Taking Part 2014/15:
THEATRE
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This report provides an overview of the engagement in theatre by adults living in England.
Data is taken from the Taking Part Survey 2014/15 and makes comparisons with earlier years.
All statistically significant differences are noted in the text and on the charts:
- a statistically significant difference is a difference which is probably true and not due to chance
- a non statistically significant difference is probably not a true difference and is likely to be due to chance
* on the charts indicates a statistically significant difference between 2014/15 and the earliest survey year
shown
More information about the Taking Part Survey can be found in Appendix A. A Technical Note on the survey
is in Appendix B.
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Contents
Key findings........................................................................................................................................................ 4
Theatre .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Engagement in theatre .......................................................................................................................................... 6
Engagement in theatre by gender ........................................................................................................................................8
Engagement in theatre by age group ...................................................................................................................................9
Engagement in theatre by disability .................................................................................................................................. 10
Engagement in theatre by ethnic group............................................................................................................................ 11
Engagement in theatre by socio-economic group .......................................................................................................... 12
Engagement in theatre by urban/rural............................................................................................................................. 13
Engagement in theatre by region ....................................................................................................................................... 14
Theatre attendance ............................................................................................................................................ 15
Attended a play or drama .................................................................................................................................................... 16
Attended a pantomime ......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Attended musical theatre .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Participation in theatre ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Rehearsed or performed in a play or drama ................................................................................................................... 20
Rehearsed or performed in musical theatre, opera or an operetta............................................................................ 21
Appendix A - About the Taking Part survey ............................................................................................................. 22
Appendix B - Technical note ................................................................................................................................ 23
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Key findings

Around four in ten (37.9%) adults in England had engaged in theatre in 2014/15 – a statistically similar proportion as
2008/9 (38.8%).

In both 2010/11 and 2014/15 some groups were more or less likely to have engaged in theatre than others:
o Women were more likely to have engaged than men
o Adults aged 75+ were less likely to have engaged than those aged 25-74
o Adults with a longstanding illness or disability were less likely to have engaged than those without
o Adults belonging to white ethnic groups were more likely to have engaged than adults from other ethnic
groups
o Adults in the upper-socio economic group had higher engagement than those in the lower socio-economic
group

Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was a decrease in theatre engagement amongst adults aged 25-44, adults from the upper
socio-economic group and adults living in rural areas.

Around four in ten (37.6%) adults in England had attended at least one theatre event in 2014/15 – a statistically similar
proportion as 2008/9 (38.3%).

