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Veteran actor Brian Cox has never been one to hold back, and now the Succession star has taken a swing at Broadway’s exorbitant ticket prices, calling out what he sees as a deep-rooted problem in American theatre. Speaking at an event in London, Cox expressed frustration over the commercialisation of Broadway and didn’t mince words when discussing recent high-profile productions.
“There’s amazing shows and hits,” Cox acknowledged, “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 acclaimed stage and screen actor, known for his decades of work in British theatre as well as his Emmy-winning role as Logan Roy, emphasised that the issue goes beyond just price tags, it’s about the cultural cost. “A friend of mine said they couldn’t believe it, and they paid a fortune… excuse me, that’s wrong. That balance is wrong because it puts the theatre in a whole different place.”
Cox clarified that his criticism wasn’t aimed at Denzel Washington, whom he praised and even joked about wanting to direct “so you can get it right.” But he was far less diplomatic when it came to Gyllenhaal. “Jake Gyllenhaal is another problem,” he stated bluntly.
His comments sparked murmurs in the audience, not just because of the name drops, but because Cox touched on a larger concern: the increasing exclusivity of American theatre, where ticket prices are spiralling out of reach for average audiences.
“The British stricture is pretty phenomenal, and it’s getting better,” he added. “My sadness about America is that there isn’t a structure.” He lamented the lack of institutional support and equitable access in the U.S. theatre system compared to its UK counterpart, where subsidised ticketing and a robust cultural infrastructure allow for broader public engagement.
Credit: Julieta Cervantes
Cox’s remarks are likely to reignite the ongoing debate over celebrity casting, ticket pricing, and accessibility in live theatre, particularly in the U.S., where blockbuster names often drive sky-high ticket prices. Whether his comments will provoke change or just more controversy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Brian Cox is not afraid to call it as he sees it, no matter who’s centre stage.
