Live entertainment at the seaside

Abstract

The UK's seaside resorts have had to adapt to a number of cultural, economic and social changes over the past 25 years, including a decline in the number of long‐stay visitors. Live entertainment provision at the seaside has also had to adapt, and this chapter of Cultural Trends explores both the current situation of live entertainment, and likely future trends. The chapter begins with the background to the subject, describing the trends in tourist activity and cultural behaviour that have affected the seaside. It then gives the recent history of the live entertainment industry, with particular emphasis on the summer variety show. Section three provides an overview of the contemporary data available on the amount and type of live entertainment at today's seaside resorts. Section four concerns the provision and programming of live entertainment, and the capacity at resort venues. It focuses on the major role played by local authorities, and also considers the involvement of the private sector. The chapter concludes with some forecasts of the likely future form and provision of live entertainment at the seaside.