Around one in fifty (1.8%) adults in England had participated in theatre activities in 2014/15 – a statistically significant
decrease from 2008/9 (2.3%).
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Theatre
The Taking Part survey ask adults in England about whether they have engaged in a range of theatre events and activities in the
past 12 months. Engagement in theatre is defined as having participated in or attended at least one activity or event listed below
in the past year.
Theatre events:
 Play or drama
 Pantomime
 Musical theatre
Theatre activities:
 Rehearsed or performed in a play or drama
 Rehearsed or performed in an opera, operetta or musical theatre
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Engagement in theatre
A statistically similar proportion of adults in England engaged in theatre in 2008/9 and 2014/15 – 38.8 per cent and 37.9 per
cent respectively.
Figure 1 – Engagement in theatre in the past 12 months
45.0%
40.0%
38.8%
40.5%
39.7%
39.6%
39.0%
39.8%
37.9%
35.0%
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
6
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Figure 2 outlines how adults in England engaged with theatre; whether through attendance of theatre events, participation in
theatre activities, both or neither.
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant increase in those adults who neither attended nor participated
in theatre - from 60.4 per cent to 62.1 per cent.
Figure 2 – Engagement in theatre
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.4%
60.0%
**
50.0%
40.0%
1.8%
0.4%
30.0%
20.0%
Neither attend or participate
62.1%
Attend and participate
Only participate
1.5%
0.3%
37.4%
36.1%
2010/11
2014/15
Only attend
10.0%
0.0%
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Engagement in theatre by gender
In both 2010/11 and 2014/15 a greater proportion of women had engaged in theatre in the past year compared with men – for
example in 2014/15, 43.5 per cent of women compared with 32.1 per cent of men. These differences are statistically significant.
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there were no statistically significant changes in the theatre engagement of men and of women.
Figure 3 – Engagement in theatre by gender
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
44.8%
50.0%
40.0%
34.0%
43.5%
2010/11
2014/15
32.1%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Male
Female
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Engagement in theatre by age group
In both 2010/11 and 2014/15 the 75+ age group had lower engagement in theatre than those aged 25 to 74. These differences are
statistically significant.1
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant decrease in the engagement of the 25-44 age group – from
40.5 per cent to 35.7 per cent.
Figure 4 – Engagement in theatre by age group
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
40.5%
33.2% 34.0%
*
43.3% 42.6%
2010/11
43.7% 43.6%
35.7%
2014/15
29.5% 29.8%
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
16-24
1
25-44
45-64
65-74
75+
In 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was no statistically significant difference in the engagement of the 75+ age group with the 16-24 age group.
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Engagement in theatre by disability
In 2010/11 and 2014/15 a smaller proportion of adults with a disability had engaged in theatre than adults without – for
example in 2014/15, 30.5 per cent compared with 40.1 per cent. These differences are statistically significant.
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was no statistically significant change in theatre engagement of adults with, and without, a
longstanding disability or illness.
Figure 5 – Engagement in theatre by disability
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
2010/11
41.9%
2014/15
40.1%
30.7%
30.0%
30.5%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
No longstanding disability or illness
Longstanding disability or illness
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Engagement in theatre by ethnic group
In 2010/11 and 2014/15 those in white ethnic groups were more likely to have engaged in theatre than those in other ethnic
groups – for example in 2014/15, 40.0 per cent compared with 21.8 per cent. These differences are statistically significant.
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was no statistically significant change in theatre engagement of those in white ethnic
groups and those in other ethnic groups.
Figure 6 – Engagement in theatre by ethnic group
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
2010/11
50.0%
41.5%
40.0%
2014/15
40.0%
30.0%
23.9%
21.8%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
White ethnic group
Other ethnic group
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Engagement in theatre by socio-economic group
In 2010/11 and 2014/15 adults in the upper socio-economic group were more likely to have engaged in theatre than adults in the
lower socio-economic group – for example in 2014/15, 45.6 per cent compared with 26.0 per cent. These differences are
statistically significant.
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of adults in the upper socioeconomic group who had engaged in theatre – from 49.1 per cent to 45.6 per cent.
Figure 7 – Engagement in theatre by socio-economic group
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
49.1%
*
2010/11
45.6%
2014/15
40.0%
26.1%
30.0%
26.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Upper NS-SEC
Lower NS-SEC
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Engagement in theatre by urban/rural
In 2010/11 adults living in rural areas were more likely to have engaged in theatre than those living in urban areas – 43.4 per
cent compared with 38.6 per cent, a statistically significant difference. However in 2014/15 there was no significant difference in
theatre engagement between adults in urban areas and adults in rural areas.
Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of adults in rural areas who had
engaged in theatre – from 43.4 per cent to 38.5 per cent.
Figure 8 – Engagement in theatre by urban or rural location
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
43.4%
38.6%
*
2010/11
38.5%
37.8%
2014/15
30.0%
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Urban
Rural
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Engagement in theatre by region
Figure 9 provides an overview of engagement in theatre by region. Between 2010/11 and 2014/15 there were no statistically
significant changes in theatre engagement by region.
Figure 9 – Engagement in theatre by region
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
50.0%
40.0%
37.5%
34.6%
37.3%
37.0%
North East
North West
37.7%
33.5%
30.0%
38.8%
34.9%
37.2%
33.9%
42.1%
37.5%
40.1% 39.6%
44.8%
41.8%
2010/11
41.4%
38.9%
2014/15
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
Yorkshire
East
Midlands
West
Midlands
East of
England
London
South East
South West
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Theatre attendance
A statistically similar proportion of adults in England had attended the theatre in 2008/9 and 2014/15 – 38.3 per cent and 37.6
per cent respectively.
Figure 10 – Attended a theatre event at least once in the past 12 months
45.0%
40.0%
38.3%
40.1%
39.1%
39.2%
38.5%
39.4%
37.6%
35.0%
30.0%
