Musical Stages Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Musical Theatre Magazine Front Cover Analysis

Because I am undecided whether to do a Musical Theatre magazine or a Chart Music magazine I have decided to analyse both genres of magazine.
  This is not a typical magazine as it does not include plugs or any sell lines which indicates it is not a typical magazine you would find on a shelf and that you have to be interested in musical theatre to know about this magazine. Because of this the target audience is musical theatre fans. Also because it is Britain’s only Glossy Musical Theatre magazine you would expect it to be released monthly.

The masthead 'Musical Stages' indicates that it covers many different areas informing its audience of where shows are touring and dates. It stands out against the black background making it visible, although this would not be as important if it wasn't on a shelf as the audience don’t have to notice it amongst other magazines and from a distance in a shop. 

By not having a barcode it also indicates that it is more common to subscribe online to this magazine rather than buy each magazine individually. Even though it does not include a barcode it still includes the essential information like issue number, date and price. However, it isn’t in the typical place you would normally find it.

The main image makes it clear that inside you will find information about 'Shrek the Musical', maybe information like tour dates and leading actors. It may also be a tool to advertise helping to promote and give coverage to new musical, which this would have been at the date of release shown on the cover. 

It includes elements of mise en scene as it indicates to the audience where this musical is set. This is also helped by the characters costumes and make-up as it is clear that it will include an ogre, donkey and princess, which also may indicate to people what the musical is about without giving too much away. It leaves the reader in some sort of suspense as they don’t know what has happened before this photograph was took or what will happen after, which may encourage them to buy tickets.