Horror plays draw record crowds to New York theatres
London hits including 2:22 and Paranormal Activity are among shows capitalising on demand for shared live experiences.
At a glance
- Horror plays are among the most popular theatre tickets in New York this season
- London productions 2:22, Paranormal Activity and A Ghost in Your Ear are now playing on and off Broadway
- Theatre box office revenues have exceeded previous seasons
- Demand reflects broader return to in-person communal experiences post-pandemic
Horror productions are among the most sought-after theatre tickets in New York as audiences return to in-person entertainment following the pandemic. Shows including 2:22, Paranormal Activity and A Ghost in Your Ear have transferred from London to Broadway and off-Broadway venues.
The surge reflects broader appetite for communal experiences, with theatre box office revenues exceeding previous seasons. Concert attendance and attendance at Imax and 4DX screenings have also reached new highs, suggesting audiences are prioritising shared live events over digital alternatives.
Why it matters
The trend reflects a significant shift in audience behaviour as live entertainment recovers, with horror's communal nature making it particularly appealing to theatre-goers seeking shared experiences.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — Culture‘Fear is contagious’: why horror shows are taking over the New York stage
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