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
15
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Attended a play or drama
In 2008/9 and 2014/15 a statistically similar proportion of adults had attended a play or drama in the past year – 21.0 per cent
and 21.8 per cent respectively.
Figure 11 – Attended a play or drama in the past 12 months
25.0%
22.7%
21.0%
21.4%
22.0%
22.7%
22.2%
21.8%
20.0%
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
16
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Attended a pantomime
In 2008/9 and 2014/15 a statistically similar proportion of adults had attended a pantomime in the past year – 12.3 per cent
and 13.0 per cent respectively.
Figure 12 – Attended a pantomime at least once in the past 12 months
25.0%
20.0%
15.0%
12.3%
13.1%
12.8%
12.6%
12.3%
12.8%
13.0%
10.0%
5.0%
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0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Attended musical theatre
Between 2008/9 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of adults in England who had
attended musical theatre – from 22.4 per cent to 20.2 per cent.
Figure 13 – Attended musical theatre at least once in the past 12 months
25.0%
23.5%
23.6%
22.4%
22.4%
23.3%
20.8%
20.0%
*
20.2%
*
15.0%
10.0%
5.0%
18
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Participation in theatre
Between 2008/9 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of adults who had participated in
theatre – from 2.3 per cent to 1.8 per cent.
Figure 14 – Participated in theatre at least once in the past 12 months
10.0%
9.0%
8.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%
4.0%
3.0%
2.3%
2.5%
2.0%
2.0%
2.2%
1.9%
2.0%
1.8%
*
*
1.0%
19
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Rehearsed or performed in a play or drama
In 2008/9 and 2014/15 a statistically similar proportion of adults had rehearsed or performed in a play/drama in the past year
– 1.8 per cent and 1.5 per cent respectively.
Figure 15 – Rehearsed or performed in a play or drama in the past year
10.0%
9.0%
8.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%
4.0%
*
3.0%
2.0%
1.8%
2.0%
1.5%
1.6%
1.0%
1.5%
1.5%
1.5%
20
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
Rehearsed or performed in musical theatre, opera or an operetta
Between 2008/9 and 2014/15 there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of adults in England who had
rehearsed or performed in musical theatre, opera or an operetta – from 0.9 per cent to 0.6 per cent.
Figure 16 – Rehearsed or performed in musical theatre, opera or an operetta in the past year
10.0%
9.0%
8.0%
7.0%
6.0%
5.0%
4.0%
3.0%
2.0%
1.0%
0.9%
0.7%
1.1%
1.0%
0.7%
0.9%
0.6%
0.0%
2008/9
2009/10
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
2014/15
*
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Appendix A - About the Taking Part survey
Taking Part is a major, continuous survey of cultural and sport participation in England, commissioned by the Department for
Culture, Media and Sport in partnership with Arts Council England, Sport England and Historic England.
Every year it collects detailed information from adults (aged 16 and over) in England about their attendance at a wide variety of
arts events, museums, galleries, libraries and heritage sites, and about their participation in creative activities and sport in the
last 12 months. The survey has been conducted since July 2005 and since 2008 there has also been a child survey.
Findings from Taking Part, including national trends and some regional analysis, are released twice a year by the Department
for Culture, Media and Sport. An annual report summarises trends over the financial year. All these reports can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-culture-media-sport/series/taking-part
In March 2016 DCMS published a strategy outlining proposed developments to the Taking Part survey over the next five years:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/taking-part-a-strategy-for-the-next-five-years
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Appendix B - Technical note
Arts Engagement
‘Engagement’ in the arts is calculated by looking at attendance and/or participation in a range of arts events and activities. Adult
‘engagement’ is calculated by the proportion of adults who engage in the arts at least once in the past 12 months, whether it is
through attending arts events, participating in arts activities, or through a mixture of both. This includes any of the following
activities or events:
Activities
Dance – ballet or other dance (for fitness and not for fitness)
Singing – live performance or rehearsal/practice (not karaoke)
Musical instrument – live performance, rehearsal/practice or
played for own pleasure
Written music
Theatre – live performance or rehearsal/practice (e.g. play or
drama)
Opera/musical theatre – live performance or rehearsal/practice
Carnival (e.g. as a musician, dancer or costume maker)
Street arts (art in everyday surroundings like parks, streets,
shopping centre)
Circus skills (not animals) – learnt or practised
Visual art – (e.g. painting, drawing, printmaking or sculpture)
Photography – (as an artistic activity, not family or holiday ‘snaps’)
Film or video – making as an artistic activity (not family or
holidays)
Digital art – producing original digital artwork or animation with a
computer
Craft – any craft activity (e.g. textiles, wood, metal work, pottery,
Events
Visual art exhibition (e.g. paintings, photography or sculpture)
Craft exhibition (not crafts market)
Event which included video or digital art
Event connected with books or writing
Street arts (art in everyday surroundings like parks, streets or
shopping centre)
Public art display or installation (an art work such as sculpture that
is outdoors or in a public place)
Circus (not animals)
Carnival
Culturally specific festival (e.g. Mela, Baisakhi, Navratri)
Theatre (e.g. play, drama, pantomime)
Opera/musical theatre
Live music performance (e.g. classical, jazz or other live music event
but not karaoke)
Live dance event (e.g. ballet, African People’s dance, South Asian,
Chinese, contemporary or other live dance)
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calligraphy etc.)
Creative writing – original literature (e.g. stories, poems or plays)
Book club – being a member of one
Data conventions
The figures in this report are rounded to the nearest decimal place – therefore the totals may not always add up to 100 per cent.
Statistically significant differences on the charts:
* indicates a statistically significant difference between 2014/15 and the earliest survey year shown.
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Statistical significance
Significance testing has been used to identify where differences are statistically significant at the 95 per cent level and not due to
chance. Only where the differences are significant are they noted in the text and on the charts. A significant increase or decrease
at the 95 per cent level means that there is less than a 5 per cent (1 in 20) chance that the difference observed within the
sampled respondents is not representative of the population as a whole.
Weighting
The data are weighted to ensure the representativeness of the Taking Part sample. Weighting is based on mid-2009 population
estimates from the Office for National Statistics.
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