National Theatre study finds filmed theatre boosts live audience discovery and access
The National Theatre has released new research showing that filmed theatre and streaming complement rather than replace live performances. The study reveals streamed productions increase theatre consumption and widen access for younger and disabled audiences.
The National Theatre commissioned Indigo to conduct a study exploring the relationship between filmed theatre and live attendance in the UK. Drawing on over 5,500 survey responses alongside industry interviews and audience research, the report examined how digital theatrical content influences audience behaviour.
The findings show that filmed theatre does not substitute for live performances, with 89% of respondents preferring to see a production in person. Among London audiences, this figure rose to 91%. Furthermore, 93% of those who watch theatre via cinema or streaming also attend live theatre.
The research also highlights the role of filmed theatre in encouraging additional engagement, with 60% of respondents saying streaming options led them to consume more theatre overall. Young audiences under 35 formed the largest group attracted to digital formats, and 20% of streaming viewers identified as disabled, compared with 15% attending in person.
Respondents identified practical barriers such as travel costs, ticket prices, and accessibility needs as factors limiting live attendance, especially outside London and the South East. Filmed theatre was credited with helping audiences discover productions they might not have considered otherwise, with 60% saying digital availability encouraged discovery.
Cinema screenings were noted for offering a communal experience, whereas streaming was valued for its convenience and comfort. The National Theatre’s filmed content is predominantly viewed outside London, with 92% of cinema audiences and 99% of streaming audiences based elsewhere in the UK.
The report did acknowledge some local substitution where live drama options are limited or of perceived low quality, with older people particularly likely to use filmed theatre as a convenient alternative. Matt Risley, the National Theatre’s chief digital officer, emphasised that filmed theatre complements live performance by lowering barriers and maintaining audience connection over time.
