-
The Theatre De Complicité
By the beginning of the 1980s, government funding for art was dwindling and it was a lot harder for alternative theatre to continue. Art council supports, including The Theatre De Complicité, founded new theatres in 1983.
(Complicite) -
Cameron Mackintosh produced Les Miserables
Cameron Mackintosh adapted the French historical novel, Les Misérables by Victor Hugo, into English. This play opened in London in 1985. This sparked a widespread sensation with multiple runs on Broadway and in America.
(“From Page to Stage! | Center Theatre Group”) -
The Phantom of the Opera
Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Gaston Leroux's novel, The Phantom of the Opera, debuted in 1986 at Her Majesty's Theatre. This show has won awards for being the longest-running musical with thousands of performances. (“Her Majesty’s Theatre London - The Phantom of the Opera Tickets”) -
In-Yer-Face Theatre
In-Yer-Face plays were considered shocking and graphic with violent or sexual content. A few of the writers include Sarah Kane, Mark Ravenhill, and Patrick Marber. In the early 1980s and 1990s, there was a shortage of playwrights, which caused some to believe that British playwriting had become dormant. The In-Yer-Face plays knocked British playwriting back. (Brockett et al. 263) -
Savoy Theatre Fire
The Savoy Theatre was devastated by a large fire in 1990. The firefighters stated flames were 50 feet in the air. 130 guests and 29 employees escaped from the hotel which was untouched by the fire. sixty firefighters brought the flames under control, and only two were slightly injured. (Times) -
Blast Theory
Blast Theory is an interactive art group that explores complex topics, founded in 1991. In 2001 they commissioned an interactive, 'Can you see me now?' experience. The production combines performance art and video games in a game of chase across virtual and physical areas. (Blast Theory) -
Punchdrunk
Punchdrunk Theatre was founded by Felix Barrett in 2000. He created a brand new kind of interactive theatre where audience members are wandering to experience the story. In 2008 the Punchdrunk Enrichment was created to bring into the communities and schools. (Punchdrunk) -
The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Case of the Dog in the Night-Time is based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The story is written from the perspective of an extremely smart autistic boy. (Broadway.com) -
The History Boys
The History Boys by Alan Bennett was produced in 2004. A popular and multiple award-winning play takes place in the 1980s with a group of students at an all-boys school. This play discusses topics such as sexuality and education. (“The History Boys”) -
Apollo Theatre ceiling collapse
Nearly ninety people were injured when the Apollo Theatre ceiling collapsed in December 2013. This led London to new safety procedures in their historic buildings. Many theatres implemented a fee on each ticket to cover the cost of replenishing the deteriorating theatre. (Marshall)