Many cinemas across the country are now widely streaming live events such as theatre and sport, to increase supply for over demanded shows, in the process creating box office breaking results.

The rush to get tickets for live events is something we have all done or at least tried too. We’ll be waiting for the latest sporting or gig tickets, only to be disappointed by a box office shortage. Therefore, forced to wait for the DVD copy months later, once the show has lost its current limelight.

However, this concept of streaming live events, which has been around for a while but not fully utilised, is stopping many fans’ disappointment. The streaming of events has not only made seeing a show live a lot cheaper, but also increased its accessibility. This is due to many people not being able to get to the to the arena where the show is being performed. Similarly, music gig tickets will accelerate up towards £50 - £100 for in demand artists. Whereas, the cinema will cost around the £15 mark, a much cheaper alternative. This opens up live events to a much wider audience, as it reduces the price barrier for tickets.

The success of streaming live shows is illustrated by the Kenneth Branagh version of ‘A Winter’s Tale’ (A Shakespeare Play), which smashed box office takings, beating The Hungers Games to the top UK cinema sales this week. One thing that surprised me most, whilst watching it in the cinema, was the use of different camera angles that added detail to the performance. The detail you would of missed if sitting in the back row of the Garrick Theatre. Starring Judi Dench and Branagh it grossed 1.1 million this week in the UK. A huge achievement considering the show was streamed only once, last Thursday (26/11).

Streaming of live events has created a new market, as worldwide audiences are able to view shows that are performed abroad. For example, The Winter’s Tale was broadcast to 520 worldwide cinemas. This illustrates the demand for West End shows as many cinemas were sold out weeks in advance for this show.

The live streaming is not only for theatre performances, with Ed Sheeran, the Rugby World Cup and various Royal Ballets, being screened this year.

Although, nothing can beat the brilliance of a live show, the cinema screenings come close in an attempt to decrease the amount of disappointed fans, who have missed out on tickets.

Jack Butler