Effects of War on Theatrical Production

The effects of war on industry, apart from the reduction of the workforce via conscription, were wide ranging as the Government sought to utilize all modes of industrial output and communication in an effort to secure victory. The Government’s appropriation of the country’s main means of transport, the railways, followed by the printing and paper restrictions caused the theatre industry instant and continued concern. The problems of mounting productions were further compounded by the coming of air raids and the ensuing lighting restrictions. Added to this was the inevitable raising of costs as commodities became scarce. That apart, the industry felt particularly hard done by with the implementation of an Amusement Tax. There was also the temporary problem caused by the call for National Service.