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Religion 'is still relevant in West End musicals'
Religion is still relevant in popular culture thanks to musicals, it has been claimed.
Monday, 24 May 2010
An expert on religion has argued that it is still alive and well in drama in the form of the West End musical.
Writing to the Guardian in response to an article by Michael Billington, Reverend Dr Ian Bradley from St Andrews University said he thinks that religion is not declining in British drama, but is still present in popular shows.
For instance, he pointed out that there are 31 references to God in Les Miserables, as well as numerous other more subtle nods to religion in other shows.
"Even Mamma Mia! is not without its religious message," he argued, highlighting the reference to angels in the Abba song I Have a Dream.
Indeed, many successful shows have been based around religion, most notably Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar.
There is also Sister Act, which is booking at the London Palladium until October 30th 2010.
