Derek Jacobi: high ticket prices are making theatre ‘elitist’

Veteran actor, awarded Olivier for lifetime achievement, says cost must not prohibit putting ‘bums on seats’

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Sir Derek Jacobi has criticised the cost of ticket prices for theatre, saying that their exorbitance is making it an “elitist” pursuit. Theatre, he argued, should be open to all and “part of our blood and bones” instead.

Jacobi, 84, was honoured with a lifetime achievement prize at the Olivier awards ceremony on Sunday night at the Royal Albert Hall in London.