep. Local theatre, from charming community halls to ambitious youth productions, continues to offer something truly special: a shared, live experience that can’t be replicated by screens or streaming, but theatres up and down the country are struggling.
Here’s why now, more than ever, we should be supporting local theatre, especially productions by young people.
1. It Keeps Our Communities Creative and Connected
Local theatre is not just about the production and entertainment; it’s about community and theatre is one of the biggest forms of community. How many other events have hundreds of people coming together and all listening and supporting one common cause. It unites people both physically and emotionally for a brief moment of time. Whether it be a drama that has you all on the edge of your seat, or a comedy that brings forth infectious laughter, theatre brings a sense of togetherness. In an age of increasing digital isolation, being in a room full of people, reacting and feeling together, is something we all need.
2. It Builds Confidence, Skills, and Futures for Young People
Young people don’t have it easy in this day and age, but theatre provides something amazing for them, and we aren’t talking about the applause. Theatre teaches our youth confidence, empathy, public speaking, teamwork, time management and creative thinking. These skills transcend theatre and can be used in so many aspects of life. It also provides a safe space for these kids to express themselves without fear or judgement. When you support local theatre, you help to support the programmes like youth theatre clubs and productions and when you support their own productions, you are showing them that you care and giving them the belief that they can succeed.
3. It Offers Affordable, High-Quality Entertainment
Local theatre is not the West End, and it never will be. Some productions could get close, but considering the budgets are a fraction of a West End show and most people involved are volunteers, it’s highly improbable. However, the cost of a ticket is also a fraction of that of a West End show. Many people cannot afford to pay £70 to go to London and watch a show (not forgetting the travel, accommodation and ridiculous food and drinks prices). Local theatre offers you good quality entertainment right on your doorstep for an affordable cost. Also, a lot of community theatre actors have years of experience and some are ex-pro, so it’s not like the quality is rubbish.
4. It Needs You to Survive
Local theatres operate on shoestring budgets with not much leeway. They rely on grants, fundraising and, most importantly, ticket sales. Your purchase of a couple of tickets for you and a friend can seriously make a difference. If everyone just gave a little (and gets quality entertainment in return), then theatre’s would see a huge improvement. Shows would get better with increased budgets, community projects would be more frequent, building maintenance would be improved and so forth.
If we want future generations to grow up with access to the arts, to know the joy of live storytelling, to discover their own voices, we need to show up now.
5. How You Can Help
Buy tickets. Even one night can make a big impact.
Share the word. Post about shows on social media. Bring a friend.
Donate or volunteer. Local theatre companies often need help behind the scenes or with fundraising.
Encourage young people to get involved. You never know what spark might be lit.
Local theatre is where dreams begin. It’s where a shy teenager finds their confidence. Where a retired teacher finally plays King Lear. Where a story about your street, your struggles, and your joy takes centre stage.
So next time you see a poster for a local production, go. Buy the ticket. Applaud loudly. You won’t just be watching a play; you’ll be part of something far more powerful: the ongoing story of community, creativity, and connection.
Support local. Support youth. Support theatre.
