In its broadest sense, entertaiment refers to performances and activities that give people pleasure. Historically, this has included theatre, cinema, music and games. In contemporary society, it also encompasses sports and computer entertainment.

While the introduction of technology has radically altered the availability, cost, speed and quality of entertainment, its core forms are still recognisable to us. For example, the story of Scheherazade – a member of the Persian professional storytelling tradition – has inspired Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel to write orchestral works, Pasolini to make a film and a number of innovative video games. It’s easy to see why it has endured.