Cruise Ships Elevate Onboard Entertainment to West End-Level Theatre
Cruise companies are elevating their entertainment offerings with top-tier theatrical productions, including Olivier award-winning shows such as 'Come from Away' and Emma Rice's 'Brief Encounter'. As the main partner for the Olivier awards, Cunard has presented the RSC's 'The Constant Wife' and immersive performances like 'Peaky Blinders: The Rise'. According to Peel Entertainment, contemporary ships boast theaters that accommodate 600 to 1,000 guests, outpacing London venues in technical capabilities. In 2023, millennials represented 22% and Gen Z 14% of cruise-goers. Cat Robey from Cunard highlights a changing industry perspective that is appealing to producers. The playwriting competition by Peel and Ambassador saw Huw Turnbull's 'Venison' premiere on MS Ambition in May, despite challenges related to logistics and artist welfare.
Key facts
- Cunard is headline partner of the Olivier awards.
- Peel Entertainment provides shows for Ambassador Cruise Line.
- Ships now have theatres seating 600-1,000 people.
- Cunard staged RSC's 'The Constant Wife' and 'Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of)'.
- Peel and Ambassador's playwriting competition received 260 applications.
- Huw Turnbull's 'Venison' debuted on MS Ambition in May.
- Millennials made up 22% and Gen Z 14% of cruise passengers in 2023.
- Cunard's 'London Theatre at Sea' voyage is scheduled for May 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Jane McDonald
- Emma Rice
- Susannah Daley
- David Pugh
- Cat Robey
- Huw Turnbull
- Kara Tointon
- John Tothill
Institutions
- Peel Entertainment
- Ambassador Cruise Line
- Cunard
- Royal Shakespeare Company
- Olivier Awards
- Cruise Lines International Association
- Equity
- Jermyn Street Theatre
- Virgin Voyages
Locations
- London
- Southampton
- New York
- Spain
- Bay of Biscay
- Edinburgh