News: Byrne: ‘Theatre Is Dead’

I really hope they do something to prevent Theatre dying out, maybe making it a little bit cheaper will help. And maybe more publicity to younger people?

Irish actor Gabriel Byrne is convinced theatre will die out – because the audiences are too old.

The Usual Suspects star has appeared in several productions, including a starring role as King Arthur in Camelot in New York last year.

He has also received numerous accolades for his onstage performances, including an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play for 2005’s A Touch of the Poet on Broadway.

And it was during his run in the show that the 58-year-old decided theatre-goers were a dying breed.

Byrne says, “I looked out into the audience and the theatre was packed with well-to-do, white-haired people.

“After the show I turned to one of the other actors and said, ‘Theatre is dead. There’s no one under 60 out there, they’re all white and they can all afford £200 for a night.’ Seriously, theatre as we’re doing it now, is dead.”