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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Vanessa Thorpe Arts and media correspondent

Decline of drama at school prompts UK training drive for backstage work

Charlotte Lucas as Ellen Tree and Adrian Lester as Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti, which was directed by Indhu Rubasingham at the Garrick Theatre, London.
Charlotte Lucas as Ellen Tree and Adrian Lester as Ira Aldridge in Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti, which was directed by Indhu Rubasingham at the Garrick Theatre, London. Photograph: Tristram Kenton/The Observer

The decline of drama as a school subject has had a serious knock-on effect on the live entertainment business. While it is harder now for a budding star to imagine a stage career, the more immediate impact is on theatres’ skills and craft departments.

The problem is a top priority for Indhu Rubasingham, two weeks into her high-profile job as artistic director at National Theatre. Now she and the NT’s executive director and co-chief executive, Kate Varah, are announcing a move to boost the supply of skilled workers across the country, from costume designers and makers to set creators and computer technicians.

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