Gender Bias in Theatre Criticism
This project investigates gender bias in theatre criticism, and how this affects the visibility, longevity, and career progression of playwrights. While UK theatres have taken steps to diversify programming, women remain markedly underrepresented beyond early-career stages. Their work is less frequently revived, anthologised, or taught, resulting in limited recognition and exclusion from the theatrical canon.
Existing research highlights that women’s creative works receive less critical attention (Kim & Chong, 2023), are perceived as less commercial (Wreyford, 2018), and are less likely to win awards (Marsden, 2019). Women are underrepresented among critics themselves (Lauzen, 2022). Yet mechanisms linking these disparities remain underexplored. Anecdotal evidence suggests reviewers exhibit bias towards men playwrights, but no systematic analysis has tested this claim.
This pilot study will provide the first comprehensive, data-driven assessment of gendered patterns in UK theatre criticism.
Our Partners
Principal Investigator
Senior Lecturer in Culture, Media & Creative Industries
Investigator
Professor of Playwriting and Screenwriting, University of St Andrews