Most popular types of entertainment among Brits
Britain is the home of some legendary names in entertainment, from the likes of Queen and Pink Floyd to the Apollo Theatre, the English Football League and sci-fi drama series Doctor Who. So, it’s not absurd to say that Brits know what true entertainment really is. They’re responsible for a few of the longest-running TV series of all time, including Coronation Street – a show that both you and your nan have probably watched at some point in your lives.
Even if you aren’t into tea-time dramas or period pieces, British entertainment is dotted with diverse genres, platforms and formats for everyone to enjoy
Theatre: Britain’s Theatrical Majesty
Although the Romans and the Greeks take responsibility for our earliest auditoriums and instances of theatre, British theatre evolved and flourished most rapidly after its introduction. At that point, the theatre wasn’t what we see today with the illustrious red curtains and storied plays performed in establishments worldwide. Performance was initially a way to explain Christianity to those who couldn’t read but eventually became a medium through which playwrights like William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw commented on the societal issues of their era.
Plenty of cities around England boast an eclectic and powerful theatre scene, with annual fringe fests and other events bringing together enthusiasts and performers alike. Brits pride themselves on being responsible for timeless classics such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, A Streetcar Named Desire and contemporary gems like Mamma Mia!
Sports: Footie and beyond
There’s no other way of putting it – footie is a national obsession. It means much more than just showing up to a game, cheering for your favourite team and heading home. It’s an integral part of British culture, each team with its own rich history and fiercely loyal supporters. Fans live and breathe the sport, standing up for their clubs in pubs and getting rowdy at stadiums all over the country.
But football isn’t the only sport that Britain shows love for. Rugby, cricket, Formula One and tennis all boast a large following, with stars like Lewis Hamilton and Joe Root to back up their sports’ popularity. With a widespread presence in Scotland, Wales, Ireland, New Zealand and, of course, England, the historical game of rugby has also been established as a favourite pastime. And let’s not forget the world’s most prestigious and historic tennis tournament, Wimbledon, held right in London.
Games: Seaside towns and virtual tables
With 44% of British adults engaging in gaming activities at least once every month, Brits are well-acquainted with the culture of gaming. This includes a variety of activities such as video games, online multiplayer games, and even immersive virtual experiences. Traditionally, seaside towns have been hubs for entertainment and leisure, with places like Blackpool, Brighton, and Southend-on-Sea offering diverse gaming and entertainment venues that attract visitors from across the country.
The growth of online gaming has significantly expanded access to immersive and engaging experiences for everyone. Here’s what Henri, the expert of Bonus Finder, had to say: “As a gaming enthusiast myself, I’ve witnessed significant growth in online gaming in England, driven by technological advancements and evolving cultural attitudes. Yet, there remains a special appreciation for traditional gaming venues and live events that offer a complete and social experience.”
Television and cinema: Soaps and blockbusters
The Brits have proved time and time again that they can be pitted against other filmmakers or producers from anywhere in the world. Long-running soap operas are a testament to the cultural significance, excellent storytelling and relatability of British TV shows, with EastEnders and Hollyoaks on the list. For many generations, these shows have maintained their household name status and transcended the screen. They’ve become a source of emotional connection and nostalgia, mirroring British society and its most relevant issues at the time. British shows aren’t all soaps either, with gritty and modern titles like Black Mirror and gripping reality shows like Love Island and The Bachelor entertaining millions.
British cinema has also brought forth some highly acclaimed films and filmmakers. There’s Alfred Hitchcock’s heart-pumping black and white thrillers, the Harry Potter series directed by highest-grossing British director David Yates, and blockbuster legend Sir Christopher Nolan – responsible for The Dark Knight, Inception, Interstellar, Memento and The Prestige – to name a few.
Music: Legendary bands and unique genres
It’s unlikely that anyone would be asked to name a couple of musicians and not name someone from Britain – accidentally or intentionally. The country has invented many popular music genres, including hip-hop, pop, rock and new wave. In the ‘60s, the world was blessed by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and David Bowie – unforgettable and still-relevant music icons that completely transformed the landscape of modern music today.
Slowly, several music genres began to emerge and branch off from rock, including gothic rock and post-punk groups such as the Cure, Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees. The collection of genres was subsequently off the hook, with acid jazz, shoegaze, Britpop and others birthing new groups, bands and artists left, right and centre. Later on, girl band Spice Girls took over the nation, Amy Winehouse and Adele became the vocal stars of the future, and modern boy bands and girl groups One Direction and Little Mix established themselves as some of the world’s biggest and best-selling musical acts.
The editorial unit
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