Brian Cox Slams Broadway’s Sky-High Ticket Prices and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Othello Performance
Veteran actor Brian Cox has spoken out against the exorbitant prices of theatre tickets on Broadway, describing the current state of affairs as "not right." The Succession star, 78, was particularly critical of Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance in Othello, which has been garnering attention for its celebrity casting and steep ticket prices.
According to The Daily Mail, Cox expressed his concerns during a talk at a London theatre, stating: "There’s amazing shows and hits, but there’s too much money stuff involved in American theatre where apparently, you’re paying $1,000 (£750) a night to see Othello with Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal, who I hear is not particularly wonderful." The Daily Mail reported that Cox was responding to a friend’s shock at the cost and quality of the show, saying: "A friend of mine said they couldn’t believe it, and they paid a f**… excuse me, that’s wrong. That balance is wrong because it puts the theatre in a whole different place."
While Cox had praise for Denzel Washington, who is set to star in the title role, he was less forgiving of Gyllenhaal’s portrayal of Iago. "The Daily Mail reported that he said: "No, it’s not right. I mean, I’ve got nothing against Denzel Washington, good luck. And I think he should do it. I would like to direct him so you can get it right. Jake Gyllenhaal is another problem."
Cox also drew comparisons between the theatrical infrastructure in the US and the UK, stating that the British system is "pretty phenomenal" and "getting better." He attributed this to the country’s stronger tradition of theatre, saying: "The British stricture is pretty phenomenal, and it’s getting better… My sadness about America is that there isn’t a structure."
The Daily Mail also reported that Cox’s comments are not the first criticism of the Broadway production of Othello. Journalist Vicky Ward, who attended the show, wrote in her newsletter Vicky Ward Investigates that during the climactic moment when Othello strangles Desdemona, "there were a few laughs in the audience." Ward attributed this to the scene’s abruptness and lack of build-up.
The production of Othello has been making headlines not only for its celebrity casting but also for its sky-high ticket prices, which have reached $1,000 (£750) for premium seats. This trend is not unique to Othello, as other Broadway productions have also seen high ticket prices. When Hamilton first took off in 2016, some resale tickets sold for as much as $4,000 (£3,000) for a pair.
The issue of expensive theatre tickets is not limited to the US, as the UK has also seen high prices for certain productions. For example, the most expensive seats for Much Ado About Nothing at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane – which starred Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell – were listed at £345. Other productions, including Elektra with Brie Larson and Oedipus starring Rami Malek, also had top-tier tickets at £145 and £210, respectively.
For Cox, the escalating prices and inconsistent quality reflect a deeper issue with the theatrical structure. "It’s the structure that’s not right," he said. "It’s not right." As reported by The Daily Mail, his comments highlight the need for a more accessible and affordable theatre scene, where audiences can enjoy high-quality productions without breaking the bank.
Brian Cox’s career has spanned over six decades, with notable roles in film, television, and theatre. He has worked with renowned theatrical legends, including John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, and Ralph Richardson. His comments on the state of Broadway and the performance of Jake Gyllenhaal in Othello are just the latest in a long line of critiques from the veteran actor.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Cox’s opinions on the theatre industry have sparked a lively debate, with many calling for greater accessibility and affordability in the arts. As the theatre industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how producers and actors will respond to criticisms of high ticket prices and inconsistent quality.
The issue of expensive theatre tickets and inconsistent quality is complex, and there is no easy solution. However, by sparking a conversation about the state of the industry, actors like Brian Cox are helping to bring attention to the need for change. As The Daily Mail reported, Cox’s comments serve as a reminder that the theatre industry must prioritize accessibility and affordability in order to ensure its continued success.
