David Hare on the commercialisation of the South Bank

Writing in this week's New Statesman:

The South Bank is changed out of all recognition - and for the better. Nowadays it teems with life. But how typical of the redevelopment of the Festival Hall that they make sure to open the shops before they bother to reopen the concert hall. This is like a terrible admission of defeat, as if they were trying to say: first things first. OK, so if we can't draw the crowds with concerts, then let's give them retail outlets. All the familiar signs are there - Wagamama, Foyles and so on - and the premises are packed. Is shopping now the only available model for urban regeneration? Two doors down, the National Theatre has been further redeveloped to give its foyers that Sock Shop look. More than ever it reminds you of the words of the wise Maggie Smith. When told by an actor friend that he was going to appear at the National, she asked: "Which auditorium? Gatwick or Heathrow?"