British musical theatre is at risk of being left behind by America unless there is investment in original work that values underrepresented voices, according to industry figures who have called for arts subsidy to be spent on the sector.
“Many great musicals that have been successful came out that way; I don’t think anyone would have said that Hamilton was commercial on paper.
“We’re happy to spend millions on having a Royal Opera House, but we would never spend public money in that way on new British musical theatre because we think that’s part of the commercial sector’s remit,” he said.
Paul Hart, the artistic director of the Watermill Theatre in Berkshire who staged Kiss Me, Kate last year, echoed Goold’s comments, saying more investment is needed in developing British musical talent.