Theatre has an unforeseen role in modern self-care, joy and detox. Recent studies have revealed this.
Approximately 80% of individuals between 25 and 39 years who go to the theatre on a regular basis see it as the latest detox. 75% of individuals who attend theatre regularly consider it a significant part of their self-care routine. This is true when compared to the general public’s 46%. About 25% of adults in the UK rate theatre among their best three joyful experiences, including:
- Nights out
- Sports
- Dancing
- Hobbies
- Beating cinema
New Research: What Does it Reveal?
London Theatre Direct’s new research reveals an upward trajectory. Younger adults visit live theatre to reduce screen time. They use it as a vital tool for self-care as well as emotional reset. The London Theatre Direct research is based on responses of over 4,350 respondents to provide the findings.
The research combined input from people who visit the theatre regularly through the internal study of the London Theatre Direct and a nationwide representative YouGov poll. The YouGov opinion poll took place in partnership with the creators and emotional connection experts of Joyfulness Approved.
Between regular theatre goers of 25 and 39 years, approximately 76% (more than three in four) accept that theatre offers one of the best ways to escape from the digital world. Nearly 50% feel more mentally revitalised after a theatre session compared to a screen-based entertainment.
Also, 75% (three in four) theatre-goers accepted that it is part of their self-care routine, compared to the UK public’s 46%. The study further reveals that:
- 40% (two in five) said that the positive feeling significantly outweighs the performance itself by a number of days.
- 75% (three-quarters) of regular theatre goers said that a show sparks meaningful conversations.
- Approximately 50% of individuals between 18 and 24 years said that theatre prompts personal reflection and also inspires action.
What Does These Findings Confirm?
According to London Theatre Direct’s CEO, Johan Oosterveld, these search findings confirm what every theatre fan hears anecdotally daily. So what is it? Every theatre goer gets more than entertainment.
It provides enough room to reset emotionally, switch off and relax. The outcome? Each theatre goer comes away feeling clearer or more self-connected. This new research’s outcome also challenges the fact that theatre is a niche. 25% of UK younger adults said that theatre is one of their leading joyful nights out. It ranks highly compared to some popular activities like cinema and sport, as well as dancing and hobbies.
According to Joyologist and Joyfulness Approved’s co-founder, Donna Easton, theatre brings individuals joy. And data has proved this more. Another Joyfulness Approved co-founder, Nick Ede, added that the current world is oversaturated with noise. But theatre brings something unique. It perfectly cuts through all the digital noise. Theatre is one of the places where attendees are fully present with only a real human connection, without phones and any distractions.
In the new research, non-Londoners described theatre experience as joyful as well as emotionally resonant. This is a clear indication that the quest for live performance is on a higher level in the UK. That means the need for reachable theatre isn’t just metropolitan. It’s also national.
