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Abstract
This paper reviews the significance of live entertainment in the fortunes of seaside resorts in the UK. This has, since the early days of resorts in the 19th century, usually taken the form of pleasurable and undemanding ‘light’ diversions rather than the more intellectually demanding ‘high arts’. Holidaymakers typically seek social and escapist experiences and live entertainment in theatres, concert halls and on beaches that have contributed to the uniqueness of seaside holidays. These resorts experienced a decline in popularity as long-stay destinations in the second half of the 20th century with a consequent decline in live entertainment. It is possible, however, that resort decline occurred, in part, because of a deterioration of the entertainment provision itself and that resort renewal depends upon a continuation and revitalization of the entertainment component of the tourist experience. These views are reviewed in this paper. Further, the outcome of a study of entertainment in UK seaside resorts (in 2006) is discussed. All seaside resorts in UK were surveyed in 2006 to determine current provision and views of local government officers. Results of the 2006 study are related to earlier studies and it is concluded that live entertainment continues to be widely provided but that the nature of entertainment has changed and that there is strong support for its role in attracting visitors to resorts. The implications of this are discussed as are directions for further research in what remains an under-researched area.