Written question asked by Andrew Pelling (Conservative) on Monday, 9 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 January 2006. It was answered by David Lammy (Labour) on Monday, 16 January 2006 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Theatre Audiences

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what estimate she has made of the percentage of audiences representing black and minority ethnic communities at (a) the National Theatre, (b) the Royal Opera House and (c) the English National Opera in the last year for which figures are available.

Answer: 9 per cent. of English National Opera's (ENO) audience for the period 2004–05 were from the black and minority ethnic community. In addition, a February 2003 to May 2004 snapshot shows that 44 per cent. of participants in projects run by ENO Baylis (ENO's education programme) were from the black and minority ethnic community.No comparable statistics were available for the Royal Opera House or National Theatre.The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, working in partnership with its non-departmental public body partners, has commissioned the ““Taking Part”” survey which aims to improve our current knowledge of engagement in our sectors. The data collected will enable a robust measurement of the departmental Public Service Agreement (PSA) target on increasing participation and attendance amongst priority groups. These include people from the black and minority ethnic community.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 41132; 441 c958W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Ethnic groups Minority groups Theatres Royal Opera House National Theatre Audiences Opera English National Opera
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk